What settings for Fireworks

[pgowder]

Aperture priority has been my default setting too - also because I am really taking mostly vacation shots of my daughter. But I've been inspired to do something a bit different and if I don't try, I'm never going to learn

Programmed auto has also been a walk-around cheat's quick fix for me. I will still use them, but I think when I have the time to compose properly, as opposed to seizing the moment on camera, I am definitely going to have some fun with manual. I have nothing to lose, probably lots I will learn and worst case scenario, I can always take a second shot on a 'safe' mode

Post some pictures when you get home!

 

[2Tiggies]

Post some pictures when you get home!

I will do. Even if I'm not happy with them, you guys can help me out with where I went wrong so I can get it for next time

I have no problems with constructive criticism. I find it enormously helpful.

 

[pgowder]

I will do. Even if I'm not happy with them, you guys can help me out with where I went wrong so I can get it for next time

I have no problems with constructive criticism. I find it enormously helpful.

Are you on flickr? There is a pretty large WDW photo community there too.

 

[2Tiggies]

Are you on flickr? There is a pretty large WDW photo community there too.

I'm not, because my pics are really family vacation pics. Well actually pictures of my daughter - 2's a family in this house But I have been consulting their forums recently and found plenty useful info so I may just sign up for now anyway if only for that in the meantime.

Apologies to the OP. I seem to have hijacked your thread

 

[pgowder]

Does anyone have any fool proof setting for capturing stunning fireworks pics at the parks?

I have a Canon 60D with a range of lenses including:
50mm f1.8
10-22mm Canon
18-270mm Tamron
Stock Canon lens (I think 18mm-55mm, but I never use it)

I plan to have my tripod with me, but I am not sure if I will be 'allowed' to set it up, if not I plan to find something sturdy (bin, wall, etc) to purch on, but rather than trial and error a load, what settings (and which lens) would you use?

TIA

In WDW I've never had any problem setting up a tripod.

Monday night I actually had CMs coming over and talking about photography with me while they were doing crowd control.

There isn't 1 correct setting.

You want to start here:
ISO 200
f11
Bulb mode

Then make adjustment from depending on how long of an exposure you want to do.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Thanks for the discussion, everyone. These photos aren't from Disney, they're from a fireworks show during a recent tall ships visit to Norfolk, Virginia. I'm so happy with the way they turned out, and can accredit that to several threads here on DISboards.

Taken with a Canon 60D using the kit lens (EF-S 18-135mm), ISO 200, f22, bulb mode, tripod, and remote shutter release.


_MG_6964.jpg by BirdsOfPreyDave, on Flickr


_MG_6990.jpg by BirdsOfPreyDave, on Flickr


_MG_6993.jpg by BirdsOfPreyDave, on Flickr


_MG_7010-Edit.jpg by BirdsOfPreyDave, on Flickr


_MG_7016.jpg by BirdsOfPreyDave, on Flickr


_MG_7032.jpg by BirdsOfPreyDave, on Flickr


_MG_7036.jpg by BirdsOfPreyDave, on Flickr


_MG_7056.jpg by BirdsOfPreyDave, on Flickr

 

[mom2rtk]

^^^^ Those turned out great!

 

[SunDial]

I have always shot fireworks straight up, no time lapse but i think i will try it out over the 4th.

 

[Luvscrappin]

Can someone explain to me the use of the ND filter and what is does. What is everyone's opinion on whether or not one is necessary. Thanks

 

[pgowder]

Can someone explain to me the use of the ND filter and what is does. What is everyone's opinion on whether or not one is necessary. Thanks

If you want to do longer exposures, it is very necessary!

Take a look here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tombricker/6232881118/

Once you get over 10 seconds, especially near the end of shows, you need a way to control the light more. The ND filter lets you do that.

There are times when ISO 50 and F22 still isn't enough to capture the brightness of the bursts. And in most cases you probably don't want to be at that setting.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

So I'm getting ready for 4th of July fireworks shooting and I want to get an ND filter (actually, I want this for summer beach shots also)

Check out this discrepency!

