LEGALDR Loc: Southern California

No matter where you live in the USA, this coming week will provide you with a number of great opportunities to take pictures of fireworks. Many of us do not do this on a regular basis and therefore I will do a little review for myself I am reviewing my file on "Fireworks Photography" as I type. I will be using my tripod. I don't use it enough so I will dust it off first. I will try to locate my cable release or refresh my memory on how I use Bulb on the camera that I will be using. I will pack a tiny flashlight so that I will be able to see what I am doing in the dark. I will not forget to bring a folding chair. Something light and easy to carry so that I won't drop anything while I am getting to my chosen location. I will focus manually and shoot for between 10 to 15 seconds per shot. I like ISO between 100 and 400. This year I will double check and charge my batteries. I will make sure that I have a memory card in the camera. In fact I will bring some extra cards for the fellow or gal who yells out in a panic that they forgot theirs. I will bring a checklist with me because I always forget something. I will not forget the snacks!!!!!! I think that I will be prepared. Now what to eat?? Sandwiches, chips, dip, paper napkins, cold drinks, ice cubes all help to make the photo session more enjoyable!! Happy Fourth of July!!!!! Do not do anything dangerous. It's not worth it!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

My view is of Los Angeles from the ocean to Dodger Stadium. I plan on doing a time lapse using a Syrp Mini Genie to fire the shutter and rotate the camera through 180 deg over 3 hours.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

This is how i did it:

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-580096-1.html

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

OllieFCR

I like the 100 iso and F8 settings. I do use a cable release, but put the camera on "bulb" setting. I find it easier to time the shot for when the fireworks go off after launch. I hold it for about a second or a little more.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

To me, just fireworks are basically boring!

Figure all needed is a low ISO the shutter time for one or more sky rockets. Then ruffle f:8 or less to get to get the streaks fat or thin.

To settle this feeling I started getting creative.

Try taking shots with really good forgrounds and backgrounds. Several years back, I shot a few with the shiloett(sp?) of people, father and son watching fireworks. With a full moon and fireworks (needed to play around with settings to get both). Also a large American flag and fireworks. (Adds to the mood.) I'm sure you can comeup with something.

Try taking shots on the hood of your idling auto. Instead of just the sky show try making the streaks become very wiggle-like.

Try getting photos of the people, adults and kids, watching the sky rockets. When close to the action, the fireworks light up faces real good and the colors add to the great looks of excitment.

My only hassle is the relitively short time until it's all over.

Come up with something exciting! Be creative. Afterall, your a photographer aren't you?

ncribble Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Legaldr, Gracias. You recapped the process very well, and being it has been a year I needed your suggestions. Norm

lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

Insect repellent! Don't forget the industrial sized can of OFF!

Kennyg36 Loc: Atlanta

If nothing else.....i love your sense-of-humor. Our country needs more of it. Enjoy!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Bulb. Start with iso 200 at f 11. Go from thete

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I downloaded a chart off of the internet a number of years ago and, unfortunately, I did not include the web site. They recommend an exposure of f/16 @ ISO 100 @ bulb for 2 to 60 seconds.

LEGALDR Loc: Southern California

I thought that I would add a little info from knowledgeable people...…..

https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-fireworks/ and/or

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/how-photograph-fireworks

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Just wondering, and I don't mean to be snotty, but what do you do with photos of fireworks? Pull them out years later and say..."this was the grand finale in 1999."

LEGALDR Loc: Southern California

Good question! Like all photographs that I take, some are more exciting than others. I personally enjoy photography as a creative pastime. I cannot draw, I cannot paint, I cannot sculpt and I cannot make anything out of a blob of clay. I can snap a picture. I try to create photographs that I will enjoy looking at. Some are good enough (in my opinion) to go on my wall. Some are good enough to show my wife and children. Many are candidates for the delete button. I have taken pictures of flowers and I enjoy the memories of when and where they were taken. Photography is and should be a pleasurable pastime. Try taking some pictures of fireworks. Chose the best one and print it. Tape it to the wall and say to yourself, "I did this!" Have a great holiday!!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I WOULD think, considering the lighting and movement involved that photographing fireworks would be somewhat of a challenge.