July 4th Fireworks in DC. Who's Up to It?

[SuzyView]

I have never done a fireworks photography session. This might be very interesting. Anyone up to attending the fireworks at the Mall? There is a musical performance and then the fireworks. I can't stay too late, but would love it. If you can come, let's plan on it.

[Jon]

Gonna have to miss that. Prior commitments, sorry.

[SuzyView]

I think I need to make a bigger effort to learn how to photograph night events. So, I'm going to check out local fireworks on July 4th if I can't make it to the Mall.

[Jon]

Fireworks? Tripod, small aperture, several seconds exposure. Don't wait for the "bang". Light's faster than sound.

People? they aren't going to like flashes in their face, and after dark, that's your only hope. Use the 50 or 85 in twilight and max the ISO.

[BottomBracket]

I'm usually in the DC area on the Fourth of July, visiting relatives. I'm not sure this year though. Anyway, it is terribly crowded at the mall at that time, it may be wiser to stick to the local fireworks. I went to the one in Gaithersburg and it was really nice too.

Summer's coming up, and I'll be sure to be in the area at some pint. I hope we can get together!

[SuzyView]

Sounds good. I'm trying to get my husband to get tickets for the stands on that evening because Lockheed sponsors the whole 4th of July event on the Mall. I have never and he has never asked those in communications or PR if they give out tickets to staff. If I can get 2 tickets, I'm going. Yes, we have fireworks here in Manassas, as well, and the people who've been say it's great. I am thinking one way or another, we should get together. A friend of mine here gets legal stuff and we shoot them off at his house with the fire department and EMT's right there in case. We've had some fun times. But this year he's not healthy enough to do it. Like you said, Pio, we should get together, but in late June. After that, it's just too hot. It's too hot today 90+. :( I'm melting.

[Tdragone]

It's been a while since I went out shooting fireworks; and it reminds me that Sea World shoots them off between Memorial and Labor days... And today is Memorial day!
Anyway; for those who haven't shot fireworks before; here are a few with exif included for Shutter/Aperture/ISO settings:

http://www.pbase.com/tdragone/fireworks

Tripod is a must; and if you don't have one; cable releases from adidt are dirt cheap on ebay; order one now! (Think of it as Nifty 50 part II)

[SuzyView]

Yep. I got the tripod, the release, the camera, the lens, just need the spot to do it.

[staciecd]

Traffic is way too bad; I'll be shooting in Baltimore this year. But great idea and thanks for the invite.

Stacie

[Longwatcher]

Suzie and other DC area people,
I doubt you can get there, but the absolute best place to view the mall fireworks is from the banks of the potomac while on Bolling AFB. Smaller crowd but fewer trees between you and the fireworks. Of course if you can get in the seated area that might beat Bolling.

I attend the local Newport News 4th of July party every year since moving down this way as they usually have two great bands and one of the best firework shows in the area. But while I was in NoVA I went to see mall fireworks via Bolling 2 out of 3 years (the other I was home visiting folks).

Just my opinion and experience,