Rocket launch tips please: I’m staying in Cocoa Beach in a week and I’m looking for tips to photograph a launch from either Canaveral or Kennedy. Tips for day and night please. I have...

BillsFace Loc: Michigan

I’m staying in Cocoa Beach in a week and I’m looking for tips to photograph a launch from either Canaveral or Kennedy. Tips for day and night please. I have Nikon Z6 and the longest lens is a 300 mm.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

BillsFace wrote:

I’m staying in Cocoa Beach in a week and I’m looking for tips to photograph a launch from either Canaveral or Kennedy. Tips for day and night please. I have Nikon Z6 and the longest lens is a 300 mm.

If you are within about three miles of the launch, you should be OK. Otherwise, I would recommend a teleconverter with the 300. If it is a nighttime shot, you will have about 5 seconds to shoot the launch such that you can distinguish the rocket as it leaves the pad. Otherwise, you will need a wide angle lens to capture the exhaust trail as it lifts off and then starts to roll over to an angle to make it to orbit. Daytime shots don't have the same problem, but they do take off just as fast off the launch pad. Since they are in daylight, they can be shot longer until they are really to small to see. Have fun.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

We used to go to Jetty Park just north of Cocoa Beach.
3-4 miles away.

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

BillsFace wrote:

I’m staying in Cocoa Beach in a week and I’m looking for tips to photograph a launch from either Canaveral or Kennedy. Tips for day and night please. I have Nikon Z6 and the longest lens is a 300 mm.

Don't stand too close.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

cahale wrote:

Don't stand too close.

'swarm...

Capn_Dave

BillsFace wrote:

I’m staying in Cocoa Beach in a week and I’m looking for tips to photograph a launch from either Canaveral or Kennedy. Tips for day and night please. I have Nikon Z6 and the longest lens is a 300 mm.

It's a pretty long drive from Kennedy to Canaveral have plenty of gas

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

Set your exposure manually. Otherwise, the intense light from a rocket launch will overwhelm the camera and darken your image to the point where it may be unusable.

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

BillsFace wrote:

I’m staying in Cocoa Beach in a week and I’m looking for tips to photograph a launch from either Canaveral or Kennedy. Tips for day and night please. I have Nikon Z6 and the longest lens is a 300 mm.

I am a credentialed photographer for SpaceX, ULA & NASA launches, adding an elementary cheat sheet

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Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

GLSmith wrote:

I am a credentialed photographer for SpaceX, ULA & NASA launches, adding an elementary cheat sheet

Boy, I wish I had this 15 yrs ago when I happened to be near the launch pad at night for a shuttle launch. When the rocket ignited, the exposure went from pitch black to surrealistic ultra bright in a nano sec. 99% of my shots were wildly blown out. I may have missed the shot, but the memory of the sight and sound of that launch will never be forgotten. Truly awesome. Speaking of sound, I was several miles from the launch pad and while the intense light was immediate, the deafening roar didn’t hit my ears until quite a few seconds later proving that the speed of light is indeed faster than the speed of sound. Still getting goosebumps as I’m writing this now.

photoman43

I have a suggestion that has little to do with your location. It deals with proper exposure and focus. I have learned the hard way from less than sharp images at air shows with lots of "fire bombs" and related pyrotechnics that sharp images need a fast shutter speed and AF may need to be turned off and focus set manually. The f stop chosen should allow for adequate depth of field. Depending on your location and lens focal length the rocket blast may be hard to focus on with AF set by the camera. Just think things through and set what you think will work best for you. And remember that the light from the blast may distort image exposure.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

GLSmith wrote:

I am a credentialed photographer for SpaceX, ULA & NASA launches, adding an elementary cheat sheet

Thanks Grahm!
Don’t know if I’ll ever get to shoot one but if I do I’ll be ready!
OP, thanks for starting this thread!

TonyF Loc: Bradenton, FL

GLSmith wrote:

I am a credentialed photographer for SpaceX, ULA & NASA launches, adding an elementary cheat sheet

ackvil Loc: Delray Beach, FL

GLSmith wrote:

I am a credentialed photographer for SpaceX, ULA & NASA launches, adding an elementary cheat sheet

Thanks. That information is very helpful.

Hal Masover Loc: Iowa and Florida

GLSmith wrote:

I am a credentialed photographer for SpaceX, ULA & NASA launches, adding an elementary cheat sheet

Thank you! I live just to the north near the entrance to Canaveral National Seashore and to date have mostly shot the streak at night. You just opened up a lot more possibilities for me! :)

Judy795

I will be near there occasionally. Thanks for all the info.