(2009-06-23) OK, time to dust off this old thread and see what new fireworks you'all have been able to capture in the past year, so once again, show us your fireworks!!
In honor of the upcoming 4th of July, show us your fireworks photos!!! ...and how you captured them.
J.D. wrote:
I'd be interested in seeing this too. I've never had any success with fireworks. OTOH, I don't shoot them that often.
I can't believe I don't have any firework shots up on my flickr!!
Anyways, fireworks are easy. Just takes a little set up and creativity. This are tips to start out with, then you can play around with the settings as you go.
1. Use a tripod
2. Use a remote trigger if possible (makes it much easier)
3. Low ISO (100 or 200 depending on what your camera can do) Yes it seem weird to use low ISO for night shots but those fireworks are bright!!
4. Use Manual Mode. If you try to automatic mettering it's going to throw everything off. Don't worry if the metering starts blinking like crazy. You want bright firworks and background dark.
5. use small aperature and set focus to infinity (or slightly less)
6. Exposure time...depends, you want long trails or short trails. Easy thing is to use Bulb mode and a remote to hold the shutter open as long as you want.
Last year's 4th of July from the 17th floor of the Bausch and Lamb building downtown Rochester, shot through glass in a corner conference room. Girlfriend's mother works there, was a great view.