Thursday, December 30, 2010

Tips for taking Fireworks, compiled from a newbie :p



**disclaimer.. these firework photos are not mine :p
The old firework photos we have are from our compact camera. You know they are fireworks, but nothing to shout about :0


This coming weekend, Daddy hopes to capture some "decent" fireworks. From research, we would love to share a few pointers. Note, Daddy is still at 纸上谈兵 stage.

- Iso - 100
- Shutter - Bulb
- Aperture - F11 to F14
- set lens wider to capture landscape or background too
- Manual focus (instead of Auto)
- Tripod and Remote is a must
- Arrive early, and chop your sweet spot :0
If you have additional tips, please please please share them with me :)


The tips sounds easy, but Daddy suspect multiple attempts are needed to improve our skills. Hope Daddy will not fumble with the Dslr buttons in the darkness :)

Please follow links below for tips and more gorgeous pics.
- http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-fireworks
- http://www.reddotphoto.com.sg/content.php/75-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Capturing-Fireworks
- http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/fireworks.htm

Additional readings reveal a mysterious "Black Card".
- reduce bounced-lights off smoke, thus minimum over-exposure
- allows different "stages" of firework to be captured, and combined into final picture

Read this article for illustration of how a black card is used.
http://hanjies.blogspot.com/2010/03/black-card-photography-ii-fireworks.html

Credits.
2nd and 3rd pics--> posted on DPS, and owners are StuckInCustoms and Michael Glover respectively.


**updated 01Jan2011
--> our first attempt at Anchorvale CC

**updated 2011Jul
--> NDP 2011 rehearsal Fireworks at Marina


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2 comments:

  1. We are also very "ON" in taking video of fireworks display. BTW, for New Year's eve fireworks display at Rivervale (Sengkang), any idea where is a good spot to capture the best view?

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  2. Rivervale me only went once :) Would suggest u drop by my friend blog "http://phoebelau.blogspot.com/" , maybe get some hints?

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