The 4th and those firework things

Well, the 4^th of July signals photographers everywhere to bring out their cameras and tripods for our once-a-year attempt at fireworks photography. This is awesome that the Digital Age has made it so easy to do these kind of things…I wouldn’t have attempted as much with film. But it also creates a problem, everyone and their mom takes photos, so how do we separate ourselves from the average Joe…or Jill? I think I may have to revisit this sometime.

Another thing about the Midwest: Fireworks are legal, these last two pics are from “Backyard Shows!”

It is kinda funny that I have not shot fireworks since last 4^th of July, hence my re-learning of the craft…or trial and error, whatever you would like to call it. I am lucky though; I get a try at it with Rhythm and Booms (the Midwest’s largest fireworks display”) the weekend before as well as on the 4^th. Look here for last years Rhythm and Booms and here for last years 4^th. (You be the judge if I have improved) This also signals the 1-year anniversary of this blog. Cool.

This year I tried to get used to shooting fireworks at Rhythm and Booms and then elaborate and create images that look different. I also got the opportunity to take the shots I really like. See below.

How to Shoot Fireworks: It is only the aperture that determines the brightness of the actual fireworks (like your flash) therefore first find the correct aperture (I started at f8 and might have dropped from that), because it is really dark noise and grain are prevalent so use as low an ISO as you can (I stayed at 100), use a longer shutter (15-30 sec) to get long trails and ambient light (otherwise it is all just black), look to get a shot that someone else isn’t, have fun.

How did I get the people shots? Off camera flash on a TTL cord in my left hand, and a slow enough shutter for the movement and some light in the sky. Try and experiment.