How to shoot fireworks

[oregondaddyof2]

I learned a lot from that link. Thanks for posting it. I also clicked on the other lessons Mark offered, and they were great

 

[lizet313]

WOW great tips it is very helpful to have a site where you can get information and tips. Thanks everyboody.

 

[Malibelle]

Can someone either help or point me to the right thread about taking fireworks pictures with my Nikon D40?

I am new at it. I would like to know what manual setting is the best to take pictures. I plan on using a tripod. I really don't know much yet about my Nikon manual settings and could use some guidance.

 

[ssanders79]

Get the Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter for under $20. Then set your lens on Manual focus, prefocus on a spot in the sky and once you get the exposure and shutter speed the way you like grab a chair and a drink, sit back and enjoy the show while you click the remote just after the Boom.

I did just that the last 2 years while sitting in my driveway during the neighbor's firework show.

This is a shot from 2 yrs ago. It is not the best fireworks shot, but it is all I had on flickr.

Nikon D40
Exposure: 4 sec
Aperture: f/9
Focal Length: 42 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Program: Manual

 

[Todd_H]

Here's a great thread on fireworks put together by Mark Barbieri a while back: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1474329

 

[Malibelle]

Get the Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter for under $20. Then set your lens on Manual focus, prefocus on a spot in the sky and once you get the exposure and shutter speed the way you like grab a chair and a drink, sit back and enjoy the show while you click the remote just after the Boom.

I did just that the last 2 years while sitting in my driveway during the neighbor's firework show.

This is a shot from 2 yrs ago. It is not the best fireworks shot, but it is all I had on flickr.

Nikon D40
Exposure: 4 sec
Aperture: f/9
Focal Length: 42 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Program: Manual

Thats a great show, if mine can come out so clear like that I will be happy!

 

[WDWFigment]

I tend to follow all of the above practices; additionally, I use bulb mode, ISO 200, and an aperture of around f/20-22.

Here are a couple I've taken with the D40:




You can get EXIF by clicking the pictures (which takes you to their flickr pages).

 

[ssanders79]

I tend to follow all of the above practices; additionally, I use bulb mode, ISO 200, and an aperture of around f/20-22.

A tip for bulb mode: use a remote shutter to avoid camera shake.

 

[WDWFigment]

A tip for bulb mode: use a remote shutter to avoid camera shake.

Without a doubt. You should be using the ML-L3 for any tripod shot, in my opinion. It's too cheap (like $10 or so) to not have and use regularly.

 

[oregondaddyof2]

I just bought one of these remotes the other day.... I bought it particularly for WDW this year... Last year all my night/firework shots were taken by hand and they show... Most of the castle shots I took are blurry and the firwork shots are not impressive what so ever... I didn't understand the longer shutter speeds and the need for a tripod... The remote works awesome from the testing I have done... Looking forward to getting some shots... I only have a D60, and was a little worried about the quality I can get with it, but after seeing the couple of pictures here with a D40, I am very excited

 

[Gdad]

Does the ML-L3 (Wireless) hold the shutter open in Bulb Mode? I don't know- I seem to remember it did not on the D70 but things may have changed. I always had to use the MC-DC1. (Cable Release) Just wondering- I'm not that familiar with the D40.

 

[WDWFigment]

Does the ML-L3 (Wireless) hold the shutter open in Bulb Mode? I don't know- I seem to remember it did not on the D70 but things may have changed. I always had to use the MC-DC1. (Cable Release) Just wondering- I'm not that familiar with the D40.

Press once to open in bulb mode, press again to close. Works like a charm!

 

[Coach]

I got this from Nikon's website...

http://www.nikonusa.com/Learn-And-Explore/Photography-Techniques/fvttrrsx/1/The-Fireworks-Show.html

Give it a try.

 

[wenrob]

I got this from Nikon's website...

http://www.nikonusa.com/Learn-And-Explore/Photography-Techniques/fvttrrsx/1/The-Fireworks-Show.html

Give it a try.

No offense but that was just one big advertisement with very little info. The advice provided by previous posters is much more clear and detailed.

 

[annnewjerz]

No offense but that was just one big advertisement with very little info. The advice provided by previous posters is much more clear and detailed.

Sorry in advance, Wen!

I agree that PP's information was more clear and detailed from the technical side, but the link provided was more than an advertisement. It talked about the best back-drops for fireworks and how to make more interesting fireworks shots, using long-exposure noise reduction (which I don't think I'll be using), the importance of a tripod and the whole black card trick (which I haven't ever used or seen suggested and may actually be very helpful, especially if you don't have a remote shutter release to use).

IMO, definitely things to take into consideration and with me anyway, the more information the better---whether it's what shutter speed and aperture, how to compose a shot, new methods for shooting, or even if it's repetitive and has already been mentioned elsewhere.

 

[wenrob]

Sorry in advance, Wen!

I agree that PP's information was more clear and detailed from the technical side, but the link provided was more than an advertisement. It talked about the best back-drops for fireworks and how to make more interesting fireworks shots, using long-exposure noise reduction (which I don't think I'll be using), the importance of a tripod and the whole black card trick (which I haven't ever used or seen suggested and may actually be very helpful, especially if you don't have a remote shutter release to use).

IMO, definitely things to take into consideration and with me anyway, the more information the better---whether it's what shutter speed and aperture, how to compose a shot, new methods for shooting, or even if it's repetitive and has already been mentioned elsewhere.

No need to be sorry, lol. I just wasn't impressed.I didn't mean to suggest it wouldn't be helpful but I guess it kind of came off that way. When she talks about the black card trick she doesn't mention at all that would be a single exposure not different exposures between holding the card up and taking it down. That might not occur to a total newbie. I had also reviewed a couple fireworks threads prior so had read all the info provided in much more detail already. And blatant advertising just bugs me, lol. I know it is the Nikon site but I'm a don't shove something down my throat kind of person.

 

[oregondaddyof2]

I decided to go outside tonight and try some Shutter priority on my D60... I wanted to try to get some firework shots, and have a little fun with it... Here is some simple sparklers... Remember, this is my first attempt so I wanted to share, so be kind ... I am going to be practicing as much as I can to get ready for the MK Fireworks...

My son showing me how old he is...

My friend's Ty and Lisa showing me how to spell their names...

 

[Gdad]

Cool. I like the last one the best. It looks like Light Painting- I have see some real creative stuff with flashlights and colored LED's also.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/lightpainting/

 

[donaldduck1967]

Very nice shots.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Fun shots. I love playing with lights.

You might want to also use your flash. Shoot in either manual or shutter priority on Nikon or aperture priority on Canon so that the flash will mix with the ambient light for a good combined exposure. The flash adds definition to your subject.

I have a Disney example of the technique. It's a CM playing with some lighted toys. The flash provided a relatively sharp exposure of the CM but the long exposure gave the time for the moving toys to make trails.

After Hurricane Ike knocked out the power in our area last year, I took a series of shots of kids playing with light sticks. They were fun.