How to take pictures of fireworks?

[Pezalicious]

I was wondering if anyone has any tips on taking photos of fireworks? I see so many greats pictures on these boards, but whenever I try, they turn out like a fuzzy mess.

Is it even possible with a normal camera? I have this one - http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cybersho...r_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1241984085&sr=1-12


It has a fireworks setting, but those pics turned out worse than any other setting I tried.

 

[teatime]

In order to take great shots you will need a tripod. the point and shoots do not do good pictures I have found unless you have a tripod and put the camera on night shot.
you can use one of these tripods,

 

[Pezalicious]

I have a gorillapod, so maybe I can try with that. Thanks for the tip, I'll give it a shot.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Tripod, tripod, tripod. Does your camera have a remote shutter switch? If so, use that to eliminate any motion blur. Does the camera have a manual setting? Use that and set it to f8 - f11 (either one) and set your shutter to bulb mode if possible. Then click away with the shutter remote for averages of around 4-5 seconds or so. Set ISO to lowest setting or 100. If your camera doesn't have remote switch, or manual mode, just use the tripod and put the camera in fireworks mode.

 

[tjl1388]

If possible use a timer. Even the act of your finger pressing the shutter will cause blur.

 

[Saskiwi]

I took some - and some video, but then discovered the whole show is on youtube much better than I could ever do!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ibxCo_IGfs

Also here:
http://www.disunplugged.com/2009/02/18/rememberdreams-come-true-fireworks-video-from-disneyland/

sometimes it's better just to leave it to the experts....

 

[nunzia]

I took some - and some video, but then discovered the whole show is on youtube much better than I could ever do!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ibxCo_IGfs

Also here:
http://www.disunplugged.com/2009/02/18/rememberdreams-come-true-fireworks-video-from-disneyland/

sometimes it's better just to leave it to the experts....

I agree..I tried forever to get good fireworks/ Fantasmic shots..then I reallized I was kinda missing the show iddling with stuff and decided I'd rather just watch.

 

[darph nader]

I 'have' gotten some decent pics of fireworks in the past using a 35mm camera.My wife has a digital camera,but the 2sec delay drives me "CRAZY".

 

[DBL101]

Check out this thread from the photography board for random photography suggestions:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1413123

Check out this thread for Fireworks specifically. It also has links to a few other specifics, such as parades and shows:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1474329

 

[teatime]

I have given up on trying to take good pictures. I just want some already done I can upload and buy LOL! what I want to know is there anyone out there that has some great shots of night time thru out the parks and willing to let me have them for my personnel album. I refuse to ever steal any picture with out direct say so!! I just want some so when I am old I can say " yep I was there once and yep thats what it looked like " this will be my last time leaving for the parks, my parents are now needing more care so my time is coming to a close. this last trip, will be me and the grand kids last.

 

[Mike_M]

I have a Canon Powershot a1000 and took some shots with its night mode. I found that I need to be really still when taking shots because of the ISO settings it uses for that mode. Also, the shots mostly came out too dark so I had to up the contrast on them afterwards to make out the details. Overall I'm happy with the results but would love to not have to mess with the contrast due to the hazy look it gives the shots.