No. 284 Guide to Capturing Fireworks

I have gone through my most recent firework images and put together 16 page guide on how I shoot firework images. Topics include planning for a shoot, what gear I use, what should be in your camera bag, how to stay safe and healthy when out shooting fireworks and show some sample images shot with the techniques I go over.

I am waiting for Apple to approve the iBook but in the mean time you can get a .pdf file as a free download here 

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No. 201 Thunder on the Bay Fireworks over Port Gardner Bay

2013 Thunder on the Bay Fireworks over Port Gardner Bay images

Port of Everett
10th St. & W. Marine View Dr.
Everett, WA 98201

MAP IT 

Mast Drop: SUn sets over Jetty Island

Late evening sungazers

Early arrivals

Solar Display

Baby it's cold outside

Tug Boat "Mary Rose Brusco" makes her way up the Jetty Channel

Lets start the show

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No. 60 Shooting Fireworks: The Basics

In this tutorial on "Shooting Fireworks" I will go over some things to concider when planing your evening night out under the phospherous sparklers, your camera settings, list accessories that will help you improve your chances at capturing good quality images for beginning photo enthusiats to more experienced photo enthusists.

Happy Holidays and have a Safe Night out Shooting!!!

Firework displays are definitely spectacular events to watch and photograph. They happen at various times of the year and happen in various lengths and show sizes. You can find them on New Years Eve, at Home Town Holidays, outdoor Sporting Events, 4th of July Celebrations, Outdoor Concerts, and even at theme parks.

Shooting Fireworks Basics

#1 Planning your Evening
       The more time you invest in collecting the details prior to the show will increase your photography success and help take away many stress points during your evening. Its a pretty import factor hence it's my #1 Tip.There will be plenty of other photographers and families out that evening making it more difficult to navigate the area once everyone starts arriving.
 Location … Location, Location.... is important. Select your city or park and SCOUT the area a day or two ahead of time.  By checking out & scouting the area you can find the best spot to setup your viewpoint. If you are headed to a familiar spot then you will remember where the fireworks are best scene from or at least know where they will be fired from. If this is your first time, you can look for the pit area with the stacks of 3 foot pipe being setup. Walking the grounds look for an area that is clear from trees and power lines, banners etc for an unobstructed view of the show. If you want to add depth or scale to your shot then look for that lonely tree or tree line, building etc. If there is a water feature consider the reflections of the fireworks in the lake, river, fountain as well. In cities with tall buildings you might get reflections in the windows or shiny metal facades.
Entry and Exit Strategy. Seems like a war room plan, but when hundreds or thousands of people congregate in small area within a few hours and then depart at the same time you will need a plan.
The day you head out to scout the location bring along a printed map version of the location with neighborhood streets legible. You might be able to drive right up to the park that day but during the actual fireworks there is a good chance that the parking lot and surrounding streets will be closed to traffic except for Staff, Volunteer, Emergency Crews, Media, VIPs, and vendors. Keep an eye out for street closure signs as you arrive cause you might end up wanting to be south or east of the park anyway for your view vs following the crowds. Look in the local paper & search online for information about the event, ask a park ranger, call the recreational office, police department about planned lane & road closures. Find out about prohibited items. It would certainly be pain to have to carry items back to your car if the event didn't allow coolers, coolers of certain sizes, chairs, backbacks etc. Remember the more you know before leaving your house the better :)

#2 Getting There
Because firework displays attract a large number of people both young and old, photographers and non photographers to the grassy knoll its best to show up early and "claim" your spot.
-Clean out your car beforehand and leave your valuables (laptop, iPods, iPads, extra camera gear etc) at home.
-Do not bring Everything but the Kitchen Sink
If you haven't used a lens or accessory in weeks, why would you need it for a 30min shoot at night??
-A smaller setup will keep your camera & lens trained on the pyro-action versus having your head in the camera bag.
-Arrive Early & Stay Late

Continue Reading Tips #3-#6

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