CameraPorn

This time of year usually means tons of posts about taking shots of fireworks, so most of you guys have probably already read about three posts at other various spots online about this very subject. That being said, I’ll keep the chatter low, and the fireworks porn high…

Quick Tips for Getting The shot

• Get setup early to avoid last minute problems
• Use the right lens. If you are close to the fireworks, go wide, farther away, go long.
• Use a tripod and a remote shutter release.
• Shoot manual. Generally you will be far enough to set focus to infinity, leaving the lens on manual. Also set your shutter speed and aperture (between f/8 and f/16 depending on ambient light.
• If available on your camera, go for bulb exposures. Bulb allows you to control how long the shutter is open, essentially leaving the decision of how many bursts you want in a shot.

Don’t be Afraid to be Different

Let’s be realisitic, we’ve all seen tons of the same old fireworks shots, over and over again. The real challenge in shooting fireworks is getting original, interesting photos. Here are some tips to help make that happen:

• Figure out your scene, and use it to your advantage. As the show starts, examine what you are seeing, and make your adjustments to get the best shots.
• Add some foreground elements to your frame. Adding foreground elements to the shot can add that extra level of interestingness firework shots need. In my shots this year, I readjusted to frame the fireworks between two palm trees.
• Look around! Usually when you are out to see a fireworks show, there is a lot of interesting stuff going on around you. Whether it be the glow of the fireworks on your friends faces, or kids running around with sparklers, there are good shots to be had.
• Get comfortable! Now we are all photo-obsessed to some level, and most of us have had to hear about it from our friends, family and significant others when we are spending to much time with the eye to the viewfinder and too little with them. This year I had a killer setup where I could enjoy my time while still getting the shots. I had the 30D on a tripod, remote cable in hand while lying on the beach blanket, hanging with friends. I would occasionally get up to re-frame, but by the end of the night, I was able to take lots of shots, and still be social.

The shots here were taken in Venice Beach, California, with the trusty Canon 30D, and most with the Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 lens at f/16 and bulb exposure. I used a cheapie Slik tripod and a Dot Line shutter release cable. I’d say that just about does it, but if you took fireworks shots this year, post your links and settings in the comments! And as always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.