Advice requested for taking photos of fireworks

[ddt0725]

Yep, it's me again ...the new kid on the block with another question [:O]


Any advice for taking photos of fireworks? I paid extra $ to make sure my lenses reach me before New Years Eve since I'll have a few days off to spend more time with them. I know my neighbors will be shooting off fireworks New Years Eve, any suggestions on taking great photos of fireworks??


Again, suggestions greatly appreciated! []


Denise

[MrGreenBug]

Hi Denise!


Hope you're enjoying the holidays. With regards to your question, here's what I did based on my first experience shooting fireworks. I am quite new too to this fireworks thing but I hope the information below will be a good starting point.


- Went to the siteof the fireworks display EARLY and scout a good spot;


- Setup tripod on your spot;


- Prepare your camera (and my settings were: MF, ISO 100, f/16, BULB Mode, Tungsten WB, Shutter Release (cable/wireless transmitter), no filters)


- Pre-focus on where you think the fireworks will be bursting into a colorful show, adjust when necessary when the actual fireworks start (I forgot about this when I transferred spots);


There's a lot of good people in here that have shared their experiences too. Check out the links below.


http://community.the-digital-picture.com/forums/p/1581/11480.aspx
http://community.the-digital-picture.com/forums/p/1583/11504.aspx
http://community.the-digital-picture.com/forums/p/2579/20303.aspx
http://community.the-digital-picture.com/forums/p/1577/11453.aspx
http://community.the-digital-picture.com/forums/p/1094/7619.aspx


Happy shooting!

[ddt0725]

Wow! This is exactly what I needed! Thank you soo much for all the info [] This should help a lot!


Happy New Year!


Denise

[apersson850]

I agree with the advice above. Just want to add that depending upon how far from the fireworks you are, you may need f/8 - f/16. Usually AWB works just as well. Nobody will know exactly which colors your fireworks really had, anyway. Or shoot RAW and fix it afterwards, if you like.


A tripod is essential. When shooting, you have the camera in bulb setting, press the remote release when the rocket hurls towards the sky and release when it has spread its light over the sky.