For $15.55 -

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0059ATVJW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=AL7LHK6Q9LVTS

For $443.99

http://www.amazon.com/Heliopan-77mm-Variable-Filter-707790/dp/B004SSDE30/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_4

gee...wonder which one I'll get....

 

[pgowder]

So I'm getting ready for 4th of July fireworks shooting and I want to get an ND filter (actually, I want this for summer beach shots also)

Check out this discrepency!

For $15.55 -

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0059ATVJW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=AL7LHK6Q9LVTS

For $443.99

http://www.amazon.com/Heliopan-77mm-Variable-Filter-707790/dp/B004SSDE30/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_4

gee...wonder which one I'll get....

I just ordered the Tiffen variable filter. I used it on my last WDW trip. It was in between those two prices.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

I just ordered the Tiffen variable filter. I used it on my last WDW trip. It was in between those two prices.

yes I saw that one. I figure for $15.55 I'll take a chance on this one...if it stinks...oh well no big deal. All the reviews were pretty positive though...

we shall see.

I just didn't expect to find such a difference!

 

[pgowder]

yes I saw that one. I figure for $15.55 I'll take a chance on this one...if it stinks...oh well no big deal. All the reviews were pretty positive though...

we shall see.

I just didn't expect to find such a difference!

For me I don't get to see fireworks that often to take a chance. I want it to work when I shoot it since I won't have another chance for awhile!

 

[2Tiggies]

yes I saw that one. I figure for $15.55 I'll take a chance on this one...if it stinks...oh well no big deal. All the reviews were pretty positive though...

we shall see.

I just didn't expect to find such a difference!

Hmm, not sure that's such a good deal. They are going to hit you with another 50c for shipping

I'm also looking for a ND filter for my next trip, but don't think I would risk this one. It is promising an awful lot for under $16. Don't get me wrong, I can't afford to spend $400 on a filter, but I have bought a cheap filter in the past (not ND - it was a CPL) and then panicked and quickly ordered a more expensive one and the difference showed unmistakably on the picture quality. I think some of the differences may not be obvious to the 'untrained eye' so I think we can get away with some decent branded middle of the road products that suit the budget a bit better.

Also, be careful with Amazon reviews. I doubt that any reviews of a super cheap filter have been written by serious photographers.

Of course if you have the opportunity for a re-do of the photos if the filter proves a bad move, then you have nothing to lose, as you say.

I'm like pgowder though - not likely to get another opportunity to shoot fireworks for a long time and don't think I can afford to risk it.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

Will it work? Won't it work? Will I just take it off if it doesn't work?

Sometimes ya gotta live life on the edge....

 

[pgowder]

Will it work? Won't it work? Will I just take it off if it doesn't work?

Sometimes ya gotta live life on the edge....

It may work, but cheap filters will cause problems with sharpness, color, etc. They can even cause your focusing not to work.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

It may work, but cheap filters will cause problems with sharpness, color, etc. They can even cause your focusing not to work.

I'll post pictures after I use it and we can evaluate.

 

[Luvscrappin]

Can someone please make a recommendation for a good ND filter? I really want to try one of these but I have no idea what makes a good one vs a not so good one (besides the price) I don't need the cheapest one, but certainly don't have unlimited funds either. Any suggestions are appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Experiment_626]

I'll post pictures after I use it and we can evaluate.

Think long and hard. Here's what you might get with a cheap filter; it isn't an ND, but it was similarly cheap. After this result, I never used the filter again.


Don't use cheap UV filters -- Exhibit A! by Scott S. Baxter, on Flickr

Beware!

On the other hand, here's what I got with an inexpensive but good variable ND filter I got from eBay — it wasn't exactly cheap, at nearly $100:


Wishes April 2 2011 Flickr by Scott S. Baxter, on Flickr

SSB