fireworks on digital

[rickyd]

I will be digitally photographing fireworks tonight with my 10d probably using my16-35L lens. Are there any differences in settings that I should be aware of digital vs 35 slide film?

[Dans_D60]

Rick:

A couple of images from my D60. I heard the July 4th fireworks (4 July 2002) in our neighborhood and grabbed the camera. ISO 800 with the 28-70 2.8 L attached. These are not great shots but show what you can do even handheld. The differences from film are: 1) If you shoot in RAW, you do not worry about color temperature, 2) you can “push” the 10D to ISO 800 and will have little noise (grain).
Dan
http://www.pettusphoto.com

ISO 800 – 28-70 2.8 L Handheld
http://www.pettusphoto.com/fw01.jpg

ISO 800 – 28-70 2.8 L Handheld
http://www.pettusphoto.com/fw02.jpg

[rickyd]

nice pics, Dan. did you use iso800 to freeze the burst? I want to get maximum color saturation so I thought iso 100 might be better. any thoughts?

[Cal Maier]

Hi Rick,

I've found the best way to shoot fireworks is with a tripod and a cable release. The idea is to keep the shutter open on bulb for several bursts. This will make the photos more interesting and also give you excellent colour saturation.

A good starting point would be ISO 100, f/8, 8 second exposure, then experiment from there.

Hope this helps you out, and good luck!

BTW Dan, your shots look good so it goes to show you that there are no hard rules to follow with this type of photography.

ps. The last time I took any fireworks shots I was using film (still do at times) so I can't post any examples as I didn't scan any of the shots.

[Dans_D60]

RICKYD wrote:
nice pics, Dan. did you use iso800 to freeze the burst? I want to get maximum color saturation so I thought iso 100 might be better. any thoughts?

Rick:

I wasn’t thinking much about it. Not a planned photo shoot. So, I agree that ISO 100 might be better assuming you have a good lens and tripod. Have fun and let’s see the results!
Dan
http://www.pettusphoto.com

[Slow]

RICKYD wrote:
did you use iso800 to freeze the burst?
Ricky...What did you mean by "freeze the burst"? as the burst of a firework is not a "frozen" moment as the shutter can be open for maybe 1 sec up to 8 or 9 minutes! that is why they show up as bursts as they are really light trails! My method of firework imaging is usually...Tripod, cable release, nice wide lens, focus on infinity (obviously depending on distance from show), nice medium slow film (100 or 200)(or iso speed on the Digi's), camera set on bulb, mlu, also have a little hotshoe mounted viewer (adj from 24-85mm) that allows you to view what is in the lens field of view whilst the mirror is locked (useful but not essential) then use anything from 1-2 secs up to about 30 -40 secs generally depending on the brightness and frequency of the explosions..... Hope this helps!