Fireworks - what settings?

[itsjosh]

okay, i have a nikon d60 and a 18-55 lens.
i have been recommended to use:

1/300 f6 for taking pictures of fireworks (i don't really want to take my tripod - I am open to suggestions if you think it will be for the best)

i am just wondering what settings you can recommend for me?

Thank you

 

[Just Dave]

Hi I shoot in manual and use Bulb, with manual focus, F11, ISO 100, approx 1 to 3 secs or longer exposure, or until the firework is finishing, on a tripod, I posted some today Clicky Link,

not sure about not using a tripod, I would think that most people who shoot fireworks will use a tripod

HTH

Dave

 

[itsjosh]

looks like i'll be taking my tripod lol

 

[Just Dave]

looks like i'll be taking my tripod lol

I would

forgot to mention cable release as well

 

[itsjosh]

not got one of those!!

 

[JPS]

not got one of those!!

In that case, a tripod is a must really. Does your camera have a remote control? Some cameras have them built in (like my Sony A700) or you may be able to purchase one, not sure what the D60 has to be honest.

Some of my recent firework shots I posted last night are a good 3, 4 or 5 second exposures.

Don't use 1/300, that is way too fast a shutter speed, also you need more than F6. I did mine at F11, also manual focus is better as I focused to infinity and 99% of my shots were focused in the places that mattered.

The biggest tip I can't stress enough is, Tripod, a dead cert to be honest.

 

[itsjosh]

okay i will be taking:

D60
18 - 55mm lens
Tripod (you've convinced me..)
and ......


ML-L3 wireless remote (just ordered!)

 

[cowmera]

okay i will be taking:

D60
18 - 55mm lens
Tripod (you've convinced me..)
and ......


ML-L3 wireless remote (just ordered!)

And a black card.

It's best to shoot in manual and bulb too.

 

[Marc]

So what do you do with the black card?

 

[lookup]

So what do you do with the black card?

I think you cover/uncover the lens if you want to get a single shot of all the (or a group of the) fireworks. Set the camera shutter speed to bulb.

Or I might be wrong...

 

[Just Dave]

I use a black card to cover the lens for multiple exposures best only to have 2 thought as it can get messy

 

[Marc]

I think you cover/uncover the lens if you want to get a single shot of all the (or a group of the) fireworks. Set the camera shutter speed to bulb.

Or I might be wrong...

I use a black card to cover the lens for multiple exposures best only to have 2 thought as it can get messy

Now I'm confused. Why do you cover the lens with the card? What do you mean by multiple exposures? Sorry for the daft questions, hoping to take some fireworks shots this week.

 

[Just Dave]

when in Bulb,Take a 1st 3 second or so exposure, then instead of closing the shutter cover the lens with the black card hold it there till the next firework remove the card, that's the second expo, for 3 secs or whatever, result 2 bursts of fireworks in 1 image. HTH

 

[Marc]

when in Bulb,Take a 1st 3 second or so exposure, then instead of closing the shutter cover the lens with the black card hold it there till the next firework remove the card, that's the second expo, for 3 secs or whatever, result 2 bursts of fireworks in 1 image. HTH

: pennydrops : Cheers Dave!

 

[Just Dave]

it can be hit and miss though, as it can as I said get messy

 

[Rockshifter]

Covering the lens will stop any ambient light spoil your long exposure, then take card away when the next firework explodes - you'll have a double exposure. (or repeat for multiples.)

 

[Rockshifter]

Sorry other explanation were in before posting.

Anyway any advice about best lens to use ?

 

[two_lens_jackson]

Should the view finder be covered?

 

[Just Dave]

No mate, just the lens, no light enters from the eyepiece/view finder

Rockshifter as wide a lens as possible, for me

 

[two_lens_jackson]

Thanks Dave

 

[cowmera]

Hi kingsizeriz,

Please allow me to share a few tips....

First of all, do arrive at the location early so that you can grab a good spot.

2. Things to bring besides your camera : A tripod is a must so that your camera will be steady and if possible bring a cable release. The black card i mentioned can be anything that is matte black and non reflective. The purpose of the card is to prevent light from entering and also as a "pause" while waiting for new series of fireworks to start. Usually at the ending stage of the display,the fireworks will be massive and at their most spectacular so make sure you have enough batteries and memory space to fire away madly.

3. Before the fireworks starts, do frame your shots properly because you won't have the time to do so when the fireworks commences.

4. I usually set my camera to manual mode, bulb, lowest ISO and f/8 - f/11 for fireworks. Depending on the weather that day and whether there are buildings behind the fireworks, you might want to adjust your aperture accordingly. If the fireworks trails are too thin, lower your f number and vice versa. Please remember to turn your flash OFF before you shoot.

When the first rocket is launched i.e. when you hear *BOOM*, remove your black card and depress the shutter when 1) u see a visible light trail falling or 2) before the rocket explodes. You'll will get different effects if you depress your shutter after the rocket explodes. Do experiment with regards to the number bursts you can capture.

Last but not least, try to get as many good shots as you can during the early part of the fireworks display before the sky gets smoky at the later stage. I hope i've made myself clear. Enjoy your shoot.

 

[Marc]

Hi kingsizeriz,

Please allow me to share a few tips....

First of all, do arrive at the location early so that you can grab a good spot.

