How to shoot fireworks

[Groucho]

Look for something called "bulb mode" - chances are that most PnS cameras don't have it, it really works best with a remote shutter release and few PnSs support those. The K1000 equivalent is a cable release with a screw tightened down to hold it open. A bit more low-tech but a heck of a lot easier on batteries!

Remote shutter releases are terrific for fireworks - last night, at one point, my son got tired of my wife holding him and wanted me to, and I was able to hold him (and he ain't light, people!) and still fire off shots at the same time thanks to the remote and the tripod.

 

[vettechick99]

Last week, I got the chance to shoot the MK fireworks from the Tower Lounge in the Contemporary Resort. I set up my tripod and camera with my 28-300mm IS lens mounted on the tripod (IS turned off of course).

SharonLowe, or anyone else, why do you turn off the IS? I just ordered an IS lens so it's all new to me. Thanks!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

SharonLowe, or anyone else, why do you turn off the IS? I just ordered an IS lens so it's all new to me. Thanks!

It depends on the IS system. Some systems actually cause small vibrations when there are no vibrations to dampen. Others shut off when they have no work to do.

I'm only familiar with the Canon lens-based systems. The older versions like the old 75-300 IS (not the newer 70-300 IS) and the 28-135 IS should be turned off when used on a tripod.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

AWESOME photos, Groucho! Those are some of the coolest fireworks photos I've ever seen. I'm going to have to see if I can set up the tripod in the canoe and try some shots sometime. I really love those shots.

My favorite is:

 

[tinksdad]

Here's a few from our local fireworks show. Albuquerque has their show at the Balloon Fiesta Park. No pretty water or historic buildings in the foreground to add interest, but a good show. Joan Jett and Blackhearts played prior to the show, it was fun.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

We didn't go to a professional fireworks show this year. We just joined the neighborhood pyromaniacs. Here are a few shots that I got:

 

[Groucho]

Thanks Mark! I appreciate it. I thought the one you liked was pretty cool, myself. I also really like the second one I posted, it's kind of surreal. There are a few more in my gallery, in the "boating" section.

Your shots aren't too shabby, either.

We were close enough to the fireworks last night that I tried to get some shots of the guys running around lighting them off... they didn't look great on the LCD but it's hard to tell until I get them on the PC and processed. Hopefully soon...

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Yours look like some sort of fantasy spirograph fireworks. It's a really cool effect.

 

[SplshMtn99]

Canon S3 IS. I haven't gone thru all 725 shots, but here are 2 that jump out at me.
Distance about 1/2 mile.

1. FIREWORKS MODE: handheld but leaning against a fixed object. Not edited. I wished I had taken more in fireworks mode. This is one of just 3 that I did take. I do have a high speed card, but it still said "busy" as it was writing to the card. Done in continuous shoot mode.

2. NIGHT SNAPSHOT MODE: handheld but leaning against a fixed object. Cropped. All other pictures were taken in this mode. Done in continuous shoot mode.

 

[LMarge]

Tinksdad~

This is so pretty - it looks like a flower!

 

[SharonLowe]

SharonLowe, or anyone else, why do you turn off the IS? I just ordered an IS lens so it's all new to me. Thanks!

Ditto what Mark said - the newer ones should be fine but why risk it?? I ruined some night shots a few years ago because I forgot to turn it off. Although I have replaced that lens with newer ones, I still turn it off just in case.

 

[boBQuincy]

Reflections of Earth - February 2007

 

[vettechick99]

Thanks, guys!!

 

[SplshMtn99]

Bob, VERY NICE!!! Were those shot from the stairs in Canada or Mexico? Nice high vantage point.

 

[tinksdad]

Bob, VERY NICE!!! Were those shot from the stairs in Canada or Mexico? Nice high vantage point.

Agreed!!

That's something that I need to remind myself about, is the foreground and you don't "need" to just get the firework itself. Sometimes the surrounding area makes a more compelling shot!

 

[gokenin]

Bob, VERY NICE!!! Were those shot from the stairs in Canada or Mexico? Nice high vantage point.

a complete guess on my part but looking at the second pic with the american pavilion on the lower right in the picture i would hazard it was taken from canada but then i could be way off

 

[McRib]

Hi-

I'll be at Disneyland next week and wanted to get some fireworks pictures (with the castle in the foreground ideally.) I remember trying last year and got there too late to get a spot where I could either get a good shot of the castle or reasonably use a tripod (ended up in a group of people standing so I had to shoot handheld.)

Obviously getting there early is key, but how early do they start letting people camp in front of the castle? Are there any other easy spots I'm overlooking?

Thanks!
Mike

 

[boBQuincy]

a complete guess on my part but looking at the second pic with the american pavilion on the lower right in the picture i would hazard it was taken from canada but then i could be way off

You are absolutely correct! They were taken from Canada, up the stairs, by the gift shop on the left. It was somewhat crowded but there was a nice place to set up my tripod on some "storage" crates.

Btw, the settings were 1.6 and 2 seconds, f/16 and f/20, ISO 100 with a 24-105 lens at 24 and 28.

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

A couple to share from tonight....

All shot in manual, f/8 or f/16, 2-6 seconds, bulb mode, ISO 200, 18-135 lens at various settings. This is my first time shooting fireworks on my d50, and my only time before our trip this December, so I am glad to have the confidence now. Thanks to everyone's tips here on the DIS, I really think I can get a great shot during our trip!

Lisa

 

[CathrynRose]

Canon S3 IS - just te fireworks setting: