Taking photos of an explosion

[kseg]

I have been asked to photograph a building explosion. The client wants lots of frames as the pieces blow apart. How does one practice for such an event? Any suggestions? It will be happening outdoors midday.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[dcclark]

That sounds like you need a high-speed camera -- something much faster than the 10-12 fps which even the best DSLRs can manage. Just a quick thought before I run...

[freybear3]

i agree, a high speed camera would be best for this.

If you dont have that, use the "sports/action" mode on your camera with a tripod

[fletch]

What is the final application for the photos? If they don't want to miss a second your client may be better off with a video, depending on the final use.

If you want to practice the timing and test your cameras capabilities try taking photos of a video recording of a similar demolition.

[kseg]

The client uses the photos in presentations, both power point type as well as enlarging the photos to display. Previously they have been disappointed with the other photographer because the resolution once the photos have been enlarged have not been great.

[OsmosisStudios]

The reason the resolution wasnt that great is because they were using either a crop mode on a dSLR (that crops the sensor, making smaller images, but at a faster rate) or they were using high-speed video which, while it may be HD, is only 1920x1080 pixels... about 1mp.

You sure this is an EXplosion, not an IMplosion?

[vandergus]

You want the Casio EX-F1. Will 1200 fps do it for you?

Some footage here.