Fireworks

One of my favorite subjects to shoot is fireworks! I just posted a couple of my shots from last year's 4th of July celebration in my city. One is a straightforward shot, while one is more artistic (or at least I think so). Both were shot using my Canon Digital Rebel XT set to ISO 100 and f/8. The "clear" shot was 7 seconds and the "shaky" one was 8 seconds. I'd love to get suggestions for how I could improve either of these shots, or similar ones.

Tags: fireworks, light, low, night

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Permalink Reply by Andy Entrekin on February 24, 2008 at 12:55pm

Thanks, Yurick! I read that, and it was what I had been trying. I figured it might be a problem with my computer, so I tried again and it worked just I thought it should.

Permalink Reply by jadeast on February 24, 2008 at 3:23am

A technique that worked well in the past for me especially when you want multiple exposures on the same frame is to set the timed exposure or set on "bulb" leave the cover on the lens then when you hear the rocket going up before the explosion, remove the lens cap for the duration of the visual display, then replace the lens cap until the next one then remove it again . this reduces the incidental light and give you a darker background for the brilliant colors.

Permalink Reply by Adam Best on August 15, 2008 at 1:35pm

Hi, Andy. Loved those shots! I didn't get a chance to shoot "official" fireworks this year, but I shot some friends with cheap fireworks. I kinda liked two of them.

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Permalink Reply by Andy Entrekin on August 16, 2008 at 3:06pm

Adam: I like those! Great job of capturing fireworks on a smaller scale!

Permalink Reply by Muthu Kumar on December 2, 2008 at 12:49am

i loved the snap by afoi.

Andy your images are good.

but i think it would even do better if there would have been a bit more of black in it

since the image covers exactly the fireworks, i think it loses a bit of perspective... the idea of how high the firework is going on and such.

otherwise its cool. loved your second snap.

heres one of mine....

Permalink Reply by Malcolm lloyd on April 17, 2009 at 10:44am

Hi there just joined and would like to share some of my shots thanks taken 1/1/09.Malcolm

Permalink Reply by Joe Meyers on June 28, 2009 at 3:42pm

Our first attempt at fireworks. We just use the "fireworks" setting on our Olympus E520. It has a 4 second open shutter. I think maybe a little long would be better. But we liked what we got.

Permalink Reply by Robert Eddy on February 5, 2010 at 8:27pm

Actually, I find using BULB setting works well. Set to f8 and ISO 100; make sure the sky you are pointing to is dark (no beacons, ground lights, etc.).When one goes up, hold the shutter open. wait until 3-5 fireworks go off, then let go. This can be anywhere for .5 second to 7 seconds. I have noticed if too many fireworks get in the picture, it tends to wash it out. I have downloaded an example in this group. Also, use a remote cable or wireless shutter button.

Permalink Reply by Robert Eddy on February 5, 2010 at 9:16pm

Here are the examples.

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