Fireworks Photos

[Donald is #1]

Help! I am sure that this question has been asked many times, but I never seem to have much luck with the search feature. During my May trip, I will be bringing my DSLR along with tripod, etc down to WDW and I would like to try to take some fireworks pictures. What is the best way to do it? My DSLR does not have scene settings on it, so I will need to set it up myself. I will be using my tripod and I will have my cable release with me. Do I just set it on either aperature or shutter priority and let it rip? Or should I set it up differently? If it helps, my camera is a D100.

Thanks everyone!

[ukcatfan]

Try manual mode, manual focus, ~f/12, 2 sec. shutter, and your lowest ISO. Try modifying from there if the exposure is not the best. It can also depend on how close you are. Try to keep the shutter at least 2 secs. though.

I agree that the search feature is not as nice as it used to be.

Kevin

[DVC Jen]

Someone posted this link a while ago and I saved it. I haven't read it yet - but plan too.

Maybe it will help you too.

http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-photograph-fireworks/

[Gdad]

I'm no expert but I have had some luck with keeping the camera in full manual mode- ISO 200 - aperature fairly closed- f16 or something along those lines - and use your cable release in bulb mode so the shutter opens as long as you hold it down. That way when you see the fireworks launch you can depress the shutter and hold it until the burst or sequence is complete. Look at the display and adjust the aperature if needed- particularly if there is anything else in the shot like a castle that may be over or under exposed. I also put it in manual focus mode so the camera is not searching constantly. Its kind of hit and miss so take a lot of shots and you will get some keepers. Good luck and be sure to share your results.

[barrie]

Tips for photographing fireworks (http://www.squidoo.com/WDWPhotos/#module1814374).

[Goinagain]

Along with everyone else's advice, I suggest you select your location well in advance. The perfect shot in terms of aperture, shutter speed, iso may not be totally perfect because the shot is partially blocked by trees, people, etc. Arrive early and position yourself in such a way that others can't get in front of you (like, against a railing).

For this shot (which is far from perfect), I was in the hub, to the right of center (that's why the light fixture appears on the right side of the picture, but not the left). Ideally, I would have been further back, but I couldn't find a good spot against a railing.

Good luck and have fun!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/kireland9/WDW%202007/CastleFireworkswhite.jpg

[shawn68]

That pic is great!

[handicap18]

I'll second the location thing as being my #1. I like one of the trashcans on Main St just past Casey's. I ended up using the one near the info board.

I set my tripod on top of the trash can rather than open it all the way on the road or sidewalk. Worked out great.

For settings: they can vary slightly, but generally Manual priority. ISO 200, Aperture: f/8-f11 and shutter speed anywhere from 2 seconds to 6 seconds. I mostly used a 5 second shutter for mine. Focus on the castle. Once its in focus, switch the camera and lens to manual focus, this way the camera wont try and refocus each time you release the shutter. You don't have to, but it might help.

If your comfortable and want to get a bit creative bring along a small piece of black cardboard type paper with you. Just big enough to completely cover the front of your lens. In manual priority set the shutter to "BULB" (ISO and f/stop you can use from above). As the fireworks start, release the shutter. When the first wave or bursts stop, cover the front of the lens with the black paper, getting it as close to the lens as you can without touching the lens. Then when the next wave of fireworks bursts start remove the paper from the lens. Do it once or twice like this then close the shutter. I wouldn't do it for more than 20 seconds or so. This will combine a few different bursts together in one shot. You can create a similar image during post processing, but sometimes its fun to experiment while your actually taking the picture.

Also during the finale, since there are so many bursts going off at the same time, getting a good picture is very hard because of over-exposure. Try shortening the shutter to 2 seconds and closing the aperture to f/16-f/22 to help isolate the streaks.

If you don't do either of the last 2 suggestions, no big deal. Just thought I put some possible options out there.

Have fun!!!

