Fireworks Shots

[First Light]

Well, this year was my very first attempt at this, and I'm not sure what I think of the results, because I really like them, but they don't look like fireworks to me. Here are is one of my favorites:



The rest of them can be seen on my flikr page: Flickr: firstlightOK's Photostream

I was at a tough vantage point. We were right underneath the fireworks - I had debris falling on me while I was shooting!!

EXIF for this shot:
Cannon EOS Rebel T3
Flash not used
focal length 45mm
exposure time 0.25s (1/4)
Aperture 6.63
f/10
White Balance manual
ISO 200
Shutter speed 2

So, my question is this: is there anything you would have done different with the camera's settings to get the images to look more like fireworks and less like abstract sea creatures?
Also, how is the crop/composition of the shot(s)?

Thanks!

[Doug Sundseth]

It looks to me like you're only getting the brightest parts of each of the fireworks. I would try opening up the aperture by at least a stop, or pushing the ISO, or both. The centers of the the trails will blow out completely, but you should pick up quite a bit more of the rest of the explosion.

Though I do like the explosive octopi.

[First Light]

Originally Posted by Doug Sundseth

Though I do like the explosive octopi.

I know, right? They all look like some sort of alien sea creatures! LOL!

Thanks for the tips!

[First Light]

Here are 2 more faves, not so octopus-like, but not really firework-like either, LOL!

[mwatson]

Fireworks are some of my most favorite things to shoot. I go to Disney World more than a few times a year and my favorite part is trying new settings and points of view with the firework shows.

Of all the trips I have taken, the best setting I found, whether far away or close up is in the neighborhood of f16-f19 with 2-4sec exposures. The tighter the aperture the longer you can go and the less likely you will blow anything out. They are streaks of light across a black sky, it will show up.

Also, if the sky behind the fireworks is fairly dark, try using a black card. Set your aperture to the previously mentioned stops and your shutter to bulb or for a 30 second exposure. Hold the black card to the lens and when you see a burst you want to expose, remove the black card. Replace the card when you are done. Hold it in place until you see another one. Chances are you will only have 5 to 10 seconds of exposures out of 30 seconds but you will be very pleased with the results.

Your frame will be filled with fireworks of all different colors and sizes. I hope this helps.