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[Images from the Id] So you want great fireworks images? Try this

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Posted by :Terry Mieger On : July 2, 2014
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Category: Images from the Id

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So you want great fireworks images? Try this

  1. Turn your flash off, Did I have to say that?
  2. Use a Tripod.
  3. Shoot RAW if you can. This allows a greater range of adjustment of exposure
  4. Use Manual Exposure mode
    1. Automatic Exposure will always overexpose.
      1. If you use automatic, the sky will be neutral gray with no color and the fireworks blown out with no detail.
    2. Adjust the Shutter Speed for the length on the trails on the fireworks. This is the base adjustment, aperture and ISO should be varied.
      1. Use a remote release. Watch the trails of the fireworks and use “Bulb” and time your shutter that way or you can vary the camera shutter setting for different results. The trails are easy to expose because they are moving and bright. Remember the longer the shutter speed the longer the trails.
    3. Adjust the aperture for the brightness of the fireworks. They are very bright.
      1. Take test shots.
      2. Look for color with the least highlights blowout. There will alway be some.
      3. There is a tendency to overexpose. Work for colorful fireworks.
  5. ISO will not to be high. Example using ISO 200, 2 sec, f 16 is the same exposure as 2 sec, f 8, ISO 100. Lower ISO is better.
    1. Think about what changing any of the settings mean.
      1. Keep in mind the Exposure Triangle and what happens to one when you change the other) Remember the shutter speed is for the length of the trails.
  6. Turn the in-camera noise reduction off. This shortens time between exposures. Do noise reduction in software.
  7. Experiment with zooming, moving the camera or changing the focus. Be creative to make your images unique. Do some hand held for interesting effects.
  8. Check out the exposure values on the examples. Have fun

Fireworks 2-001

“Burst” – 5.0 sec, f/11, ISO 100, 75 mm Adjusted Lightroom for contrast to get back sky and color

 

Fireworks-002

“The Show” – 2 sec, f/8.0, ISO 800, 22 mm/33mm full frame equivalent, This was handheld at 2 sec WOW adjusted in Lightroom for sky and color

Fireworks-003

“Night Flower” – 5.0 sec, f/29, ISO 100, 70 mm. This is an award winner. The long 5 sec exposure makes it special. Adjusted in Lightroom fro color and contrast

Fireworks-001

“Starry, Starry Night” Another award winner.  1/8 sec, f/8.0, ISO 200, 55 mm/ 82mm full frame equivalent. Adjusted in Lightroom for contrast and color