shooting pics of fireworks is tough - Ducati.ms

gragravar · Jul 6th, 2010, 4:12 pm

I did get a few I thought were OK though.

from 7/3:

and from the 4th out over the lake:

gragravar · Jul 6th, 2010, 4:13 pm

any suggestions - what do you guys do to get good fireworks shots?

Bill_Anderson · Jul 6th, 2010, 8:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by gragravar

what do you guys do to get good fireworks shots?

I was going to ask you the same thing. How did you take the photos you posted?

gragravar · Jul 6th, 2010, 9:23 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill_Anderson

I was going to ask you the same thing. How did you take the photos you posted?

the ones I took were about a 1/60th second exposure, ISO 1600. I had to shoot without a tripod as my daughter was sitting in my lap, I shot tons of pics and happened to get a couple that I was fairly happy with. I'll chalk these up to luck. From discussions on a couple other forums - a tripod, a 3-10 second exposure and a remote release are the way to go for fireworks.

Bill_Anderson · Jul 7th, 2010, 12:46 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by gragravar

the ones I took were about a 1/60th second exposure, ISO 1600. I had to shoot without a tripod as my daughter was sitting in my lap, I shot tons of pics and happened to get a couple that I was fairly happy with. I'll chalk these up to luck. From discussions on a couple other forums - a tripod, a 3-10 second exposure and a remote release are the way to go for fireworks.

A 3-10 second exposure will still stop the action and result in sharp photos?

macr · Jul 7th, 2010, 11:33 pm

Yes it is, you got some great ones!

SS904 · Jul 8th, 2010, 9:42 am

Nice shots! For fireworks, generally ISO 100 and set your lens to f/14ish. Put the shutter to bulb mode, the camera on a tripod with a wide enough lens to capture the sky and used a remote shutter release. Just hold it open for each "volley". Gives nicely exposed fireworks and a black background. Been awhile, but here’s a few for a few years ago.

http://lacks-focus.smugmug.com/Still...69884762_Ycyxk

repooc · Jul 9th, 2010, 12:44 am

you're shots aren't too bad, really!

a lot of it can really pop in post-processing in PS

gragravar · Jul 9th, 2010, 7:22 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill_Anderson

A 3-10 second exposure will still stop the action and result in sharp photos?

the streaks will be longer, but they will still be clear and sharp if you use a tripod and remote release

gragravar · Jul 9th, 2010, 7:33 am

thanks for the compliments guys. I am happy with these, I just am looking for ways to get more consistent results. I shot about 400 pics to get just these few decent ones.