2. Things to bring besides your camera : A tripod is a must so that your camera will be steady and if possible bring a cable release. The black card i mentioned can be anything that is matte black and non reflective. The purpose of the card is to prevent light from entering and also as a "pause" while waiting for new series of fireworks to start. Usually at the ending stage of the display,the fireworks will be massive and at their most spectacular so make sure you have enough batteries and memory space to fire away madly.

3. Before the fireworks starts, do frame your shots properly because you won't have the time to do so when the fireworks commences.

4. I usually set my camera to manual mode, bulb, lowest ISO and f/8 - f/11 for fireworks. Depending on the weather that day and whether there are buildings behind the fireworks, you might want to adjust your aperture accordingly. If the fireworks trails are too thin, lower your f number and vice versa. Please remember to turn your flash OFF before you shoot.

When the first rocket is launched i.e. when you hear *BOOM*, remove your black card and depress the shutter when 1) u see a visible light trail falling or 2) before the rocket explodes. You'll will get different effects if you depress your shutter after the rocket explodes. Do experiment with regards to the number bursts you can capture.

Last but not least, try to get as many good shots as you can during the early part of the fireworks display before the sky gets smoky at the later stage. I hope i've made myself clear. Enjoy your shoot.

Thanks for that, all good stuff. I'll actually be at our livery yard as the house next door always puts on a big display so no problem getting a good spot!

 

[cowmera]

Thanks for that, all good stuff. I'll actually be at our livery yard as the house next door always puts on a big display so no problem getting a good spot!

Hey fabs,

U r welcome. Do share some photos if possible.

 

[petemc]

Focus to manual, set to infinity on the lens. Aperture to f/8-f/11. ISO100. Shutter speed to 2 seconds if you don't have a remote release. If you do set it to bulb. If you see or hear the firework go off push the shutter. If you have a remote release hold the shutter down till you're happy with the explosion. Repeat. Don't over complicate things with a black card imho.

 

[Marc]

Thanks Pete. Those are phenomenal!

 

[itsjosh]

Thanks guys!
i'm going to stand back to get more of a view.
the fireworks are on a big field (blackheath if anyone local knows it?)
so will be at the back in a space with my camera on the tripod.
i won't take the black card as i just want plain and simple firework shots (still a newbie so just doing what i can to learn!)

 

[rpcrowe]

Focus to manual, set to infinity on the lens. Aperture to f/8-f/11. ISO100. Shutter speed to 2 seconds if you don't have a remote release. If you do set it to bulb. If you see or hear the firework go off push the shutter. If you have a remote release hold the shutter down till you're happy with the explosion. Repeat. Don't over complicate things with a black card imho.

Great Images... IMO, some of the best fireworks shots also include some foreground non-fireworks subjects like the ship and buildings. Som statues also make great foreground items also...

 

[Marc]

Rats! Just found out the display has been cancelled! :annoyed:

 

[eeverson]

Excellent Thread... i am off out tonight to give it a go

 

[JonClarke]

As above.
low iso, manual everything including focus

this is my best shot so far

 

[68lbs]

Goddammit, you gotta credit that man PMC... that second fireworks shot of the city is great!

 

[petemc]

Thanks Nice shot Jon. The silhouettes really add to it.

 

[stan the man]

gonna give this a go from my back garden...normally lots of fireworks going on tonight,and i have a birdseye view of neath from where i live.

great advice on this thread,thanks guys

 

[Jaz]

Good advice Hoping to shoot fireworks on Sunday, and at New Year.

I have just one question though.

If I am shooting into a pitch black sky, how will I be able to manual focus if there is nothing to focus on for a decent about of time? And how will I know when I've hit a sharp focus?!

Thanks a lot

 

[Marc]

Good advice Hoping to shoot fireworks on Sunday, and at New Year.

I have just one question though.

If I am shooting into a pitch black sky, how will I be able to manual focus if there is nothing to focus on for a decent about of time? And how will I know when I've hit a sharp focus?!

Thanks a lot

I think it's a case of set focus at infinity and use trial and error. At least that's what I've got from reading this thread.

 

[Jaz]

This is a stupid question, what is infinity focus?! Is it where you focus something furthest away? or not?!

Cheers

 

[Marc]

This is a stupid question, what is infinity focus?! Is it where you focus something furthest away? or not?!

Cheers

Basically yes. It will focus on the object furthest away. In this case the fireworks. Just turn your focus ring until the display reads the infinity symbol.

 

[itsjosh]

okay, in this image i am only asking if the settings are pretty much correct for a firework display..
please note:
- This picture was taken through a window -
- This picture was taken from quite a few blocks away (top of the house over houses) -
- This picture does include light from street lamps -
- This picture was taken handheld -
so these 3 points will obviously be fixed on the night..v

 

[stan the man]

heres one from tonight...will put others on a thread in general section when i've edited them.i'm reasonably happy with them as they're my first attempts,but praise must go to you folk for the help i've got from this thread .my only bugbear was that my vantage point was too close to the action with the lens i took with me (24-70)..anyway...

 

[Jaz]

^ Looks good to me

I need help, this is a carry-on stupid question but how to I get 'infinity focus' or the likes on my 450D. Ive got a bad feeling about going to take firework photos and them being out of focus, how do I get them in focus?!

Cheers!