[Groucho]

I'll mostly echo what the others said... IMHO, a tripod (or some other quality support system) is absolutely essential. A remote shutter release is nearly as important, and makes it much easier, and less tiring (you can keep your arms at your side). I like bulb mode the best, so you can decide what parts of the fireworks to keep in. Sometimes you'll get slightly underexposed, sometimes over, but I think it's worth it. I took mine at F8. And definitely go for manual focus. A couple examples:

http://www.totalsham.com/pics/main.php/d/4131-4/2007WDW-221.jpg

http://www.totalsham.com/pics/main.php/d/5716-4/2007WDW-481.jpg

The only problem when you're done is deciding which ones you like the best - I have a ton of firework photos from the last trip that I'm really happy with. :)

[Donald is #1]

Wow! Thanks everyone! I am printing out your replies to take with me. I wouldn't have thought about going to manual focus since I always shoot in auto-focus. This will be my first trip with all of my camera gear so I can't wait. I normally only bring a point & shoot so that I don't carry by DSLR & lenses on the rides, but this trip is photography focused.:banana: I have been wanting to do a photography focused trip for years and I finally decided to do it. Animal Kingdom, EPCOT & MK, here I come!

I am going for 8 days, so I should have the opportunity to try many of your suggestions if not all of your suggestions.

Awesome pictures Goinagain & Groucho!

I can't wait... Less than 2 months now! :dance3:

[sasmmb]

I agree about using the bulb setting and picking location. Although even trees in the way can work if you frame it right. Here is of my favorite shots I took at Wishes about 18 months ago.
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7dd34b3127cce9854893219f400000017108UasWrRy5A
If you look closely you can see Peter Pan and friend flying in front of the castle.
(This is my first picture post, so I hope it works.)

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

I have a pentax k100d. I havent taken any as of yet. I did however find that if I used bulb setting . I can hold the the button down when I start the pic and take it off it will stop. I am picking up a remote so I don't have to touch the camera at all. I will also use a tripod. I didn't think about locations until reading this thread. I will have to find a good one for sure.

[allie5]

Both of these were taken with a compact, resting on a railing. I adjusted the exposure slightly (the firework mode was next to useless) and they came out OK for a little camera (Canon Ixus 800) - well I was quite pleased anyway!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/allie5/illuminations1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/allie5/illuminations3.jpg

[handicap18]

Nice shots allie. Well done.

Here are my 2 favorites. My spot as I stated above was a trash can just up from Casey's at the Info board:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c351/kgendron12/2006%20Trip%20Photos%20-%20June/Magic%20Kingdom/DSC_1679.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c351/kgendron12/2006%20Trip%20Photos%20-%20June/Magic%20Kingdom/DSC_1668a.jpg

My other piece of advise is to take lots of pictures and don't wait for the right picture. If you wait for it, chances are it wont come. So don't stop taking pictures till the show is over. You can do this and still enjoy watching the show by using a remote shutter. Once the shutter stops, start it again.

I ended up taking about 80 Wishes shots over 2 nights and got 18 I was happy with. Though the first night I had a bad spot and had focus issues. So in reality I got 18 real good ones out of about 40.

For Illuminations I only took about 20 as my battery was running out. But still got a few good ones.

[MommytoMJM]

Has anyone used the Intervalometer setting on the S2 for fireworks? I tend to use continuous shooting, but my finger gets tired trying to hold down the shutter button!

[photo_chick]

My biggest advice to add to what has been said is to make sure you know what is in your frame when you shoot. THis shot is from the past July 4th at my BIL's house. Would have been a great shot if the whole thing was in the frame.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w232/the_real_photo_chick/fire1sm.jpg

I have yet to do WDW fireworks though! Can't wait to do it though!

Good luck and happy shooting!

[Groucho]

Someone mentioned something about the exposure near the end... since the amount of light varies so much, you're also probably going to have to accept that sometimes the castle will be dark, and sometimes it'll be bright, and sometimes it'll be just right.

This is one that I kind of like, although the fireworks themselves are all blown out.

http://www.totalsham.com/pics/main.php/d/6222-4/2007WDW-567.jpg

Obviously the same shot with the fireworks not blown out would have a much darker castle, for better or for worse.

[Disneyfreak92]

Hi all! :wave2:

I ditto pretty much everything that has been said. I usually set up in the middle of Main Street several yards closer to the castle than Casey's. I use auto focus to get the castle in focus once I am set up, and then I switch to manual focus so it doesn't change on me. I go with Manual, BULB setting using my cable release, aperture at f/8, ISO 100. I try to time my shots with the bursts, and I take LOTS of pictures! Here's a couple of my faves.

http://lyndapphotography.smugmug.com/photos/122629861-M.jpg

http://lyndapphotography.smugmug.com/photos/123225773-M.jpg

[AndrewWG]

Ok, so here is my question about this. I will try my hand on the 4th of July (if my town can afford fireworks) with fireworks photos before going to WDW in Nov. I have a cheaper tripod. I say cheaper because I have seen alot better and alot worse. It is fairly stable but not great. Is it worth dragging this into the park, or would I just be better to keep the camera placed on a hard surface of some sort?

