Photography Help

[Shell76]

I have the Nikon N65 and was just wondering if anyone else had this camera and could maybe give me some tips on taking nighttime/fireworks photos. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[DeanDoug]

You should probably bring a tripod... even with 400 speed film, it is hard to keep steady... it's a bit more to carry, but worth it

 

[quiltymom]

Taking photos of fireworks is very simple. Use a tripod and set your camera to F11 for 8 seconds. Using a release cord will help you to not move your camera when you press the shutter. Works like a dream!

If you don't have a tripod, or don't want to carry one around the parks, place your camera on something solid that doesn't move, or else everything will come out as a big blur! Or, if your camera does not have a 8 second setting, set it to B (bulb setting) and count to 8.

Good luck!

 

[Macca1111]

Also, generally the finales of Disney fireworks are so bright and so fast that you can (and may want to) just go with the automatic setting so as not to end up too cluttered or bright. I have taken many fireworks photos without the aid of a tripod (I hate carrying it) and you do need to find a steady surface, but you might also want to carry something to prop the camera up towards the sky. Generally the steady surfaces (railings, trashcans, etc.) don't allow you to aim for the sky, and if you have to hold the camera at an angle you again have the danger of blurring by moving. Anything that puts it at the right angle will work...I used a bundle of Disney napkins one time. Also, make sure you take lots of pictures...because fireworks are unpredictable and show up oddly on camera sometimes, it's best to just take a lot so you end up with a few great ones. There was this National Geographic cover once of some little animal, and the inside back was a different shot. The caption on it explained that those were the only two shots that the photograhper really liked...out of the 20+ rolls of film he used! Makes me feel better about the 10 I use every vacation! Hope you get some great shots!