Boy Firing Roman Candle

[Buddy Thomason]

This is my nephew firing a Roman Candle. If he were my son he would've been wearing eye protection! Regardless, this is an interesting 'fireworks' picture because his face is rimmed by light in profile. I've never seen an image quite like this one and was quite tickled when I saw what I had captured.

http://www.fototime.com/2848CBCE4B4AC97/orig.jpg

My main intent was to practice more traditional fireworks shots - like this one...

http://www.fototime.com/4CFA932A472CFD9/orig.jpg

[PeaPicker]

I like the first one with just his profile lit up.
Cool shot. :)

[MsUmpire]

awesome shots!! i tried with no success to shoot fireworks this year...i was told to set it on bulb and i should be fine...what's the secret to such great shots if you don't mind my asking?

[Buddy Thomason]

MsUmpire - I finally started getting consistent results after taking the time to set up properly ahead of time and then not changing anything except where the camera was pointing and the zoom. Here's what I learned from this forum and others:

1. Use a tripod!
2. Switch lens to manual focus and set to infinity.
3. Set aperture wide open (f2.8 in this case, using the 24-70 L wide angle zoom with my 1DMKII). I set the zoom at around 35 or so.
4. Set mode to bulb and turn noise reduction in-camera on.
5. Lock everything down tight, cover the eye-piece and press the shutter, hold for a burst or two and release.
6. Review and adjust camera angle, zoom amount and exposure time as necessary.

I encouraged the boys to set off multiple displays at once because I wanted a lot of action without having to keep the shutter open between bursts - I think that helped get cleaner shots with much less digital noise.
Regarding the Roman Candle shot I simply adjusted the camera downward and aimed at my nephew. I knew I'd get him in the field of view with my wide-angle zoom so I didn't bother to un-block the eye-piece to find him and focus on him. It was a leap of faith thing. Good luck!

[sando]

You let a small boy hold that roman candle while you took photo's?? And if he was your son you'd have made him wear eye protection??

Bloody hell... can anyway else understand why the stupidity of some people astounds me?

[Buddy Thomason]

Matt - Your comments are insulting and inappropriate in a public forum such as this. According to the posting policies here at POTN posts such as yours are to be brought to the attention of the forum moderators. I have taken that step and would encourage you to carefully consider your words in the future.

[MsUmpire]

Thank you for the information Mr. Thomason! I've written it down & will try again next fireworks season!!! The guy at the camera shop that told me to "set it to bulb & fire away" obviously forgot a few steps! Thank you again for taking the time to answer my question.

[sando]

Fair enough that you'd do that. I can quite understand why'd you'd be insulted, for which I do apologise. :) I do, however, still think letting a child hold a firework is dangerous.