Shooting Fireworks tips..

I just got my new Rebel XT a few days ago and will be shooting the local fireworks for the 4th... my location is great (top of a building), I just want some tips/suggestions so I can make the most of this...

My setup:
- Canon Rebel XT body
- Canon 28-135 USM IS
- Canon F/1.8 50mm
- Canon 70-300
- Polarizing filter for the 28-135
- Remote shutter release
- Tripod

Anyways, I intend to use the XT with 28-135, shutter release, and tripod as the setup... would the polarizing filter help?

I just want any information about shooting fireworks, I've never done it before and anything I SHOULD NOT do. I'm assuming I should use a fairly long exposure, low ISO, a high-ish F stop (maybe 13-20 range) and I plan to shoot in Aperture Priority mode.

Thats it, let me have it!

- Scott

Totally forget the metering in the camera and use M (manual) exposure mode instead.

Set the ISO at 100.

Set the aperture at f/8 for starters.

Manually focus on a shot or two and leave the focussing in manual.

In order to get more than one burst, you can either use a long shutter speed or use the trick I used in the old film days. Lock the shutter open (using "bulb" mode and a remote release cord that you can lock on) and cover the lens (hood) with your hand. Follow a shell up by pointing the camera (on a tripod with the adjustments loosened a bit) and just before it bursts, remove your hand from the lens. Cover the lens up with your hand after the burst, re-aim to the launch point, then follow the next one up, etc.

Hi Scott,
Check out this website for some tips on shooting fireworks:
http://www.photobird.c​om/learn/top5tipsfirew​orks.html

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=184491
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=82910
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=52164
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=55355
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=56672

There have been a number of other ones recently, too. Hope this is helpful. I like the last link myself.

Not a great photo, but was handheld for a few secs. It didn't seem to hurt not having it on a tripod. Just take lots and experiement.

Graham

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thanks so much for this thread. I am shooting my very 1st fireworks tonight. I have a cannon 20D. I have had it for 1 1/2 years and have only, in the past month, started to use the manual settings. I was really nervous about getting things right for tonight but I now feel more prepared.

thanks for all the great information and links

wish me luck!!

That is the greatest advantage about digital, you can check exposures instantly. Just experiment and adjust as needed.

YOu already have a cable release and tripod.
Mount camera on tripod. See at approx what location th fireworks is seen in sky by judging from first 3/4 shots. focus the camera manually at the same time. keep the camera in bulb mode. attach the releae cable (before all these setup!)
Now once this is set, Whenever you see that line tiny sparkle going up in the sky either in view finder or just with naked eye, press the button on release cable. keep it pressed untill you see all the the colors of burst. or full burst. and release the button before you start seeing the dying light. After first few shots you will get more confindence about how much time the shutter can be kept open. Also you can do small experiments in shutter time.

Note: If there are think clouds of smoke, then sometimes your images get overexposed due to ligh reflected on them.

See some of my firework photogarphs.
Fireworks Photos
I made some mistake in creating smaller images, so few images looks little broken.

If you are using manual focus set in advance of the show, make sure you have some gaffer's tape or low tack painter's tape to secure your focus ring in place. Many times just the vibration from multiple shutter actuations can cause your focus to shift. Nothing is more frustrating than getting home to edit shots, only to discover that while you nailed the exposure, the focus is way off.

manual focus before