Fireworks

Hi there, its been a good few weeks since ive posted here, work has been crazy and i havent had a lot of time for my XSI, but things are starting to slow again so im making sure to get some new shots going.

Anyway, were coming up to november the 5th and theres going to be many fireworks going off, im going to a fireworks display and wondering if anyone can piont me in the right direction to capture these moments, what kind of settings should i be using.

Ive got the standard 18-55 IS lens, 55-250 IS lens and a 50mm f1.4, what lens should i take, it would be nice just to carry the 1 lens.

Many thanks

James

First of all, turn OFF auto focus. While there's still light out, set your lens(es) to "infinity" by focusing on something at least a few hundred yards away. Then, you could tape over the focus ajust ring on the lens(es).

Use the "M" selection for exposure mode. Set your ISO to 100. Set the aperture to f/8 or f/11 (try both and decide after taking a couple shots). You want to hold the shutter open for the duration of the burst(s) you are trying to capture. Thus, you either want a long timed exposure or use the "B" (B for Bulb) setting so that the shutter stays open as long as you have the shutter release button pressed.

I like to use a tripod (usually with the legs in the shortest possible position) while I am sitting on the ground. I keep the head's adjustments on the loose side so I can fairly easily move the camera. Without opening the shutter, I follow the burst up from the ground and anticipate when it's going to pop. Just before I expect it to pop, I press the shutter button and hold it until I want to stop the exposure.

Usually, I don't even bother using the viewfinder when shooting fireworks. I look OVER the camera and point it in the direction that I want it to be. With a little practise in the light you'll figure out how to do this quite easily.

Help with fireworks

Haven't you to put a piece of black material over the lens when releasing the shutter, then quickly remove it?

This was my first attempt at fireworks. Manual focus (infinity), f22, iso100, generally 15 second exposures, sigma 10-20mm lens. It was a bit too windy so the trails are not as defined as I would have liked.

Here are some from my first time shooting fireworks. AF OFF, IS OFF, Focus to Infinity, f/11, ISO 100, Bulb, bring your widest lens unless you're going to be far.

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