July 1 Fireworks

[Rita]

Well, I gave the fireworks a try last night. Not spectacular results but results. The were all done
using the fireworks setting in my camera, don't usually use presets. I am posting some for feedback.
Any critiques, suggestions, etc most welcomed.

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[Shadowman]

The best advice regarding fireworks photography is to hopefully have another session available so you can improve on the first. I've found that firework images look great on the LCD and it prevents us from making adjustment, or else the duration of the event is so short that we don't have enough time to make adjustments. You're lucky, I hope, that you'll get more opportunities this week. Try to make use of background structures, it looks like you've got a tree line in the second and third image, buildings work best but sometimes you don't have that option. Nice efforts, did you record or notice the camera settings chosen by the camera? Take not and adjust your settings based on what you want to achieve with firework images.

[Rita]

John, the settings that the camera used were f11, SS 4 sec, -1 EC. There wasn't much choice of backgrounds but I will keep your suggestion in mind for next time. What I was trying to achieve was quit simple....pics of fireworks, however, I was hoping that they would look more like fireworks than an electric light show I am really not sure what settings to change to avoid the look I achieved this time. When these were taken I was quit far from the site, would being closer help?

At the end of July and early Aug there is a fireworks festival on in Vancouver so I am hoping to get there to try again

[rtbaum]

What worked for me were the following settings; ISO 200, f/16, @ 4 sec. I used a 17mm focal length. As was mentioned in an earlier post, I could have tried ISO 100 and f/8 for 4 sec. Fourth of July is coming and I will likely play some more. I think the smartest thing that I did was planning the shoot beforehand. I determined where the fireworks would be shot off and had my kit aimed and pre-focused, kit was firmly affixed to the tripod, I used a corded remote. Every time that I heard a shell launched, I counted to three and tripped the shutter. Using a wide angle ensured that I was capturing a sufficient area to capture the majority of bursts. I wish that I had known years ago that it could be so easy.

[Shadowman]

John, the settings that the camera used were f11, SS 4 sec, -1 EC. There wasn't much choice of backgrounds but I will keep your suggestion in mind for next time. What I was trying to achieve was quit simple....pics of fireworks, however, I was hoping that they would look more like fireworks than an electric light show I am really not sure what settings to change to avoid the look I achieved this time. When these were taken I was quit far from the site, would being closer help?

At the end of July and early Aug there is a fireworks festival on in Vancouver so I am hoping to get there to try again

Rita,

Use a tripod if possible, ISO 100, and long shutter speed, you'll capture longer bursts. How are you focusing your shots? If possible, manually focus on a background object near where the fireworks will be positioned.

[Rita]

Randy, thank you for your feedback. I did set up with a tripod prior to the start and prefoccused, no guarantee that I focused on the right spot though. A remote shutter release is something that I don't have yet. Next time I will remember to count to 3 and will use a wider angle lens.

John, thanks for the extra feedback. A tripod was used, my lowest ISO is 200 which I used. I did manually focus but as I just mentioned to Randy there is no guarantee I focused correctly, something to keep in mind for my next attempt.

[rtbaum]

John, the settings that the camera used were f11, SS 4 sec, -1 EC. There wasn't much choice of backgrounds but I will keep your suggestion in mind for next time. What I was trying to achieve was quit simple....pics of fireworks, however, I was hoping that they would look more like fireworks than an electric light show I am really not sure what settings to change to avoid the look I achieved this time. When these were taken I was quit far from the site, would being closer help?


At the end of July and early Aug there is a fireworks festival on in Vancouver so I am hoping to get there to try again

When I captured my images, I was about a quarter mile from where they were launched. I wish I could say that I am an expert at this type of photography......sadly, I am not. I do believe that the remote release was mandatory, perhaps the 2 sec delay would be beneficial. If using the 2 sec, you may want to adjust the count to a one count.

I can't help but wonder if there may have been a bit of wind causing movement of the tripod as there appears to be some vibration.

You may wonder why the delay. The reason is illustrated here



I seemed to be missing the bulk of the burst



With 3 sec delay, I captured more of the display

[Brownbear]

Hi Rita,

I gave it a try too and I will post an image later today in a new thread for critique and learning purposes. I used manual, f11, ISO 100 and bulb mode determined by test exposures before the show started (as best as I could) I managed a few shots that turned out. I was prepared but not enough. I am hopeful that it will help will help both of us with the upcoming Sea Festival, even though I might choose not to attend because of the huge crowds.

[Rita]

Randy, thanks for your images I find it helps when I can visualize Maybe I will look into getting a shutter release before the end of the month.

Christina, glad you got some that turned out. Looking forward to your post. I hear you on the big crowds, I don't cherish the thought of all the thousands of people that will be there but I would like to try the fireworks again and I know from past years that the displays are fantastic.

[Shadowman]

To anyone shooting fireworks, check on websites for your particular event, they usually announce where the best viewing spot will be and it's usually not where the crowds gather.

[Brownbear]

Randy and John.. Thank you for sharing the extra tips

Rita... Yes, the crowds especially at the Sea Festival are extremely daunting as is finding a bus to get home. As is staying up so late for an early bird like me. I'm still recovering from my late night for the other fireworks. I will try to find the motivation to catch some of the fireworks at the Sea Festival but if I don't manage to do so then I will learn from viewing your photos.