Photographing Phirewerks. Help!

[imann08]

First, I'd like to say that when I looked to get onto a forum for photography, I didn't think I would run into one that dealt with Canon Digitals in particular. I also like the amount of traffic this site gets. Very cool. My name is Isaac btw.

My situation, camera, and accessories. I am a point and shoot guy, AKA no knowledge, with an SLR in my hands. Hopefully that gives you an idea of where I stand knowledge-wise. My camera is a Canon Digital Rebel with 6.xMB. I own two lenses. One is a basic 20-80mm and the other is a 70-200mm telephoto. I don't know if anymore is needed to answer my question.

Now for the question. I want to take pictures of fireworks on the 4th and really don't have a clue as to the proper settings for my camera to get the best shot. I would also like to know settings for a fast shutter speed shot and for a slow one for those different effects that come from it. I know this may be a lot to ask for but I couldn't get a good shot last 4th with anything more than luck. If anyone has shot fireworks before and knows some tips or secrets to doing it then I'd love the help. If you have the time or patience, I can be reached on Yahoo and AOL IM with imann08 and MSN with isaac_mann@hotmail.com. Thanks a bunch in advance. I'm pretty clueless with this aspect.

[MTalley]

I'm going shooting on the 4th. Working with slow shutter speeds, myself. I got some pretty decent shots last year with my P/S camera using Tv mode.

Best recommendation - get a remote release. Set up on a tripod. Use a fairly wide angle (implies using your 20-80 lens). Put it in Manual mode. Set aperature to around f/16, shutter speed to Bulb, ISO to 100. Just when you hear one of the rockets shoot off from the ground, open the shutter and leave it until the last sparkly trials subside. Close shutter. If the pics are too dark, open up the aperature a notch or two (smaller numbers) and try again.

At least that's how I'm going to do it this year. Last year, I was setting my camera to a shutter speed of about 1.5 seconds and it was trying to make up the difference by setting a wide open aperature (minimum on the P/S was f/3.1).

[robertwgross]

The same question gets asked each year, generally in the week prior to Independence Day here in the States.

Now, Guy Fawkes fireworks should be about the same deal, different day.

Search for "fireworks."

---Bob Gross---

[Tom W]

and the NYIP link again:

http://www.nyip.com/tips/current/firewks.php

[imann08]

Thanks a bunch for the replies. I appreciate it.