Boston fireworks 7/4/10

[advres]

So this is my first time shooting fireworks with a real camera. I picked some keepers to show you guys. Hope you like them and would like critique if you are so inclined. Be gentle though... I'm a newb

Also... settings changed a couple times so if you are wondering about a certain photo, let me know and I'll let you know how I shot it. Times varied quite a bit.

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

#11

#12

#13

 

[Schtumple]

Absolutely stunning photos, simply stunning. What camera did you use to take this?

 

[advres]

Thanks, glad you like them!

I used the Canon t2i which i think is the 550d over on your side of the pond. I used the 50mm 1.8 lens (nifty-fifty).

 

[Schtumple]

Ahhhh the 550d, I'm planning on upgrading to that, is it a decent camera? I'm coming off a 1000d (Rebel XS) so any camera would be better

 

[advres]

Ahhhh the 550d, I'm planning on upgrading to that, is it a decent camera? I'm coming off a 1000d (Rebel XS) so any camera would be better

Love the camera. The RAW buffer is a bit slow for continuous shooting but not sure how yours compares. Other than the slow buffer I love the camera. I wanted the 7D but seriously couldn't justify the price as a hobbyist and am pleasantly surprised with the 550d.

 

[Schtumple]

I wanted the 7D but seriously couldn't justify the price as a hobbyist and am pleasantly surprised with the 550d.

Yeah same, I came very close to buying the 450D, but a last minute hiccup occurred and I was pushed down to the 1000D. Glad to know it's a good camera, I'm mainly getting it as a camera for HD video, planning on using it for uni work.

 

[advres]

I'm mainly getting it as a camera for HD video, planning on using it for uni work.

That was my primary reason too. I am an editor by trade and have been blown away at the 5dmkII and the 7d footage I have worked with recently. The video capabilities of the 550d are identical to the 7d for half the price. But I figured since I have a still camera I should learn to use it as such

 

[acearchie]

Can you just talk about the basics of what you have taken:

Tripod?
Manual?
Hyper-focal focusing?


I like the photos and would be interested in taking some like this!

 

[HBOC]

nice shots.

It is safe to bet he used a tripod, MLU, a low ISO and probably f/8-f/13 and probably between 2-5 seconds. I am guessing, but the background buildings look dark and with him using a 50mm, it was probably a few seconds exposure.

 

[AlexH]

Very nice shots! Some of the best fireworks shots I've seen this year...

 

[advres]

Thanks everyone! Just trying to work out the kinks for the future as these are my first time shooting fireworks. It's fun to play and experiment on what works and what doesn't.

Can you just talk about the basics of what you have taken:

Tripod?
Manual?
Hyper-focal focusing?


I like the photos and would be interested in taking some like this!

nice shots.

It is safe to bet he used a tripod, MLU, a low ISO and probably f/8-f/13 and probably between 2-5 seconds. I am guessing, but the background buildings look dark and with him using a 50mm, it was probably a few seconds exposure.

Manfrotto sticks with a Manfrotto fluid video head.
ISO 100
f/8-f/11 (played around from shot to shot)
Shot in bulb mode with a wired remote. Every shot is different durations as I held the button and let it go manually. I can look at the raw settings for individual shots if you are interested in certain settings. Also, every photo was taken from the same place without moving my setup, they are just all cropped in different ways. Numbers 1 and 2 are almost uncropped.

 

[jampat]

I like them.

Personally I would take slightly slower exposures to get fewer shells in each frame. Some of the shots are really busy.

I like the red shot (#8), but be careful with saturation. It can look cool, but can quickly become overdone. I am on a terrible monitor right now though, so maybe it is not as oversaturated as it appears to me.