S30 and the Upcoming 4th of July

[JRU]

I was wondering if anyone could pass on some tips on how to shoot fireworks? Can this be done without a tripod?

I figured that I would as because last year when I posted this it was July 3rd and I did not get any responces.

Any hely would be greatly appreciated!

A few photos from last year but I can not remember the settings?

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/rsrt77@ameritech.net/album?.dir=1a9f&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.sbc.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

[JRU]

I was wondering if anyone could pass on some tips on how to shoot fireworks? Can this be done without a tripod?

I figured that I would as because last year when I posted this it was July 3rd and I did not get any responces.

Any hely would be greatly appreciated!

A few photos from last year but I can not remember the settings?

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/rsrt77@ameritech.net/album?.dir=1a9f&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.sbc.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

Boy this is about the same responce that I got last year:confused: Has nobody ever tried to take photos with a S30 powershot before. I would really appreciate any and all help before the 4th.

Thanks again

[ByteTheBullet]

I tried one year with my S50 sans tripod. Took about 150 shots got about 6 good/decent ones. I have learned ALOT since then and this year will be better. I have been taking mental notes from all the threads and bought a book or two.


ByteTheBullet (-:

[Benmok7]

Well well.....its dissappointing to ask for help and get none isn't it?
First let me ask you why wouldn't you use a tripod for any night photography (if you had one)?

Anyway fireworks are short and most of the time you spend ages before it to bag a good spot. So you would want to get the best shots you could within that short period of time.

Ok now lets say you are using a tripod. There's a few things you need to consider. How far are you from the fireworks? What effects do you want from the fireworks? are there any backgrounds? etc

If you want to just capture the burst moment of the firework then you can use a shorter shutter speed with higher ISO. If you want to capture the trails of the fireworks then you would set a slow shutter with lower ISO.
Now with slow shutter you would find that some of the burst would be more over exposed than others. Here is a tip that someone had once taught me; open the shutter for as long as you want and within that period use a black card to cover the lense and when its time to capture the action uncover the lense, give it a good 2 secs and cover it again, and so on and so on.....
http://www.usefilm.com/image/654273.html?image_size=small

Enjoy every 15 secs of the July fireworks!!!!!

Cheers,
Ben
(Sydney)

[Andy_T]

JRU,

most likely you didn't get many replies because you posted it in the 'small compact digitals' forum.

Still, people use all kinds of cameras to get fireworks pictures, and the settings should be similar for most. Long time exposure (10 sec), f/5.6 and ISO 50 or something like that.

That said, do a forum search for the word 'fireworks' ... it'll bring a lot of very useful threads.

And ... get a tripod.

I have a very small (about ballpoint-sized) hama mini tabletop tripod that basically consists of a tripod screw and 3 flexible metal tubes. Paid something like 10$ for it. Granted, it's not the most sturdy of tripods, but I always have it in my camera bag if I want to do an impromptu tripod shot (like a self portrait when out hiking, put it on a table)

Best regards,
Andy

[Benmok7]

Hi JRU,

It is past the 4th July already.

Show us your firework pics? :lol:

Cheers,
Ben
(Sydney)