Photographing an explosion, will this work...? Just for fun... I want to get a shot of a firecracker exploding. Actually, it's my grandson who wants to try this. The setup will be in...

SonyDoug

Just for fun... I want to get a shot of a firecracker exploding. Actually, it's my grandson who wants to try this.

The setup will be in my basement workshop in the after dark hours. We'll cover the window as much as possible so for practical purposes it'll be totally dark.

The firecracker will be ignited by an electric igniter like used used by the model rocket folks.

Camera will be focused on firecracker, lights turned off, shutter in bulb mode. Assuming there is a flash with small firecrackers we should get an image. BTW: the fire cracker is small enough to not cause damage to camera from a 5 to 10 foot distance.

Any thoughts?? Suggestions... Dangers other than the obvious from playing with fireworks..?

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

SonyDoug wrote:

Just for fun... I want to get a shot of a firecra... (show quote)

Eye protection and hearing protection - the sound will be confined with you. And that firecracker is in the same ball park as a gun firing. Also keep a fire extinguisher handy - sparks could cause a fire or even set something smoldering that could become a flame later.

I would suggest doing this outside on a moonless night though the flash should register even with a moon.
I suspect the image will be a disappointment with no details etc. showing, just the flash and that will probably be a blown highlight.

Instead show him this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKnV5cNJpK4 note the FPS of the images and that pull string type of firecracker is popular in some parts of the world.

There are a lot of others on you tube - search "slow motion firecracker" or even slow motion atomic bomb - the government did some of those and the fps is 10 million.

tramsey Loc: Texas

That's an outside shot - way too dangerous inside - Don't forget protective gear

Quixdraw Loc: x

You could see of you can rent a sound activated shutter trigger. Not for exactly the same project, but I used to clear out anything flammable and wet down the garage floor. Ear & eye protection for sure.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

quixdraw wrote:

You could see of you can rent a sound activated shutter trigger. Not for exactly the same project, but I used to clear out anything flammable and wet down the garage floor. Ear & eye protection for sure.

I would think an external activation would be too slow to be effective. You would get a photo of the end of the explosion.

On the other hand, having sound activate a speedlight might give you some pieces flying away from the explosion. Camera on bulb, speedlight triggered by sound and aimed at the center of action. Would probably require several tries.

And I agree with doing this outdoors. Less debris for the wife to clean up. Less smelly fumes to annoy the wife. Sound bouncing off interior walls can be pretty loud. Just find a box to block outside lights and put the firecracker inside that with an open side toward the camera.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Outdoors, filter on camera lens. Please post image(s).

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

SonyDoug wrote:

Just for fun... I want to get a shot of a firecra... (show quote)

Please don't do such stupid things with photography. Another lame one is photographing trains while standing on a railroad bridge.

Quixdraw Loc: x

lamiaceae wrote:

Please don't do such stupid things with photography. Another lame one is photographing trains while standing on a railroad bridge.

I don't think, what is likely a small Firecracker, tips the danger meter for anyone who shot of countless numbers of them as kids! Trains, on the other hand can be a fatal problem unless you know exactly what you are doing.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

quixdraw wrote:

I don't think, what is likely a small Firecracker, tips the danger meter for anyone who shot of countless numbers of them as kids! Trains, on the other hand can be a fatal problem unless you know exactly what you are doing.

And cherry bombs and M80s...

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

don't set surface on fire from the firecracker. rest it on someplace safe

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

SonyDoug wrote:

Just for fun... I want to get a shot of a firecra... (show quote)

Do it at sundown outside.

Quixdraw Loc: x

TriX wrote:

And cherry bombs and M80s...

Them as well, but those with some serious level of risk. I have quite a few "survivor" stories!

pendennis

You should probably open the shutter (bulb setting) a second, or so, before you set off the igniter. Close shutter immediately after the firecracker dies off.

PS - For bulb settings, you need to set ISO 100, and at least f/16 (f/22 might be better). The proximity of the flash, with any larger lens opening will probably be a complete image burn out. This is one of those events where it's mostly guess-timation requiring multiple exposures. For fireworks, I shoot ISO 100 @ f/16, and those explosions are about 1/8th mile away.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

why not video tape it too

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

quixdraw wrote:

I don't think, what is likely a small Firecracker, tips the danger meter for anyone who shot of countless numbers of them as kids! Trains, on the other hand can be a fatal problem unless you know exactly what you are doing.

Trains? No problem at all, but then I have been in the operations department of a large railway museum since the 90's and play with them a lot. I have my conductor's rating and also streetcar motorman - well until a few years ago (I'm 75) these days I go out for major events and may do a trip or two as assistant conductor o reliev a motorman for lunch but mostly I sit in the office and do the announcing.