Also, is there a real dependable tripod that won't break the bank? In a perfect world, I would want one that is very portable and stable. The one I have now only folds up to about 20" or so making it not so fun to lug around.

Andy

[photo_chick]

Ok, so here is my question about this. I will try my hand on the 4th of July (if my town can afford fireworks) with fireworks photos before going to WDW in Nov. I have a cheaper tripod. I say cheaper because I have seen alot better and alot worse. It is fairly stable but not great. Is it worth dragging this into the park, or would I just be better to keep the camera placed on a hard surface of some sort?

Also, is there a real dependable tripod that won't break the bank? In a perfect world, I would want one that is very portable and stable. The one I have now only folds up to about 20" or so making it not so fun to lug around.

Andy

I would say a tripod is worth the effort. When everything is set the camera does not move much. If you just place the camera on a hard surface it will be easily nudged and wiggled.

[VickynMickey]

Both of these were taken with a compact, resting on a railing. I adjusted the exposure slightly (the firework mode was next to useless) and they came out OK for a little camera (Canon Ixus 800) - well I was quite pleased anyway!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/allie5/illuminations1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/allie5/illuminations3.jpg

You just gave me hope. What did you have your ISO set on. And what was the exp. you set the camera on. I have a Canon Power Shot SD800IS and I am hoping to get some nice Firework shots. Thanks

[nbodyhome]

I have quite a few fireworks shots here: http://www.denisesfitnessblog.com/disney/84/pirates-and-princess-party

From the Pirates and Princess party. I just used my Canon digital camera, no tripod. I thought they came out great still!

[allie5]

Both were taken on an exposure of 1.6 sec (this and ISO are the only manual adjustments you can with this camera). I left the ISO on auto which was probably 400 for a shot like this?? Be warned I found using too high an ISO gives a noisy image - here is one of Wishes that looks OK on a first glance but suffers badly from noise. I found Wishes harder to shoot as you have to get the settings on the castle right (which changes colour!) as well as your exposure on the fireworks!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/allie5/castle5.jpg

This was a (hand held) half second exposure on a high ISO setting. Ideally, I should have had a tripod, used a longer exposure and a lower ISO.

[nbodyhome]

I've tried many times to post a picture or two here, and I never seem to be able to. How does that work? Thanks!

[allie5]

I've tried many times to post a picture or two here, and I never seem to be able to. How does that work? Thanks!

Its pretty easy. First you need to post your pictures onto a webhosting service. Many people use photobucket, as its free, fast and reliable.

Simply register, then click "browse" to find your photos on your PC. Upload the picture you wish (or more than one if you want to) by clicking open then upload. When your photo is uploaded it will appear as a thumbnail with several options of code underneath - choose the bottom one with the tags - copy it then paste into a post here and when you submit, Bob's yer preverbial uncle, and your photo will appear!

[Groucho]

Ok, so here is my question about this. I will try my hand on the 4th of July (if my town can afford fireworks) with fireworks photos before going to WDW in Nov. I have a cheaper tripod. I say cheaper because I have seen alot better and alot worse. It is fairly stable but not great. Is it worth dragging this into the park, or would I just be better to keep the camera placed on a hard surface of some sort?

Also, is there a real dependable tripod that won't break the bank? In a perfect world, I would want one that is very portable and stable. The one I have now only folds up to about 20" or so making it not so fun to lug around.

Andy
What kind of camera are we talking about here? Most point-n-shoots are pretty lightweight and will do OK on most any tripod. A DSLR will really benefit from a better tripod. Another option that most owners seem really happy with is a Gorillapod.

Now, back to the original thread - my talk of tripods doesn't mean that you shouldn't bother at all if you don't - you can still get a decent result with hand-holding. Here's a couple that I took with my old point-n-shoot Minolta Z5, 12x zoom, IS, 5mp.

http://www.totalsham.com/pics/main.php/d/1640-2/2006WDW-51.jpg

http://www.totalsham.com/pics/main.php/d/1643-2/2006WDW-52.jpg

I don't think they're too bad for just aiming and pressing the button (the camera didn't really "inspire" me so I wasn't trying very hard)... but I do think that a tripod can easily make the difference between a good fireworks photo and a great one. You'll also probably get a lot more "keepers".

