4th of July

Greenneck · 06-24-2015, 07:38 PM

So the fourth is coming up very soon. Its going to be my first year attempting to take pictures so I have no idea where to start.

Lets hear some peoples tips and tricks to firework photography for every ones benefit on a once a year night.

VoiceOfReason · 06-24-2015, 07:48 PM

Pre-focus, tripod, and longer shutter speeds with a remote trigger.

pixie · 06-24-2015, 09:08 PM

Here's a good article How to Photograph Fireworks Displays - Digital Photography School

Greenneck · 06-24-2015, 09:19 PM

I was kinda wondering if anyone had experience with using filters or could explain what specific shutter times would look like considering I may not be able to see on the little screen the night of if theyre turning out or not.

an3ony · 06-25-2015, 12:49 PM

Fireworks are fun to shoot, I'm sure there's a better way but here's how i got a few:
• get a good location for composition
• tripod and remote trigger are a must
• use a wider angle lens
• Bring a piece of black cloth or something completely light restrictive that you can quickly cover the lens (without disturbing the camera)
• take a few test shots of your area, and try to stay downwind (away from the smoke)
• I used bulb mode, and incrementally stepped the exposure/iso until i liked what was coming out
• when the fireworks start, start your exposure and remove the black cloth. when there's no action, cover the camera while you're still exposing, then remove when you like what you see
• stop exposure when you feel like you've got enough
-- the thing is, take a look at the "live view" when your exposure is finished writing, and adjust as needed. You've got about 20 minutes during the average fireworks display.
here's one of my better shots:

Al_Kahollick · 06-26-2015, 05:10 AM

Originally posted by an3ony

try to stay downwind (away from the smoke)

Er, perhaps you mean upwind??

an3ony · 06-26-2015, 08:11 AM

Originally posted by Al_Kahollick

Er, perhaps you mean upwind??

HA, yes, what you said!

06-24-2015, 07:38 PM	#1
Greenneck Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 200	4th of July So the fourth is coming up very soon. Its going to be my first year attempting to take pictures so I have no idea where to start. Lets hear some peoples tips and tricks to firework photography for every ones benefit on a once a year night.

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06-24-2015, 07:48 PM	#2
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Pre-focus, tripod, and longer shutter speeds with a remote trigger.

06-24-2015, 09:08 PM	#3
pixie Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 873	Here's a good article How to Photograph Fireworks Displays - Digital Photography School

06-24-2015, 09:19 PM	#4
Greenneck Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 200 Original Poster	I was kinda wondering if anyone had experience with using filters or could explain what specific shutter times would look like considering I may not be able to see on the little screen the night of if theyre turning out or not.

06-25-2015, 12:49 PM	#5
an3ony Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Saugus, MA Posts: 49	Fireworks are fun to shoot, I'm sure there's a better way but here's how i got a few: • get a good location for composition • tripod and remote trigger are a must • use a wider angle lens • Bring a piece of black cloth or something completely light restrictive that you can quickly cover the lens (without disturbing the camera) • take a few test shots of your area, and try to stay downwind (away from the smoke) • I used bulb mode, and incrementally stepped the exposure/iso until i liked what was coming out • when the fireworks start, start your exposure and remove the black cloth. when there's no action, cover the camera while you're still exposing, then remove when you like what you see • stop exposure when you feel like you've got enough -- the thing is, take a look at the "live view" when your exposure is finished writing, and adjust as needed. You've got about 20 minutes during the average fireworks display. here's one of my better shots:

06-26-2015, 05:10 AM	#6
Al_Kahollick Banned Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 390	Originally posted by an3ony try to stay downwind (away from the smoke) Er, perhaps you mean *upwind*??

06-26-2015, 08:11 AM	#7
an3ony Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Saugus, MA Posts: 49	Originally posted by Al_Kahollick Er, perhaps you mean *upwind*?? HA, yes, what you said!