The 11th official Random Fire Pole Discussion For TPBM (11)

Mike, sorry meant to comment earlier how nice your flower looks.

*Dan's fault I forgot*

cfpackerfan wrote in post #5842312
heheee... I just noticed, from that angle, it looks like she's the one with the goatee.

Oh it so does.

BearLeeAlive wrote in post #5842347
Yep, you'll have 50% more sales, I see more camera gear in the future......

.....but, you won't have the time to use it.

I don't have time to use what I have.

Becky N wrote in post #5842449
Mike, sorry meant to comment earlier how nice your flower looks.

*Dan's fault I forgot*

hehehehe...a blame Dan day....cool

Yeah it is Dan's fault Steve quit.

Dan must have been in communication with my lead and boss today too then... They're really pissing me off today.

Someone else in the local paper (yes I am ripping it off) tells you how to take shots for fireworks - in case anyone fancies doing it tomorrow:

http://www.boston.com …pecial/july4th/​phototips/

How do you get great shots of fireworks? If you have ever tried to photograph fireworks you already know why people ask this question — because it is difficult and unpredictable at best. It is a trial-and-error process in which the vast majority of images you shoot will not turn out well. How do I know this? Because I only average around a 10-15% ratio of usable fireworks images, even when trying to make that one great shot for the front page of the Boston Globe.

Set-up

* The most important tip when photographing fireworks is to use a tripod. You want to steady the camera. A tripod is really the best bet, although I have also used a coat or a sweatshirt wedged under the lens to steady the camera in a pinch.

* If your camera has a cable release, use it. This allows you to shoot hands-free photos and prevents you from shaking the camera. If your camera doesn't have this option, it's not the end of the world. Just remember to press the shutter release button is a very gentle manner and try to avoid shaking the camera.

* Don't use a flash. It won't have an effect on the fireworks, so just turn it off. Check your owner's manual to find out how to disable the flash.

* Use a low ISO speed, in the range of 100-400 ISO. A general rule of thumb: As your ISO increases so does the "graininess" in the black areas of your picture.

* If you can set your camera to show you images immediately after you take them, do it. This will allow you to get instant feedback. I set my camera, a Canon EOS-1Dmk2, to an automatic review time of four seconds.

* Set your camera to manual mode if you can. If you can't set your camera to manual mode, try aperture priority.

Shooting

* I start out at ISO 100, with a shutter speed at 4 seconds and the aperture set at f.8. When I begin shooting the fireworks, I keep an eye on my screen, which allows me to see if my exposure is generally correct. If it is too bright, I take my aperture down to f.11 or f.16; if the exposure is too dark, I open up the aperture to f.6 or f.4. If you can't achieve these settings through your camera's manual mode, experiment with your camera's exposure compensation.

* I tend to only shoot the colored fireworks, as the bright white bursts tend to overexpose too quickly.

* Experiment and have fun!

I read the link posted up earlier this week on how to do it. But I am not sure on whether I'll be drinking or whether I'll be taking shots. I can't be arsed to take a tripod, that is for sure! Oh and at least the newspaper photographer uses a Canon too...

They forgot the safety issue.

Hold the camera at arm's length (and wear thick leather gloves).

cfpackerfan wrote in post #5842280
Lisa, this is my piss poor attempt at your idea. I can't seem to get it to work at ALL. Ugh.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO

Looks good to me, Cat...

cfpackerfan wrote in post #5842367
It's not shadow, it's his goatee.

Yeah, I've been trying different ways of doing it since you posted yours. None of mine are working very well though.

Hmm... now you mention it...

Becky N wrote in post #5842449
Mike, sorry meant to comment earlier how nice your flower looks.

*Dan's fault I forgot*

*It's Dan's fault I quoted this post... *

cfpackerfan wrote in post #5842280

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO

Well, either the bearded lady got married, or she eats chocolate icecream like a kid and has it all over her face.

Still a good cover if you ask me.

Thanks guys.

I deleted it though. Gonna try again.

Harm wrote in post #5842679
Someone else in the local paper (yes I am ripping it off) tells you how to take shots for fireworks - in case anyone fancies doing it tomorrow:

http://www.boston.com …pecial/july4th/​phototips/

Pretty good tips. One thing I would add is don't use a fixed shutter speed. Set your camera to Bulb. This way you can time your exposures to get the most out of it.

Also, Focus at Infinity (most lenses go beyond, so make sure you're at infinity) Before you get started find a distant object and make sure you're in sharp focus (do this before the sun goes down) and turn off your camera's AF feature, you won't need it, and it could get confused/hunt in dark conditions.

Guineh wrote in post #5842873
don't use a fixed shutter speed. Set your camera to Bulb. This way you can time your exposures to get the most out of it.

ok, that is over my head now...I am still experimenting with DSLRs...that, and I should read the manual...

Nice fireworks.

Harm wrote in post #5842896
ok, that is over my head now...I am still experimenting with DSLRs...that, and I should read the manual...

Move the dial to the Manual mode (M) Rack your shutter speed all the way down (You'll see bULb in the shutter value indicator on your info window (or the list of items at the bottom of the viewfinder)

Manual focus on a Canon DSLR is on the lens, you'll see a little switch on the barrel marked AF<->MF, make sure it's pointing at MF.

Yep. I have the Buzz Lightyear lens. It goes to Infinity.. and Beyond.