fireworks pic - need advice!

[beckygeez]

We are leaving in 2 weeks for WDW and DCL. I have a Canon EOS Rebel XT that I just got for xmas and am still learning (probably will be for years to come) how to use it. I have two lens, but neither are image stabilizing and I don't have a tripod. I know those things would be ideal for taking fireworks pictures, but I don't want to "rush" and get either of them without really knowing and researching what I want so I'm wondering what the best way is to take pix of fireworks (what settings, etc) or is it a waste of time to even try? Thank you!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

We need a sticky for this.

1. Always use a tripod (you can't get away from that, not even with the 'budget' tripods)
2. Always use either remote shutter release or shutter delay so your finger press doesn't shake tha camera
3. Never use flash
4. The easiest way is to use fireworks mode
5. If you don't have that use Landscape mode with flash turned off
6. If you want to go the manual route, I like ISO100, 2 sec shutter, f/10

 

[beckygeez]

Thanks Kelly -

you had recommended a particular tripod to me before and I wrote it down so I'll probably get that before we leave. I just don't want to make any quickie decisions about the IS lens. I'll make sure I bring the remote with also. I don't think I have a fireworks mode but I can do the landscape mode or the manual. Would night shot without the flash work? Some of my questions probably sound stupid to photographers like you - someday hopefully I'll know what I'm talking about

 

[handicap18]

Get the tripod. If you have any type of SLR you should have a tripod. Great investment.

Check the other threads for fireworks. There is a lot of great info there already given.

Kelly's right, the fireworks thread should be a sticky. Either that or someone should start a new thread with the best of the fireworks tips in it and have that as a sticky. Then we can all just post our pictures of fireworks to new threads. Leave the sticky thread for how to get good ones.

Did that makes sense?

 

[Kelly Grannell]

The question is... where is the moderator? Last time I heard I think he was recuperating from an accident or seomthing. Or was that another person?

 

[Andrew Bichard]

1. Always use a tripod

But where oh where can you set up a tripod at Magic Kingdom and get a clear view of the fireworks without someone standing in front of your camera and tripod?

Andrew

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Right about here:

 

[Kelly Grannell]

or facing just the fireworks such as:

 

[Kelly Grannell]

or here:

(about 15 feet closer to thte castle compared to the first pic I posted)

 

[Kelly Grannell]

even here:

 

[Kelly Grannell]

or here:

or here: (taken on a different day than the first two castle pics)

 

[Dan Murphy]

I got some decent results with continuous mode.

I know they started this board with 2 moderator type people and one left as currently pretty busy now. The other had knee surgery a few months back, saw him a few days after that but have not seen in about a month or so. Maybe send an email to corey@wdwinfo.com (he is pretty good at taking care of things when made aware) and see if he can make a sticky for you.

 

[beckygeez]

Ok, let me clarify - if I have a tripod, set to the settings that you said Kelly,but I don't have an IS lens, do I have a prayer at taking pictures even half as good as you!? Cuz I'd be happy with half as good, really!

Your pictures are awesome! If mine don't turn out, I'm just going to make copies of yours (j/k)

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I didn't use IS for any of those pics, Becky. I'm sure you'll get pics as good, if not better than mine. In fact there are many more members whose pictures are better than mine.

 

[beckygeez]

So what would be considered a "budget" tripod to stay away from and what would be a tripod that is sufficient enough for my needs but not going to put me in debt before leaving on our trip! I was looking at the best buy site because with our trip coming so soon I thought it would be best to pick it up at the store rather than hoping it gets shipped here in time.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Basically, IMHO, those WalMart specials won't do.

Something like this will do you good.

 

[intrep93]

Kelly - your shots look great. What camera are you using. Last trip I took my Nikon with all the lenses, flash, etc. Was thinking about getting a Canon S2 IS for this trip so I don't have so much to lug around.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Canon 300D with shutter release, a bigass tripod with ball head (all Manfrotto), cable shutter release, and Sigma 18-125 f/5.6 lens. Basically the lowest end dSLR currently on the market.

 

[DebºoºS]

Kelly those pics are beautiful

So tell me more with your Canon do you set the aperature(if so what) or f stop and then focus on infinity?

 

[Kelly Grannell]

The shutter speed is about 2 sec, f/10 to f/13, and I focused on the castle then switch the lens to manual focus (so it doesn't do focus hunting while the picture is being taken)