First time trying fireworks photography

C&C welcome.





http://www.flickr.com/photos/craig_arnold/sets/72157624283817133/





Exif: Canon EOS Rebel T1i, F/13, Bulb, ISO 100. EF-S 18-55 IS.

Nice shots Graig. Well done. I've tried a few times, but my pic's were not as good as yours. Excellent. Regards Wally.

Awesome shots, Craig! I am debating whether to try my first attempt at it this weekend! You did a great job and if I go, at least you answered my question of which lens to use!

Denise

Hi Craig,


I don't have much experience with fireworks either, but 2 things that I could point out that may help you next time, are:


1)It appears that a shorter Focal Length on your zoom would have been better, or you could back up a little bit next time (which isn't so easy with a tripod in a crowd), because a lot of the fireworks are bursting off of the frame. I would like to see the full burst in the frame surrounded by a little black.


2) The other comment is, to shoot more Verticals of the fireworks instead of Landscape horizontal.


Otherwise, great first attempt.


Rich

Cool fireworks photos! It looks like not your first time. [:)]

For everyone stopping by this thread, I wanted to recount a tip I found in popular photography--try some short zooming during the end of the exposure (as the firework is exploding). From the examples I saw, it transformed regular looking fireworks into something extraordinary.


Anyway, it might be worth a try...

Craig, nice work! I also tried shooting some fireworks on Canada Dayand it was great fun. Some pointers I might suggest:
- make sure your tripod is level. Some of your shots have an angled horizon. I always use a bubble level.
- spend some time choosing the best vantage point. That sign on the left of some of the images is a bit of a distraction.
- shoot some frames in the vertical, and zoom out a bit. I like it when you can catch a complete rocket trail leading to a burst.


Here's an article you might find interesting. Some of the points are basic but it's a good read regardless:
http://www.canadiannaturephotographer.com/Fireworks.pdf


Happy shooting, and happy Fourth of July!

Nice shots Craig! Your display was much better than mine was... It was all scattered and came from 3 places and etc etc etc ha! Great shots though. I recommend trying to stay upwind of the display as then the smoke will be blown away, but probably like me, there was no wind and made it impossible!


Good luck!