Celebrate more on-line
classes!
This could be happening in your town this weekend.
There may be fireworks in your area this weekend. Each town thinks about them differently this year, so check out what’s going to happen in your zipcode before the weekend. There will be some fireworks around the old camera clubhouse this year but not too many I’m told. Unless you factor in the people that have made trips to either Wisconsin or Indiana. They often seem to have more explosives than the local municipality. Here are some things that always work for me. It’s important to remember that fireworks arc at different heights which means you, the photographer are never quite certain just where they will explode.
Attach fairly wide lens to camera body. Any focal length between 20 – 70 (35mm equivalent) should be fine. Don’t get out the 70-200 or you will instantly crop at least some of the color burst.
Attach camera/lens to a ballhead on your tripod. Extend the legs far enough to elevate the camera to your eye-level height, then move camera to general direction of fireworks launch area. Attach shutter release cable or wireless remote trigger to camera. Use phone if so equipped to trigger shutter.
Set lens to infinity focus and a moderate f stop of around (you guessed it) f8, with an ISO 800.
Use fairly wide lens to capture entire burst.
Set camera to Manual Mode (M on top dial of most cameras)
Don’t shoot explosive bangs. These are launched to determine wind speed and direction. There’s usually no color, just lingering smoke.
When the fireworks actually begin, sight them through the optical viewfinder if your camera has one. Don’t use live view–the lens must close down, then re-open which takes longer and could result in a missed shot.
Hold the shutter open until the color fades away. Yes, it’s a guess. You won’t get every burst, so don’t try. Ask yourself how many you actually need. The number is lower than you thought.
Add people with wide lens.
Try to include spectators with the fireworks burst. It’s a cheap, yet challenging thrill.