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Health & Fitness

Homebody: A Photoblog of Kings Park (And Close By): #9: Fireworks

     It’s hard to believe that July is here and 2013 is half-way done.  July 4th celebrations provide an opportunity to photograph fireworks.  Getting good fireworks shots can be challenging.  It takes some knowledge, practice, trial-and-error, and some luck to get a really good one.

     Many point and shoot cameras have a fireworks setting included in their “scene modes” settings.  This can actually produce good results if you get the timing down.  Generally, press the shutter when the fireworks are launched while aiming at the general spot in the sky where they are exploding.  If this does not produce good results, delay pressing the shutter a little bit after the launch, or try panning the camera and pressing the shutter.  The point and shoot shot included here was taken in fireworks scene mode.  This particular camera used f/7.6 and 2 seconds for its fireworks scene settings. 

     For the best results with an SLR use a tripod and cable release.  You have three options with an SLR .  The first is to pick an aperture of f/8 and a shutter speed of 5 seconds, press the shutter at launch, and see what happens.  Adjust your shutter speed from there, either shorter or longer, and fire away.

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     The second is to select a longer shutter speed, like 30 seconds at f/8, and fire away.  You will probably get multiple bursts, especially in a professional show.  Lower the shutter speed a little if shots are overexposed.  The SLR shot here was at f/8 and 33 seconds.  It recorded multiple launches of a colored street firework.  It also recorded some of the background, in this case a tree line, which adds some interest to the shot.  

     The third option is to use a much smaller aperture, say f/16, put your shutter speed in “bulb” mode, lock the cable release, and then record multiple bursts by placing a black object in front of the lens between launches.  Take the object away for the bursts only.  Personally, I’d only try this when you already have some good shots using the other methods!

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     In all cases with the SLR, be sure switch off auto focus and manually focus 1/3 of the distance to the action.   Leave the focus on this point.  It helps to arrive early when there is still some daylight to be able to focus manually and get a good observation point.

     Also, keep your ISO on the lowest setting and switch off Long Exposure Noise Reduction on an SLR.

     I’m still looking for the great fireworks shot myself.  If I miss again at the July 4th celebrations this year, I will have another opportunity at the Kings Park Fire Department’s 100th Anniversary celebration on August 3rd at the Roger’s Middle School.  Fireworks by Grucci!

     Thanks for reading.  If you have any suggestions for future topics please post them in the comments.

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