[handicap18]

Ok, so here is my question about this. I will try my hand on the 4th of July (if my town can afford fireworks) with fireworks photos before going to WDW in Nov. I have a cheaper tripod. I say cheaper because I have seen alot better and alot worse. It is fairly stable but not great. Is it worth dragging this into the park, or would I just be better to keep the camera placed on a hard surface of some sort?

Also, is there a real dependable tripod that won't break the bank? In a perfect world, I would want one that is very portable and stable. The one I have now only folds up to about 20" or so making it not so fun to lug around.

Andy

Andy, I think with your S2 that you'll be fine for now with the tripod you have. For my Disney fireworks shots I carried around an $18 travel tripod I got at amazon. It folded down to about 14" and fit perfectly in my backpack and it held my D50 fine. Granted it only expanded to about 42" high when fully extended so its not really a bit one, but it works. They do have lockers you can rent for the day at all the parks. Just drop your tripod in a locker when you get to the park and go get it a few hours prior to wishes so you can get yourself a good spot.

As for the local fireworks. I got some good shots of the show in Onset last summer. Didn't have the best of spots as I didn't notice the 2 big trees infront of us right away and by the time I did realize it, it was too late. Our spot was just across the back end of Marc's on the grass near the gazabo. (sorry to everyone else reading this, but Andy and I are from the same town, though I don't live there anymore I still do visit)

Here are a few of the good ones. I didn't use the travel tripod, but the tripod I did use isn't an expensive one either. Probably similar to the one you have.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Misc%20Photo%20Gallery/DSC_2248.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Misc%20Photo%20Gallery/DSC_2249.jpg

I think the best spot here would be on the hill just behind the Beachcomber in front of the Indian statue.

Just as an FYI to others reading. Here are 2 pics of the area I'm referring to in my home town. The fireworks are shot off from the far right of these pics.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Misc%20Photo%20Gallery/Cape%20Cod%20Mass/DSC_2206.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Misc%20Photo%20Gallery/Cape%20Cod%20Mass/DSC_4778.jpg

Hope the info helps.

[Donald is #1]

Everyone who posted pictures:
Those are awesome shots! :worship: You have me convinced to spend every night taking fireworks photos during my trip!

[nbodyhome]

Its pretty easy. First you need to post your pictures onto a webhosting service. Many people use photobucket, as its free, fast and reliable.


Thank you!!!!!!! I have my photos online (on our site), but haven't figured it all out yet as far as posting here. But I'll try Photobucket and see how that works.

[AndrewWG]

Kyle,

Thanks. Good info for sure. We have a real good spot for the fireworks that I will be able to set up real nicely with a tripod. I bought a new one today anyways. It isn't an expensive super good one, but it is MUCH nicer than the one I had. In particular, it has the removable head (and came with a free extra one too) and is alot lighter and a little shorter when packed up (19.5" or so). It is a SUNPAK 200I UT. Seems like it will do the trick just fine as it takes cameras up to 4 lbs. The S2 with all accessories isn't near that. Real easy to use too. Overall, I am very pleased with the purchase. It was $20 on sale from $30 at the New England Flower Show. I'm sure I could get it for $20 online too, but hey, I was there and it was there, so I snagged it!

Looking forward to trying it out on those fireworks and other photos soon. Now, if this snow would just melt.... again!

Andy

[nbodyhome]

Yay, thank you for telling me about Photobucket!

I took these with my S2, no tripod or anything. These are from my site, I have others too that came out well (for a digital camera hand-held).

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/nbodyhome/24fireworks.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/nbodyhome/13castlefireworks.jpg

[jann1033]

best advertisement for using a tripod i know... Old film photo from our last trip when i didn't feel like getting my tripod out of the locker:rolleyes: so no tripod, no IS or any fancy gadgets..this might be one where the kid by me kept kicking the fence i was resting my camera on..really helpful little kid:rolleyes1 :sad2: I call this one..Snakes On Caffine

someone asked about none "breaking the bank" tripods..i just got one from giotto that so far i love and they have a huge variety of prices and some nice features i didn't see with some others for the same prices.


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/jann1033/wdwilluminations1.jpg

[sharon78]

Great thread.Fantastic photos.

DH brought a Cannon 400D just after christmas, (his first ever camera).
So he's very new to photography. He also hasnt had a chance to take any photos of fireworks yet, were going to WDW next month so this thread and the links will be very useful. He also brought a trypod to take with us. I dont think he'll be confident enough to use the camera on manual settings, however after he's read all this info and the links he might suprise me.