View Full Version : Fourth of July photo thread (fireworks, picnics, etc.)
HiFiGuy1
07-04-2009, 03:15 PM
Just kicking off the thread early for the festivities this evening. Post 'em if you got 'em!
crosbyharbison
07-05-2009, 02:03 AM
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/3008/crosbyharbison1.jpg
(c) 2009 Crosby Harbison ("http://www.crosbyharbison.com/) - Fourth of July 2009
iso 100, 120mm, F/11, 30 seconds
I took my shots on a sketchy cliff that was probably to width of a small desk with a drop 120 feet below. I sat on a prickly bush and have cuts all over me. I suppose the shots are worth it lol.
more are here ("http://crosbyharbison.com/blog/?p=19)
HiFiGuy1
07-05-2009, 02:31 AM
Well, after hearing what you went through to get your shot, I won't make you feel bad by telling you my story. Here is the first pic I've processed.
EOS 40D, EF 17-40f/4L @ 40mm, manual focus, ISO 100, f/10, 5 sec
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_2332JPG800w.jpg
HiFiGuy1
07-05-2009, 02:52 AM
Another (which I edited slightly in PhotoBucket to remove a blemish).
17-40mm @ ISO 100, manual focus, f/10, 6 sec
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_2360800w.jpg
And a few more with the same specs
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_2381800w.jpg
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_2384800w.jpg
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_2398800w.jpg
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_2420800w.jpg
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_2416800w.jpg
Please feel free to crush my soul by demeaning my fledgling attempts at fireworks photography! I can take it!
/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.27.23/LT9C1637.jpg
1D mkII, 24-105L @ f10 and 55mm, bulb mode with 2.2sec exposure, ISO 50
One more:
/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.27.23/LT9C1668-_2800_1_2900_.jpg
1D mk II, 24-105L @ f10 and 55mm, bulb mode with 5.3sec exposure, ISO 50
Forgot to mention: mirror lockup enabled for both shots.
HiFiGuy1
07-05-2009, 03:36 AM
Here's one more, same specs, where I was lucky enough to capture two, one on top of the other. I will also mention that I was using my tripod and the built-in 2 second timer, as I don't yet have a remote release.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_2430800w.jpg
HiFiGuy1
07-05-2009, 03:40 AM
IAMB,
Boy, the composition and saturation on the first shot is excellent. Good work. I feel like many of mine are blown out, but if I reduce the exposure in DPP, I get desaturated colors. Not sure how to make mine better.
I think getting the remote switch and shooting in bulb mode will help more than anything. I tried last year's without the remote switch and I'm not exactly happy with the results. This year was also the first time I tried using ISO 50, and I have to say I think I'll stick with it for firework stuff from now on.
HiFiGuy1
07-05-2009, 03:57 AM
I am probably going to buy a wireless shutter release soon. I have many uses for it, besides the once-a-year 4th of July celebration. Please explain the bulb mode. How is that different from manual, released with a timer, except you have the ability to start the shot immediately?
In bulb mode you set the aperture and the shutter stays open for however long you happen to hold the button down rather than for a set amount of time.
HiFiGuy, you did very well on your shots, overall.
IAMB confirms what I mentioned earlier: use the bulb setting and remote switch. The switch is something you'll always have need of, anyway, if you're using a tripod. Well worth the money.
By the way, IAMB, nice work on those fireworks. [Y]
HiFiGuy1
07-05-2009, 05:26 PM
Alan,
Thank you very much for the kind words! I feel pretty happy with my shots, considering it was my first time attempting to capture fireworks, and I am still learning a new camera. Having a D-SLR at all is new, to be honest.
It is funny now, but yesterday as I was setting up, I had a little bit of panic creep in as I couldn't figure out how to set aperture in manual mode! [:$][:D] I laughed at myself after I figured it out, but it was an unexpected obstacle.
Does anyone have suggestions for a remote trigger? I don't want a wired model. I understand there are some that are less than $30 that even have the ability to emulate a half-press for AF.
After some others have posted, I may put up some more shots, but I didn't want to overwhelm the thread. I was really hoping to have lots of participation fromeveryone who took the time to get shots of their local shows.
Alan, thanks!
HiFiGuy, if those are a first attempt, you're doing wonderfully. I'm almost embarrassed by my first-year fireworks attempts.
