Screw you this is amazing xD

Thanks =) Would not make a good print though. There's definite issues with it.

>definitely a difficult shoot

I'm quite impressed. My own camera wouldn't be as effective.

Here's some advice that I've received regarding photographs of fireworks:

>Aperture: f/4.5

>>Use a smaller aperture. F8 may work, but F16 may be necessary for certain ISO values.

>ISO Speed: 100

>>>For example, try ISO 200 at f/11.

Tahoe's shot was aimed at exposing for the city/sky and catching the fireworks in the shot. And he pulled it off quite well. He got the colour from the blue hour in with the firework explosions, and got some detail on the boats in the river.

My shot (http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13924809/) was done using similar techniques as you mention. I was shooting at f/11, with an exposure time generally between 2-4 seconds at ISO 100. (I had determined this was a reasonable exposure to get the city lights in the shot, but to keep the sky somewhat darker.) It was a slight variation on my typical technique as this was the first time I was able to photograph fireworks with an interesting background.

I actually applaud Tahoe on his technique as it was something that didn't even cross my mind. Articles about photography are a double-edged sword in that they can induce tunnel vision. "Here's how to shoot perfect fireworks" can focus on explosion on black, but it's only so useful in a situation where you have an interesting background to the shot.

Tahoe's shot is atypical, and I think it's that move away from bog-standard fireworks photos that makes it a great shot.

While both shots have their own merits, the mark of a good photographer is being able to think outside of the box. Learn from articles about variations on technique, but ultimately, be able to pick and choose techniques to use based on the situation.

EDIT: Forgot some words.

Don't think my efforts were anything so grand, but thank you for the kind words ^^ I'm just a sucker for cityscapes and there's not many places where you can do that WITH fireworks =)

With Fireworks, base your settings around the Shutter Speed. The easiest way to do it is to throw it in ISO 200-400 and into TV or shutter priority mode for between a 2 and 10 second exposure.

The more advanced way to do it is in Bulb mode where you set an apeture and control the amount of time the shutter is open. To get the "trails" you see in firework photography to appear you need an exposure of atleast a few seconds. The longer its held in, the more blossoms you are likely to capture.

And to figure out what apeture you should set it to for manual or bulb settings- an easy way to find that is to use shutter priority, and tweak it as needed.

<- This coming from the guy who took absolutely NO firework photos this year v.v But in past years, this is how I've done it.

Keep the shutter open with a wired remote, even. You don't want to try bulb mode on long exposures with the button on the camera - even on the tripod your prone to Motion Blur

These were the most intense fireworks I'd ever seen. I had to keep my exposures <3" otherwise there were TOO many in a single frame. They really shot a LOT in a short amount of time for the entire show.

The main issue I was facing was exposing for both the city and the fireworks. I couldn't have both, and to try would have ruined both. I prioritized the city, which did mean I blew out the fireworks a bit, but they are supposed to be bright =) Next year, I know what to expect for that angle and will be prepared for 2 shots (one with the firewworks at proper exposure, then another shot AFTER the show where the city is properly exposed). For now though, I think this is just about the best I could accomplish other than a few nitpicks.

If i had realized this, i would've scraped together the money to go, though I'm not really eager to repeat the nine hour car drive

Any time AC occurs over the 4th, you'll get this opportunity. I understand next year will NOT coincide. I may actually try to do something anyway XD

as always top notch sir

Thank you. I'd actually say a few steps below do to some definite issues. Next year will be better.

Perfect exposure and composition :> !

Thanks! I definitely like the composition. Exposure is the compromise I was willing to take. Next year, I'll hopefully have some better equipment and with better knowledge of what to expect, I'll nail it completely =)

An elegant picture, my friend!

We watched from the Westin

Thank you! It's a GREAT vantage point!

Dang. I should seek you next year. I'm curious about who you are since you moved east. Great pic. Can't be lazy to score a composition.

Yeah, that's the hard part! There's so many people at AC, and it's so easy to just stick to the people who already live near you and you know well. Next year, I'm really going to try and make it a focus to meet the people I know online only or people who I haven't seen in a long time since they're far away.

I didn't even manage to meet fiver, who runs the fa photo club where i am a mod. So it's no surprise to me ^^

This is a BEAUTIFUL shot! So glad you posted it, had an amazing 4th of July weekend with amazing people

Thank you! I did too. This AC was a particularly good one for me!

This was my first AC and I had a great time!

Tahoe. TAHOE. This is AWESOME. You artists and your self-criticism. ;p

Amazing work dude!

Thanks! There's definitely things wrong, but so long as people don't go looking for them, it looks great =D

This is friggin BEAUTIFUL! :D

Thank you very much ^^ Can't wait till next year when I can get it 100% right =D

Excellent vantage point. They cancelled the fireworks over Harriet Island in St Paul, as there is something simmilar for a vantage point in this city if they fire them over the river....

Oh, very cool! I need to find more cities that shoot them with vantage points like this. Looks sooooo good from this angle with a city in the background.