Capturing light

[Gajadi]

An effort at capturing light, how can I improve?
Reg,
Gajadi

[ISO]

This photo look fine to me. What is your exact query?

[Gajadi]

Image doesn't feel illuminated enough, is what I am thinking.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Image doesn't feel illuminated enough, is what I am thinking.

You might try illuminating it less! reducing the ambient light, and letting the flames do more of the work. Might make it more atmospheric. Just an idea.

[Gajadi]

Yes I think that might be it. There was an artificial light in the picture.
Thanks Thad.

[ISO]

This scene has light contrast range beyond the sensor could capture because of the flames.

Your camera tried to expose flame properly because of that overall scene is dark. Simple solution is capturing RAW, decrease highlight, increase shadow.

I have tried to edit this photo by increasing mid tone protecting highlight i.e. flames. bit complicated in PS but shooting raw is easy way out.

[Gajadi]

Thanks Mukund.
I did try highlights and shadow adjustments in LR but it was correcting overall image exposure.
May be I should try with subject light as only source of light that way it will be easier in post processing.

Reg,
Gajadi

[ISO]

Thanks Mukund.
I did try highlights and shadow adjustments in LR but it was correcting overall image exposure.
May be I should try with subject light as only source of light that way it will be easier in post processing.

Reg,
Gajadi

Also try opposite i.e. use flash, it will aid DR. Do post your results.

[Krish Chandran]

Perhaps this is what the OP was going for ?

The second image shows the steps I took in PS - for those curious/interested

Edit: Just re-read what the OP wrote. He wants a "brighter" image and I did the opposite. My bad.

[Gajadi]

I tried uploading Raw file here. Please check.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/hiq6qt9gkrxssgk/z6g_2076.nef?dl=0

Reg,
Gajadi