Sunday, July 13, 2008

Fireworks

I tried to shoot some firework shots and it didn't work out. Later I found this information on one of my favorite sites http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/. Better luck next year!

"1. always, always use a tripod. it’s absolutely necessary. If you don’t have a tripod, you can try lying on your back on a blanket or towel, and resting the camera back against your face (hey, I’m just trying to help here!) The point of all this is, your shutter speed is going to be very, very slow, so the slightest movement will result in a blurred photo. If you use a tripod, you just push the button and wait.

2. Extremely slow shutter speed, like 20 to 30 seconds long. Aperture around f8. ISO at 100. This means you’ll have to put your camera on manual. Don’t be scared!

3. I use a wide angle lens, anywhere from 12 mm to 18 mm. If you have a digital SLR camera, the kit lens likely has a fairly wide angle. A wide angle is necessary in order to capture all the explosiveness!

When the fireworks begin, adjust your tripod so the camera’s pointing toward the fireworks. Get it in focus, either with Auto focus or Manual, and you’re good to go! When you’re ready to take a photo, click the shutter release button and wait. It’ll be awhile before it clicks, and when it does, check your screen and see how the exposure is. If it’s too bright, adjust the aperture and make it smaller (higher number.) You want to leave your shutter speed really slow, because that’ll pick up all the trails and wonderful movement of the fireworks. And you want to keep your ISO low so your photos won’t be grainy. So adjust your Aperture ’til you get the right exposure and have a ball! Just shoot away, and don’t try to put too much thought into it. You’ll have fun looking at your photos later."

1 comment:

Amy N. said...

We have a firework show for the 24th if you want to drive down and practice. We sit on our front lawn and have a great view. I can't wait to take pictures of it this year.