Home fireworks show

[fsbk366]

I have been interested in photography for a while now, but don't really know what I am doing yet. So I came up with a personal challenge. Take ~20 specific photos, one for each type I like. This past weekend being 4th of July, makes the fireworks picture a logical choice.

I knew going in to this, I would need a tripod. I picked up a manfroto package a while back, so I used that. I also looked up the basic camera settings. The internet said to use ISO 100, f/12 - f/18, and hold the shutter open for the duration of the firework.

Right away, I had two problems. One from lack of equipment, the other lack of knowledge. My first problem was that I had no way top leave the shutter open a custom length of time. I do not have a remote trigger yet, so I had to set the camera's shutter speed to 6, 8, or 10 seconds depending on how long I 'thought' the firework would last.

The second problem was with me not knowing how to work my camera. Since I knew the ISO, f-stop, and shutter speed I wanted, I went into manual mode. But I could not figure out how to change the f-stop. The little dial change shutter speed, and I didn't know how to switch it to change f-stop. So I think these were all stuck on f/5 or something similar. That plays in later.

I did learn a ton of information by getting my hands dirty. I had my friend shoot off a few single shot mortars so I could attempt to get the focus right. Once it was set on that test shot, I flipped it to manual focus and didn't touch it. That actually worked out well, until we slightly changed the launch area. The last set of pictures I took were all out of focus. I assume if I were able to get the camera to f/15 or higher, it wouldn't have been a problem.

I found out quickly there are a few challenges to shooting fireworks. In addition to those I already mentioned, it was difficult to know before hand where to aim the camera. My friend, who bought the fireworks, bought a wide variety of things. Great for the show, but a pain for me. I was never sure how high each would go, or how big they would be. I kept my camera zoomed out, pointed and prayed. Hahaha....I clipped a few of them, but got some good ones as well.

Link to the pictures: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=10486318

[sportesan]

I know it's a little late for this year, but you can always apply these tips later.
There's a wonderful guide in the POTN forum somewhere and online regarding fireworks, but here's some of the tips I've learned.

1. ISO 100 is important if you're looking to do a long exposure of the fireworks against a black background.

2. To change the fstop/aperture, you need to use the "AV" (aperture value) button on your camera. I circled it in the attached picture. While you hold it down, you turn the wheel that usually adjusts shutter speed.

3. When I focus my fireworks, I usually set the focus to infinity (to do this on the kit lens, you want to go into manual focus and turn the front all the way COUNTER-clockwise). This will keep the fireworks sharp because you have a smaller aperture so it's more forgiving.

4.If you turn your shutter speed past 30 seconds, you will get a mode called "BULB". In bulb mode, the shutter will remain open as long as the shutter is depressed. This is great because you can hold it down as long as you want (caution: if you hold it too long [greater than ~10 seconds] you will blow highlights and over expose the fireworks}

5. A remote shutter release cable is a great necessity, as it eliminates tripod shake as well as making bulb exposures easier

6. A small aperture (high fstop number) is good to have, like you said. I usually use anything from 12 to 20.

http://i25.tinypic.com/14me6tt.jpg

You seem to have learned a lot from your experience so that's great! Trial and error is the best way to learn! I had the same dilemma my first time. I looked at your pictures, and the reason they're out of focus is because you had too big of an aperture (like you said). A smaller aperture would remedy this and give you sharp shots. I really liked #5 and it had good framing and color, and shows what you're capable of. You have pretty good framing and it will improve with practice. Once you nail the settings, you'll be able to get some great pics!

If you want, you can check out the fireworks pictures in my gallery (http://sportesan.smugmug.com). They were all taken with an XSi and the kit lens, typically with a ~10 second exposure and a small aperture.

Don't be too hard on yourself, you have a lot of potential, and after practice you can get some great snaps! Feel free to ask or PM me any questions you have. I'd like to think that I'm fairly knowledgeable ;) Good luck and keep shooting! :)

[mesheau]

xx2

[fsbk366]

Thanks for the tips and back pat! :D

Next year I'll be more prepared. It was a ton of fun, even though I got a few weird looks from my friends. They were impressed with the shots that did come out decently afterwards though. It will only get better. :)