How to shoot fireworks

[Michele]

The most important tips....turn off your flash and use a tripod or trash can for support.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

The boys celebrated the New Year by playing with fire for a while last night. It was a little early for New Years (about 7:30), but we don't stay up very late around here. Here are some of my pictures of the event:

The shots were taken at ISO 200 using bulb mode and an aperture around f/4 to f/5.6. For light, I shot through a ring flash in a shoot-thru softbox.

If I had it to do again, I'd change up some things. First, I'd find a darker area to shoot. The XMas lights in the background are a distraction. The extra ambient light from the streetlamps and other lights increases the "ghosting" of the kids.

I'd use speedlights instead of the Alien Bees. I couldn't figure out how to trigger the Bees with a second curtain sync (firing when I close the shutter rather than when I open it). I'd also move the light away from the camera. I'd probably put one flash on either side of me angled back toward the middle.

Given the amount of smoke, I'd opt to do this on a windy night. It wasn't too bad last night, but several shots were really hurt by smoke when the wind died down.

If I really wanted good fireworks shots, I'd have used adults as subjects. I wanted to let the kids have fun, so I didn't push too hard on them. Still, they couldn't even master the basic concepts of looking towards the camera. What you really want is someone that can invision what the long exposure shot of their movements will look like and not paint across their face, make interesting designs (from the perspective of the camera), etc.

For type of shooting I'm thinking of, the ideal fireworks generate little smoke (paper free sparklers worked better than the paper wrapped ones) and aren't too bright (smaller sparklers are better than thicker ones). Brighter objects create more problems with subject ghosting.

I'm considering doing another shoot in the future in front of a black paper background (we'll keep lots of water handy, just in case), with a fan to help drive away smoke, and some creative adults or older kids.

The rest of the pictures can be seen on my Smugmug site here.

 

[tubachick]

great shots!

 

[PhotobearSam]

They looked like they had lots of fun.

They are really going to appreciate all these pics of their childhood when they get older.

 

[logansmummy]

Help, its official, we are in the market for ANOTHER camera? I had a Sony Cybershot, loved it, then someone talked me into this kodak, don't like it at all!!! I want a great camera that takes for example, awesome pictures of the castle at night and fireworks? Help, advice needed.

 

[ukcatfan]

You actually do not have too much in the demands. You want full manual controls, ability to use a remote shutter (even better if included for free), and a get a tripod that is sturdy enough for the camera (if a p&s camera almost any tripod will do).

 

[Groucho]

I'd use speedlights instead of the Alien Bees. I couldn't figure out how to trigger the Bees with a second curtain sync (firing when I close the shutter rather than when I open it). I'd also move the light away from the camera. I'd probably put one flash on either side of me angled back toward the middle.

It's not clear from your statement if your flash is wired or wireless... if it's wireless, I don't believe it's possible. You'd need a special sender on your camera and one of a couple specific OEM flashes in order to get rear-curtain wirelessly.

 

[broberts]

I hope everyone is enjoying all of their new goodies from Santa.


I was wondering if anyone has any experience shooting the fireworks from the Contemporary Theme Park View rooms? I got the 40% code in the email and couldn't resist booking this room.


Thanks.

 

[annnewjerz]

I hope everyone is enjoying all of their new goodies from Santa.


I was wondering if anyone has any experience shooting the fireworks from the Contemporary Theme Park View rooms? I got the 40% code in the email and couldn't resist booking this room.


Thanks.

No experience, but what a lucky deal...I check my e-mail for a PIN everyday, so far, nothing.

 

[broberts]

I know. We were going to go anyways and stay at POR and I even booked it. After mulling it over for a few, I decided to just call and see. So yesterday I booked the Garden View. I thought about it this morning, and decided what the hay, I will probably never be able to afford this again, so I called and did the upgrade. Now the hard part, waiting the 11 months for the trip. UGH!

 

[RBennett]

I haven't had any shots of the fireworks from that view, but my DW and I stayed there for 2 nights after our cruise in 2007. It was the first time that they did the icicle lights on the castle and it was AMAZING!!!! I would book that view EVERY time I go to WDW if I could afford it. Here was our view:

 

[broberts]

Awesome! I am sure the room will be amazing. Can't wait to check it out.

 

[annnewjerz]

Awesome! I am sure the room will be amazing. Can't wait to check it out.

When is your trip?? You said 11 months, just wondering if there will be another Photography Board DISer there while we are (b/c I'm sure not many have actually planned a year in advance as some of us do).

 

[broberts]

Deember 17 - 24 th. I am exited about every trip to Disney, but this one, I can't wait for.

 

[annnewjerz]

Deember 17 - 24 th. I am exited about every trip to Disney, but this one, I can't wait for.

We may be there when you are! We're planning to rent points from another DISer here on the photo board and if all goes as planned (we'll know this Tuesday) I think we'll be there December 13-18! I agree, I am particularly excited about this trip if we end up going. I love Christmas and I'm sure I'll love Christmas at WDW even more!

 

[kathymc]

They are not the greatest but I love them anyways

Here is one from MNSSHP

And here is one where they tested the Christmas lights in Oct!

This was by far the best view I ever had at Disney

 

[broberts]

We may be there when you are! We're planning to rent points from another DISer here on the photo board and if all goes as planned (we'll know this Tuesday) I think we'll be there December 13-18! I agree, I am particularly excited about this trip if we end up going. I love Christmas and I'm sure I'll love Christmas at WDW even more!

We were there for the week of Thanksgiving last year and it was awesome. I hope to be able to do more of the Christmas stuff.

 

[broberts]

They are not the greatest but I love them anyways

Here is one from MNSSHP

And here is one where they tested the Christmas lights in Oct!

This was by far the best view I ever had at Disney

Cool. Looks like this might be a good alternative to toting the tripod around the parks.

 

[boBQuincy]

It wasn't exactly a MK view room but I took some photos of "Wishes" from the observation deck outside California Grill, it should be about the same view. The fireworks are not behind the castle from this viewpoint but it's still a good spot.

 

[ukcatfan]

No experience, but what a lucky deal...I check my e-mail for a PIN everyday, so far, nothing.

Sadly, I got one, but do not think I will be able to use it