How to shoot fireworks

[JR6ooo4]

Here's a quickie sample I did in about 10 minutes off of your small version posted above.

I took this photo of your with the head:

And layered it over the top of the first test shot you posted (which had the same castle color). I had to resize the test shot until it matched the castle size in the fireworks shot, and tilt it just slightly to align. Then I had to bring up the shadow brightness about 15% so the sky darkness was about equal. I then erased away the head, revealing the test shot castle and background beneath...and used the clone tool to fill in the fireworks down to the castle:

It may not be 100% perfect, but it'd be perfectly passable for most prints...and it's a fairly simple fix.

there you go. Great tip. Not all great photos started as great photos...

MIkeeee

 

[wenrob]

Nice work Justin! A lesson for all of us, take test shots, they could save the day!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Here's a quickie sample I did in about 10 minutes off of your small version posted above.

I took this photo of your with the head:

And layered it over the top of the first test shot you posted (which had the same castle color). I had to resize the test shot until it matched the castle size in the fireworks shot, and tilt it just slightly to align. Then I had to bring up the shadow brightness about 15% so the sky darkness was about equal. I then erased away the head, revealing the test shot castle and background beneath...and used the clone tool to fill in the fireworks down to the castle:

It may not be 100% perfect, but it'd be perfectly passable for most prints...and it's a fairly simple fix.

WOW! Zackiedawg that's awesome! Okay I do have Photoshop CS3, but I am a total noob when it comes to PP. I know nothing. Do you have any recommendations for a book to get or website to visit that can walk me through how to do these corrections? Thank you so much for your help!
ETA: I would hate to put you out and ask you to fix my photos, although I really appreciate the offer. I think it's about time I started learning how to do this stuff for myself. In a way, this was the kick in the pants that I needed!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

wenrob, Anne & Jann,
Thanks for posting. In my heart I knew I should have opened my mouth, but it was so hard because I was behind and to the middle left of the tripod and he was in front to the right. I would have had to stop taking photos to move over and tap him on the shoulder to get his attention because the fireworks were so loud, I don't think he would've been able to hear me. Next time I will tap my hubby and have him ask the guy to move over a bit. I'll also have them stand in front to the right and left to keep a clear space.
Now I need to get my hands on a how to website or book so I can start fixing these photos. On the upside, I've been putting off learning about PP, so in a way, this will hold my feet to the fire and force me to learn.
Thanks,
DSF

 

[zackiedawg]

WOW! Zackiedawg that's awesome! Okay I do have Photoshop CS3, but I am a total noob when it comes to PP. I know nothing. Do you have any recommendations for a book to get or website to visit that can walk me through how to do these corrections? Thank you so much for your help!
ETA: I would hate to put you out and ask you to fix my photos, although I really appreciate the offer. I think it's about time I started learning how to do this stuff for myself. In a way, this was the kick in the pants that I needed!

Sounds good - it is a good idea to start learning the basics since you've got the software...that's pretty much how I did it years ago when I first got a good editing suite.

As for tutorials...I don't know of one off-hand - but I'm quite sure there are hundreds out there on the web. One resource I used alot was the Retouching forums over on dpreview dot com. It's a big photo board, and there is one whole forum devoted to retouching. I got inspiration, asked questions, posted problems to see what their solutions were, etc. It really helped me figure out the software, and then just get better at it with practice.

Give that a try...and see if my basic instructions above on how I did it can be followed - start with the first step of opening both photos...then while viewing the fireworks photo, go to Edit, Copy...then switch over to the test shot and click Edit, Paste as new layer. Now you've got one photo layered over the other, and need to figure out how to resize, align, alter color and brightness, and erase away.

And do some googling for Photoshop CS tutorial - I'm sure you'll find a nice selection from beginners to advanced!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I still use an older version of Photoshop (before the CS packs started) and bought the book "Down And Dirty Tricks." Great book, they keep it easy and take you step by step. Also, youtube has video tutorials, just a thought....

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Sounds good - it is a good idea to start learning the basics since you've got the software...that's pretty much how I did it years ago when I first got a good editing suite.

As for tutorials...I don't know of one off-hand - but I'm quite sure there are hundreds out there on the web. One resource I used alot was the Retouching forums over on dpreview dot com. It's a big photo board, and there is one whole forum devoted to retouching. I got inspiration, asked questions, posted problems to see what their solutions were, etc. It really helped me figure out the software, and then just get better at it with practice.

Give that a try...and see if my basic instructions above on how I did it can be followed - start with the first step of opening both photos...then while viewing the fireworks photo, go to Edit, Copy...then switch over to the test shot and click Edit, Paste as new layer. Now you've got one photo layered over the other, and need to figure out how to resize, align, alter color and brightness, and erase away.

