folkus

Is there a role for bracketing in shooting fireworks? How would the UHH pros go about it? What are the pros and cons and things to consider and watch out for? Is it a crazy idea or not? Thanks.

dreadylock58 Loc: Tacoma

hi i'm a noob was wondering what is bracketing?
and if you could show example

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Nope. Fireworks is about slowing down shutter speed to capture streaks of light against a dark night sky. If you tried to bracket, you'd definitely get a lot of ghosting because the patterns from one frame to another would be significantly different than the one before. Not only that but the photographer is usually far enough away from the "bloom" that there is not significant front to back difference to aid a perception of "depth".

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Now THAT should be interesting!!!
SS

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

Bracketing is defined as taking a burst of 3 shots typically in aperture priority with 1 exposure underexposed, 1 correctly exposed, and1 overexposed. The biggest usage would be for HDR processing (high dynamic range). For an example you might check out the HDR section of UHH.

Walt

LarryFB Loc: Depends where our RV is parked

As Walt described, bracketing is one shot at normal exposure, one at over exposure, and one at under exposure. Bracketing makes sense for a static (not moving) subject.

Why would you attempt to bracket a dynamic subject (anything moving). Firework photos are intended to show the trails of light (dynamic). I have a very difficult time understanding why you would even consider bracketing.

Having said that, there is a possibility (probably very remote) that you could find something artistic by bracketing fireworks and combining the sequence of exposures.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Agreed, in general. You can also bracket by using different shutter speeds (primarily for static subjects). It would be an interesting discussion as to whether tree shots taken at different ISO's would constitute bracketing. A traditionalist might say "No", whereas a modern digital photographer might disagree

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Lets define "bracketing" more correctly. It is not restricted in the ways that are being described.

Bracketing means multiple exposures of exactly the same scene are taken with one or more parameters changed in a consistent way with each exposure. Bracketing can be done with 2 shots, with 15 shots, or with more; it can change aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, focus, or flash.

Bracketing can also be automatic. Many cameras have facilities to set the number of shots and also the increments for specific parameters to change. One press of the shutter release takes the entire sequence of bracketed shots.

Bracketing is most commonly applied to exposure, and if no other reference is made it can be assumed the term "bracketing" used alone means exposure bracketing, but it does not imply whether changing aperture or shutter speed is used!

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

In fact there is a role for bracketing when shooting fireworks. It is slightly different from the usual definition where it would be the same scene for each shot in a sequence, and instead would change exposure over a series of shots of different scenes.

Consider two different parameter changes too. First, since the subject itself, but not the entire scene, is dynamic the shutter speed does not change exposure and instead determines how much of the dynamic is captured. So from scene to scene it might be wise to change shutter speeds to get changing amounts of capture time for the subject (which will change the exposure of the rest of the scene).

Since the subject is a light source it might be wise to "bracket" the aperture too. It should be remembered that often the compositional aspect of fireworks photography that makes the difference between just one more boring fireworks picture and something dramatic that demands to be viewed... is not the fireworks but the environment provided as context. Changing either aperture or shutter speed has significant effect on the static environment that is different than the effect on the dynamic fireworks.

The purpose of "bracketing" fireworks is to insure that in the end, out of a few hundreds of mundane shots, there will be at least something that hit just the right combination needed for that one particular burst to provide a shot worth producing. And consider the fact that if you as a photographer pick out a dozen or two shots that might just be right, any given "art director" will instantly throw out more than half, and eventually narrow it down to just one. It won't be your top pick!

folkus

Thanks for detailed comments. They are very helpful. Has anyone tried this with fireworks and can show examples? It seems like a kinda fun thing to investigate.....

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Using a tripod...shutter release cable...and the "bulb" setting. This is about a 5 or 6 second shot....so as soon as the round exploded I closed the shutter.

(Download)

Mojaveflyer Loc: Denver, CO

I've been successful shooting fireworks by using a similar technique for shooting lightning. I set the camera for ISO 100, at about f11, with 6 - 10 second time exposures. I'll post a couple of examples... All three shots were shot using the technique I described above. Canon 5D MkII, 17- 35 mm lens.

Fireworks, Westminster, CO 7--4-13


Fireworks, Coors Field, Denver, CO 7-10-15

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Fireworks, Mile Stadium, Denver, CO 7-4-15

(Download)

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Many responses on this thread are looking at only one use of bracketing - to create a merged or HDR exposure. Bracketing is also a means of determining the correct exposure. Apaflo has it right. Think of bracketing as a series of test shots to help you determine your best settings given your creative intent. Ideally you are looking for the best combination of ISO and aperture that will provide color in the bursts. The shutter speed will be between 2 and 5 seconds. You will make a couple of test exposures, and once you have the right combination, leave it there, shoot manual and all your images will be fine. That is exactly the process I use.

Here are some examples:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157634593268502

folkus

Very much appreciated. Thanks.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I would not bracket straight shot Good advice has been given