lightning/fireworks help..

[italypa99]

when trying to shoot lightning or fireworks i know you want to use bulb but i am wondering as far as focus goes do you take the auto focus off because i can never seem to get it to focus because of the low light so how do ppl get these pics ?? and what kinda of Av would you want for that kind of shot ?

[Radtech1]

Take a read through THIS THREAD (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=252949)

Another a very GOOD THREAD CAN BE FOUND HERE (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=148683)

THIS THREAD (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=131821)covers the topic well, too - though there is a lot of overlap

HERE IS A THREAD (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=122389) that talks about fireworks and filters.

Essentially, I put the camera on a tripod, manual focus at infinity, manual exposure at f/10 or so, and choose any exposure time from a tenth on up to a second or two. I perfer lower ISO as that will underexpose (and hence darken) the smoke cloud from the previous detonation.

Then just sit there with your finger on the remote (Reduces camera shake - Yes, that occurs EVEN on a tripod when you actually press the button.) and when you see one launched ....GO!

Cha-ching

Rad

[justincase724]

For Lightning, I would think that your Av would depend on the frequency of the the lightning. If it is more frequent, you might want a larger aperture to get more of the surrounding features (but not too large so that the lightning blows out the image). If it is less freaquent, you might want a smaller aperture. Also, with a smaller aperture, the lightning bolts usually appear more crisp and clear. Use the bulb setting as you never know when a bolt of lightning will strike. For focus, like Ractech said, manual focus at infinity.

[italypa99]

ok thanks for the pointers i just have to find a remote now are they cheap ?

[justincase724]

Around $50.00 (US), and worth every cent. You can also get a timer remote, but it's more than twice as much. Here's a link for it at B & H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=4660&A=details&Q=&sku=164276&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

[italypa99]

and why would you want the timer remote whats better about it ? is it worth the extra money ?

[justincase724]

I personally wouldn't spend the extra money on it, but other people do. Whenever I use it, I usually just count the time that I want the exposure, or I just take it for whatever length of time I feel the shot needs. The timer remote is just another gadget that may or may not be helpful to some.