1st Try - Fireworks

[Jim B.]

Had the chance to try some fireworks photography.Taken from the top of a parking garage.
They were launched from the suspension bridge in my town.You can see the lights on the cables of the bridge at the bottom of the frame.

5DII 28mm f/16 ISO 100 4"

5"

9"

4"

[Bobobird]

Lovely captures.

If this is a regular event, try doing portrait orientation so that you can get more of the bottom into the shot. Illuminated bridge + fireworks would make for some really awesome shots.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Jim,

Of course your first try is about the level of my third

Well done,

[Jim B.]

Thanks,Bobo I'll give that a try.I'll have a couple more times this summer to experiment.

[Jim B.]

Hi Dave,
I am very happy with the results.I still need to work on timing.I have a couple dozen shots that I missed bursts because I was late on the trigger.

[Bobobird]

Great.

One thing you can try is set the camera to a long timer 10-15 secs, fire off and then use a black card to block the lens. This will get you some great multiple exposures. The other thing is set to fire continuously every 2-3 seconds but you wont be able to pick and choose which flare you want to capture.

[codachrome]

I took these at Blackpool where they hold the World firework championship each year
I found using f22 keeps most in focus and cuts down on the smoke.
The shutter was left open and hope for the best.
Only PP done was a bit of saturation of the colours.
Each is one exposure.

[Jim B.]

Great.

One thing you can try is set the camera to a long timer 10-15 secs, fire off and then use a black card to block the lens. This will get you some great multiple exposures. The other thing is set to fire continuously every 2-3 seconds but you wont be able to pick and choose which flare you want to capture.

Thanks,Bobo.That's a great idea! I have 2 cameras I can set up to do both techniques.
I'll give it a go next time they have fireworks.

[Jim B.]

Hi Peter,

A big WOW.....very nice shots!

[Vrgl]

Wow--Can't wait for the 4th of July to come around. Time to start scouting a spot to be in.

[mccormam]

my first try was not as successful. what settings did you use for these? m

[Jim B.]

Maureen,
For my shots I set camera to "Bulb" mode 100 ISO f/16 and used a shutter release cable.

[terrib]

Beautiful job. I've not done fireworks before so thanks for posting. Some great tips here!

[BJ Denning]

Trick with Fireworks seems to be preparation. Scout the venue and arrive early so that you can setup in the light. Great photos have great composition and use geographical elements (like the bridge) to give depth and perspective. The more recognizable the element the better, think the statue of liberty silhouetted. Of course then the trick is to not "blow-out" the forground element. Luckily with digital you can shoot allot and preview and adjust. Tripod, shutter release, and bulb are essential. Those of us in the US are going to have alot of opportunity this week. Hope to see some more great shots.

Gateway to the west