Very nice. I too like the first shot. I think I'd like the last one better at a slightly higher shutter speed - it's good to have detail in the backround but I'd like some detail in the subject as well.
I was trying to get the fire dancer a littel sharper. should i have used a flash? I am not very good with a flash my images all seem to come out really dark. I was hoping the sand would all be nice and sharp too. the other problem is i didn't have a tripod i was resting the camera on the back of a chair.
The first is great by all the drama that is in it - a turbulent sky AND lightning (congratulations on that!!!) is always fascinating to look at.
But I also like the second, not the least bit of camera shake there, and you say you had to work without tripod? Just any camera rest you could find? Well, you did it then! Good!
I was sat in the restaurant using the back of the chair. i have a 28 - 300 mm lense good zoom. i was also slightly higher as the restaurant was raised.