Fireworks?

DavidTO · June 26, 2004

Anyone up for an informal fireworks challenge?

Any pointers on fireworks for those who need it?

I know I do!

I guess this would apply mostly to those of us who celebrate the 4th of July. Damon, do you have access to fireworks? How 'bout you brits and aussies?

Andy · June 26, 2004

some generic fireworks tips

DavidTO wrote:

Anyone up for an informal fireworks challenge?

Any pointers on fireworks for those who need it?

I know I do!

I guess this would apply mostly to those of us who celebrate the 4th of July. Damon, do you have access to fireworks? How 'bout you brits and aussies?

Generic answer would be to start with f/4 - 2 seconds - lowest iso you can use

Shoot in manual mode (not shutter priority), and set the focus manually to infinity.

Adjust the shutter speed as the show progresses and as needed to get the right exposure.

wxwax · June 26, 2004

Why f4, Andy? Slightly off the widest setting for less distortion, but still fast?

DavidTO · June 26, 2004

wxwax wrote:

Why f4, Andy? Slightly off the widest setting for less distortion, but still fast?

f4's as wide as I go...

cmr164 · June 26, 2004

wxwax wrote:

Why f4, Andy? Slightly off the widest setting for less distortion, but still fast?

I usually do f16 and 15 or 30sec exposures.

wxwax · June 26, 2004

Good question, made me read around the 'net briefly. Most say to bracket exposure times, but mostly within the times Andy suggested. Most seem to advocate smaller aperatures. Here's an example of what I've been seeing.

ISO SETTING APERTURE RANGE
ISO 50 Æ’/5.6 to 11
ISO 100 Æ’/8 to 16
ISO 200 Æ’/11 to 22

Some good advice out here, some of it common sense. Tripod. Set up away from people, so that no-one gets in your lens. Upwind. Open the shutter before the firework bursts. Conflicting advice on whether to stay open until the trails die, or close right after the biggest light from the explosion.

One shooter says to shoot a frame of black (make a frame with the lens cap on) and layer in PS later, to remove noise. Another keeps the lens open, holds a black card in front, removes it at the right moment, gets multiple bursts in a single frame.

This link has three different articles. Check out the effects from the sparkler in the Backyard Fireworks here.

And here's the multiple explosions-on-one-frame image - no doubt on film, not digital.

Skippy · June 27, 2005

Ohhhhhh Cool Thread
I have a full week at Disneyland coming up and I want to be able to photograph the fireworks display at night

I am watching this thread with excitement and jotting down notes

Skippy (Australia)

THE TOOTH · June 27, 2005

Ok, I have a pretty nebie question. I have a Sony DSC-828. How can I set the focus to infinate? Just when I learn some stuff, I have to learn more.

!

morrisphotography2003 · June 27, 2005

I am up to the challenge, bob

DavidTO wrote:

Anyone up for an informal fireworks challenge?

Any pointers on fireworks for those who need it?

I know I do!

I guess this would apply mostly to those of us who celebrate the 4th of July. Damon, do you have access to fireworks? How 'bout you brits and aussies?

Netgarden · June 28, 2005

Good stuff everyone, and thanks!

thegreenegg · June 28, 2005

Canada Day - July 1st is coming up before the American independence.
I don't know if my small town will have fireworks- they usually save them for a festival type shingdig in August but if there are I'll take everyone's tips- thanks for those. I was looking up how to do fireworks but nothing works better than the straight forward answer.

Go Canada!
National Pride kicked in...eh!
Ashley

Angelo · June 28, 2005

Skippy wrote:

I have a full week at Disneyland coming up and I want to be able to photograph the fireworks display at night
I am watching this thread with excitement and jotting down notes

Skippy (Australia)

Oh Skippy, you'll have a GREAT time. The new 50th Anniversary Parade and Fireworks show is fantastic. Try to get as close to the castle as possible to enjoy all of the effects.

Enjoy your visit!
.

.

ginger_55 · June 28, 2005

I love the first photo, Angelo. This is a great time of yr to do Disney, not that I like that many people, ever, anywhere. But that is just me.

I would have liked to have done DC in some past yrs. The Mall, would have wanted to be on the mall.

ginger

ginger_55 · June 28, 2005

thegreenegg wrote:

Canada Day - July 1st is coming up before the American independence.
I don't know if my small town will have fireworks- they usually save them for a festival type shingdig in August but if there are I'll take everyone's tips- thanks for those. I was looking up how to do fireworks but nothing works better than the straight forward answer.

Go Canada!
National Pride kicked in...eh!
Ashley

Go Canada!!!! Neighbors forever!

ginger

Angelo · June 28, 2005

DavidTO wrote:

Anyone up for an informal fireworks challenge?

Any pointers on fireworks for those who need it?

I know I do!

I guess this would apply mostly to those of us who celebrate the 4th of July. Damon, do you have access to fireworks? How 'bout you brits and aussies?

David - great idea! I'll do my best for you. I'll be at the Bowl Sunday evening and hope I can catch some great shots. (fingers crossed)

Skippy · June 28, 2005

Hi Ya Angelo

Angelo wrote:

Oh Skippy, you'll have a GREAT time. The new 50th Anniversary Parade and Fireworks show is fantastic. Try to get as close to the castle as possible to enjoy all of the effects.

Enjoy your visit!

Wow.......I can't wait I really cant

Did you use a flash to do the street parades at night?
I am taking my 50mm and my 24mm both are F1.4
I would be really really really happy if I get just one decent fireworks shot at Disneyland

Any other tips you could tell me about shooting at Disneyland ??
Thanks for sharing........ Skippy (Australia)

Angelo · June 28, 2005

I did use a flash. I was using my Nikor 18-70 kit lens.
Many here with much more experience have offered advice on how to shoot fireworks. I'm hoping to get good shots for the 4th.

Photo possibilties at Disneyland are broad and varied. I can only suggest you stay alert, armed and ready to shoot!

Skippy wrote:

Wow.......I can't wait I really cant
Did you use a flash to do the street parades at night?
I am taking my 50mm and my 24mm both are F1.4
I would be really really really happy if I get just one decent fireworks shot at Disneyland
Any other tips you could tell me about shooting at Disneyland ??
Thanks for sharing........ Skippy (Australia)

Andy · June 28, 2005

oh c a n a d a ...

thegreenegg wrote:

Canada Day - July 1st is coming up before the American independence.
I don't know if my small town will have fireworks- they usually save them for a festival type shingdig in August but if there are I'll take everyone's tips- thanks for those. I was looking up how to do fireworks but nothing works better than the straight forward answer.

Go Canada!
National Pride kicked in...eh!
Ashley

yes. go canada. a country that gives us both diana krall

and peameal bacon :eat should be honored more than once a year though!!!!!!!!

Blue Snapshots · June 30, 2005

Thanks to everyone for the great tips
Being a complete Fireworks Virgin myself, I've decided to give it a try this year. It seems from reading all the pointers that everyone has their own recommendations and the best bet is just to go for it and learn from my mistakes. Below is another "lesson" link on the subject that I don't see mentioned by anyone else. Gives yet another perspective on the subject;

http://www.deviantart.com/view/9221106/

winger · July 4, 2005

hmmm much better than last year, but still not close to my sports stuff

kudbegud · July 5, 2005

good one Winger! love the steple!

Here's the first one I porcessed from last night; view from Mokapu Beach, Maui:

Fireworks?

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