i always try to photograph fireworks on the Fourth but have very little success. using my big cameras (not point and shoot) would someone please recommend some settings. thanks so much, jen
What you need to do...is have a look on your camera and find the 'B' button....this allows you to keep the shutter open for a long time, enabling you to capture as many 'fire works' explosions on one take....A tripod is a must!...and if you have one...a remote for the shutter too!....
* Owing to the deterioration in my hands, I find that I cannot comment as much as I should..But please know...I do look at all your posts!..and will leave my 'moniker' >OB< when I do so!...Thank you all *
OwdBob'sGallery
Jen, Of course a tripod is a must and a shutter control cable is preferred. When you find a good spot, please remember aperture is not as important as shutter speed. Fireworks move, and as a result the best photographs of them capture this movement, meaning you need a nice long exposure. When I photograph fireworks I shoot in ‘bulb’ mode. This is a mode that allows you to keep the shutter open for as long as you hold down the shutter (preferably using a remote shutter release of some type). Using this technique you hit the shutter as the firework is about to explode and hold it down until it’s finished exploding (generally a few seconds). Always check your results and adjust your shutter speed as necessary. The overall best way to produce good fireworks photos is to practice, and continue trying. I did not mention ASA because based on the lighting conditions and type of lens you use, (I prefer a 50mm) this may vary. Have fun
after some frustrating experiments in manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes, out of frustration, and laziness.. I put the darned thing (an Olympus E-520) in "fireworks" mode.. half cynically, half hopefully.. and was pleasantly surprised. Actually caught some decent shots. Posts to follow.
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I set my camera on manual mode, set for 2 second exposure with my 18-55 IS lens, tripod, no remote, when the firework was fired I clicked the shutter button. I will post the results tonight.