And do some googling for Photoshop CS tutorial - I'm sure you'll find a nice selection from beginners to advanced!

Thanks Zackiedawg! I checked out the forums and will try to do the editing you laid out above. I really appreciate all your tips and help!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I still use an older version of Photoshop (before the CS packs started) and bought the book "Down And Dirty Tricks." Great book, they keep it easy and take you step by step. Also, youtube has video tutorials, just a thought....

Thank you! I'll check out the book and Youtube.

 

[Groucho]

Bulb mode with a remote shutter release is the ideal way.

Check out this thread for more fireworks discussions.

 

[Groucho]

Would it have been possible to shift your tripod slightly to the left?

I generally won't ask people to move; everyone has the same right to view the fireworks as I do and if I can't get a good spot, it's my own fault for not getting there earlier. My desire to use a tripod is not someone else's problem; and it's dark enough that someone may legitimately have not seen it. Then there's the parents who put their kids on their shoulders - oh wait, I've probably done that. But that's one that can certainly hurt the view for people behind... it's all part of the game IMHO.

One other thing to note for those who haven't been to DL lately - it is certainly harder to get a good fireworks spot than at WDW! It is generally PACKED body-to-body for the fireworks and you don't have as many options. The good news is that "Remember Dreams Come True" is way, way better than "Wishes" IMHO.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

It's amazing what even small amounts of pepper spray can do.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Would it have been possible to shift your tripod slightly to the left?

I generally won't ask people to move; everyone has the same right to view the fireworks as I do and if I can't get a good spot, it's my own fault for not getting there earlier. My desire to use a tripod is not someone else's problem; and it's dark enough that someone may legitimately have not seen it. Then there's the parents who put their kids on their shoulders - oh wait, I've probably done that. But that's one that can certainly hurt the view for people behind... it's all part of the game IMHO.

One other thing to note for those who haven't been to DL lately - it is certainly harder to get a good fireworks spot than at WDW! It is generally PACKED body-to-body for the fireworks and you don't have as many options. The good news is that "Remember Dreams Come True" is way, way better than "Wishes" IMHO.

Well...I was there an hour and a half before the fireworks and set up the tripod at that time, so it wasn't like people around didn't know what my intentions were. It was packed, wall to wall people and if I moved, I'm sure I would've been blocking someone else's view -- so I didn't want to do that... You know, Karma and all that...I actually had a throw down on the ground to kind of help define my area, but it didn't matter. As soon as the fireworks was going to start this guy moved in. I looked down and he was standing on my throw. I honestly don't know what more I could have done to mark my territory. As I said, I didn't want to start a war...So I sucked it up...
RDCT is the best fireworks show ever. But unfortunately, I heard to save money on fireworks and personnel, they've cut a good 3 minutes of the show...
Next time I'll have to sick my DH on anyone who moves in like that!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

It's amazing what even small amounts of pepper spray can do.

Right!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I looked down and he was standing on my throw.

I prefer to stop by a novelty store before my trip and pick up some fake vomit. I've found that works better than a throw. Just don't put it down too early or a cast member will clean it up.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I prefer to stop by a novelty store before my trip and pick up some fake vomit. I've found that works better than a throw. Just don't put it down too early or a cast member will clean it up.

Maybe I have to try that trick!

 

[figment41]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good fireworks digital camera?? I am looking for a digital as my canon 35mm is great for them. I am just getting a litttle anxious to be able to carry only 1 digital camera (preferably small) for the whole day.

I knew this would be the place to ask as there are probably millions of fireworks photos out there!!

 

[ILIKEWDW]

Hmmmm...... I have a small Sony, digital camera, well, I have two, one is that with the "touch screen" system and the other not, but both have the function to take pictures to fireworks.

I have used (both) in that function and the pictures were awesome.

I will look for the model number to post it later......

 

[mrudman]

I LOVE my panasonic tz5.. have never had a problem with a blurry pic from it.. and took wonderful pics (imo) of the fireworks while we were there...

I'll upload a few, then post the link to them in a couple minutes..

 

[ILIKEWDW]

I got my cameras, one is the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T300 and the other is Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T100.

And I also can post some pictures I have taken with those cameras.....

 

[mrudman]

Gonna see if this works.. haven't ever tried posting an album before..

All these pics were taken on intelligent auto mode.. I am definitely no camera expert, so love this feature of this camera.. makes it a total point&shoot type camera..

http://s577.photobucket.com/albums/ss220/mrudman41873/?albumview=grid