First Fireworks shot, need imput

[jackpow]

New into photography working with a Canon t1i. Need imput for working outdoors/fireworks. Thanks!

[pjflan7]

I am thinking that there is so much light in the city in the foreground, it really competes for your attention. I think I would have tried to get alot closer but with a wider lens...You used a longer exposure to get the trails but it also let in alot of foreground light

[dj11zz98]

it a little plural ... nice work

[KansaiGreenie]

Hi jackpow,

This is a nice image and a great first attempt at fireworks!

I think that Patrick is right to point out that the bright street lights compete for attention with the fireworks, but I'm not too bothered by them. There are ways to darken them down in post-processing, if that is something that you want to do.

For me, I'm distracted by the buildings. I really wish that they were tack sharp. You didn't post your EXIF data, but it is clear from the fireworks that your exposure is too slow for hand holding. You really need to use a tripod for an image like this. If you did use a tripod, then the image blur could be due to wind, camera vibration from the mirror, vibration from the shutter release or even from the image stabilization. (Unless you have an L series lens you should always turn off IS on a Canon lens when using a tripod.) I don't know which.

I think is is a nice image and is a good representation of the fireworks. Good job on your first attempt.

KG

[Michael_2010]

A vertical crop may emphasize the burst of fireworks and minimize the blowout on the right and left of the frame. Excellent first attempt. I always like to see more than a solitary burst in a dark sky, when viewing such things. Tricky to get the right balance though.

[photographersRnerds69]

6/10

Is that in Dayton Ohio? I hear there is alot of crime there

[amitkhanna84]

Its really hard to comment without EXIF data. The image looks somewhat overexposed to me.

Its better if you limit your shutter speed to less than 2 seconds so that only 2 or 3 pieces of fireworks show up in a single shot. If you keep the shutter open for long, the fireworks overlap and get blown out.

Check out my attempts - I used between 1s to 3s when the fireworks were going on at their max speed. Aperture was between f/7.1 to f/13 and ISO was at 200.
4th July 2010 - a set on Flickr

[windrider86]

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