As for a remote switch, is there any particular reason you don't want a wired version? I use the Canon TC-80N3 and a 30ft extension cord and have never really wished for anything else.
A few of mine. It really depends on how much money is available to the community, on how well the fireworks presentation is. Ours has a limited set of funds.
For this time around, they shifted the display so that we were facing south. Thus, the moon was in every shot.
/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.34/fireworks-1.jpg
/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.34/fireworks-2.jpg
/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.34/fireworks-3.jpg
Don Burkett
07-05-2009, 06:30 PM
I tried fireworks for the first time this year and have to admit it was fun. One thing's for sure, once it starts there's not much time for adjustment. Would like to have switched lens a couple of times but still relatively pleased with the results.
<span class="exif"]2s f/8.0 at 24.0mm iso100http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/114618990/original.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/114639979/original.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/114618991/original.jpg
Hope you enjoy and the rest are here if you're interested.[View:http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/fireworks]
HiFiGuy1
07-06-2009, 01:24 PM
Alan,
I really like all three of yours, but the third one, which looks like sea oats on fire, is particularly nice. I don't know if I have ever seen one like that before.
Don,
Great as always! The first one is in-your-face and intense, but I really like the flower-like image of the third one, complete with stem, leaves, petals and center.
HiFiGuy1
07-06-2009, 01:28 PM
Alan, thanks!
HiFiGuy, if those are a first attempt, you're doing wonderfully. I'm almost embarrassed by my first-year fireworks attempts.
As for a remote switch, is there any particular reason you don't want a wired version? I use the Canon TC-80N3 and a 30ft extension cord and have never really wished for anything else.
<div style="CLEAR: both"]</div>
IAMB,
I guess I just didn't want the wires tethering me, but I could if I had to. I was thinking family self-portraits in the sand on the beach, among other things,where the cable might be visible. I guess it could be PS'ed out, but I don't have PS. [:)] I think a wireless transmitter would be cheaper than PS.
HiFiGuy1
07-06-2009, 01:28 PM
Don,
Spectacular! Great looking shots.
Dann Thombs
07-06-2009, 03:01 PM
Made a short video using the 5DII movie functions. My first real attempt.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/goshzilla/3690146139/ ("http://www.flickr.com/photos/goshzilla/3690146139/)
Vlad Xp
07-06-2009, 03:55 PM
Excellent shots, HiFiGuy1, Alan, and Don. Unfortunately, due to incoming thunderstorm, the show started 20 minutes ahead of time. In addition to that, we had an explosion 1/3 way in to the show, and after the fire department sprayed the set, the show was canceled. I took this one is before the explosion. The local news channel used this and another one in their story ("http://www.kjrh.com/content/news/breaking/story/Caught-on-tape-Tulsa-fireworks-fire/suKGczDj8EaLs32AexvZEw.cspx) last night. This is the first time for me "getting published"[:D] More on my flickr site.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/3690894978_b84ee27fdd_b.jpg
Colin
07-06-2009, 06:25 PM
Hey Vlad, love the not quite dark shot.
like many of the other ones as well, but that one that looks like it's blowing up in your face stands out in my head.
HiFiGuy1
07-06-2009, 09:23 PM
Vlad,
That is a spectacular atypical fireworks shot in my opinion!
Here is a few from my small town Fireworks for Food show. All monies raised during the day long event goes to buy food for the local Senior food pantry. The fireworks are payed for by a local bank. It was a little windy and made for some great effects.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3688979942_94a2f03a08.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3688174003_207c1d8158.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3688970830_49e8851c00.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3688162033_50eea4e397.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/3688915054_fe2f62408f.jpg
MrGreenBug
07-07-2009, 10:40 AM
Wonderful fireworks photos all.
Ragingblues
07-10-2009, 12:21 PM
Here are a couple of unique ones I took this 4th:
http://www.kennydrew.com/2009-2nd_quarter/June_part_2/content/bin/images/large/IMG_5846.jpg ("http://www.kennydrew.com/2009-2nd_quarter/June_part_2/content/bin/images/large/IMG_5846.jpg)
http://www.kennydrew.com/2009-3rd_quarter/July_part_1/content/bin/images/large/IMG_5908.jpg ("http://www.kennydrew.com/2009-3rd_quarter/July_part_1/content/bin/images/large/IMG_5908.jpg)
Ken