Adventures with those Firework Gods
If you've followed my PTRs and TRs before, you'll know that I've been chasing pyrotechnics in the sky for a couple of years now. You'll also know that until the start of this year, the Firework Gods have not really smiled down on me.
It wasn't that I didn't know the theory of how to take a fireworks shot....it was just that every time I had the opportunity, something would happen (e.g., out of position, launch malfunction) and the shoot would be less than ideal. I figured I have had my run of bad luck and those Gods had decided to either smile on me or plain ignore me when conditions finally turned my way over New Years, Australia Day, Moomba and at Hong Kong.
Or so I thought.....
Every Friday night during the month of July, the Dockland precinct on the edges of town hosts Fireworks at the Docklands. The Docklands is one of those urban concrete jungle developments that was started about 10 years ago. It hasn't struck the right note with Melbournians as for some unknown reason, it just seems to be so much colder at the Docklands than anywhere else in town. This area just seems to be missing a bit of 'soul' to me.
But throw in fireworks....and my tripod, camera and I are more than happy to overlook the soul and cold!
Last Friday, I headed down to the area in anticipation of more shooting practise. However, I left work a little later than expected and hit really bad traffic. It took me over an hour to move the 5 miles from one end of the city to the other. I guess the Gods weren't being kind to me this night.
It was no surprise that I got down late, with barely enough time to set up. Plus there was a BIG crowd there and all the prime viewing spots were occupied. I just managed to get the camera in place when the 10 minute whizz and bang started.
These are examples my shots from last week.
You have to admit....they are nice shots of the yacht, aren't they?
Those Firework Gods were reminding me that they are still around! But then it is amazing what a difference a week makes!
Last night, I headed down to the Docklands again. This time, I left work so early that everyone wondered if I was sick.
And I missed the peak hour traffic, so it took me roughly 10 minutes to get from one end of town to the other.
Plenty of time to check out the prime viewing spots.
After much internal debate, I settled on a position....and then promptly moved 3 times in search of better. In the end, I positioned myself here and persuaded those Firework Gods to smile on me (a little).
I haven’t decided if I will head down again next Friday night. Aside from the inconsistent weather, I think I might have just about used up my favours with those Gods for this month. But I have a new ND filter in my bag and have been planning on trying out the filter with fireworks. Sadly, I forgot to take it on both Fridays! The new filter is sitting safely on the dining table at home. And I can't really blame the Gods for that one.
In the meantime, it is a long time between now….and New Year’s Eve; when the next fireworks are scheduled!
I've got the cleaning services happening!
Nice to see you over here! Thanks for coming on in.
I was drinking when I read that. Now I have water in my nose!
I'm hoping to get some with both the Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella Castle in the background when I go on this trip.
