File :-(, x, )
Mav !sSgYKb1m0E
Hello /p/hoto...
Since the 4th of july is coming up here in the states, I was thinking of trying to get some shots of fireworks displays in the area. I was wondering if I could get some tips on making them turn out at least halfway decent because I've never tried to do this before.

My equipment is:
D200
Nikon 50mm f/1.8
Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8
Crappy kit 18-55
Tripod

Any tips?

Also Pic related but not mine.
EXIF data available. Clickhereto show/hide.
Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 300D DIGITALCamera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS2 WindowsMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.6Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution180 dpiVertical Resolution180 dpiImage Created2006:08:19 16:29:37Exposure Time5 secF-Numberf/16.0ISO Speed Rating100Lens Aperturef/16.0Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModeAverageFlashNo FlashFocal Length55.00 mmColor Space InformationUncalibratedImage Width336Image Height387RenderingNormalExposure ModeManualWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Serenar !m827jEgWi.
     File :-(, x)
Rule of thumb is to use bulb mode and hold as long as the trail/explosion you want to record. Fireworks are massive bursts of light so you can probably use something like f/16 at ISO 100.

Using a lever-wind rangefinder makes it really hard to get decent shots, but here's an idea of what the exposure is like using that technique. Sorry for not resizing.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeSEIKO EPSON CORP.Camera ModelR-D1sCamera SoftwareE06106-0100Image-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution600 dpiVertical Resolution600 dpiImage Created2008:06:04 22:15:06Exposure Time0.8 secExposure ProgramManualISO Speed Rating1600Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModeCenter Weighted AverageLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash FunctionColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3008Image Height2000RenderingNormalExposure ModeManualWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlHigh Gain Up
>> Mav !sSgYKb1m0E
>>215615
f/16 at ISO 100

Really? I was thinking about ISO 800 at f/4 or something like that...
>> Serenar !m827jEgWi.
     File :-(, x)
Okay never mind that shit is huge. Resized another. I noticed that I was using 1600 at the time though that doesn't make much sense to me. Sorry EXIF doesn't show aperture values for my camera though.

Also a tripod is handy to avoid shake in this shot. Here it was quite unavoidable because I was quaking in terror while shooting, having lit the rocket (shot with 50mm equiv so it's pretty close).

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeSEIKO EPSON CORP.Camera ModelR-D1sCamera SoftwareE06106-0100Image-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution600 dpiVertical Resolution600 dpiImage Created2008:06:04 22:33:55RenderingNormalExposure ModeManualWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlHigh Gain UpExposure Time1.0 secExposure ProgramManualISO Speed Rating1600Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModeCenter Weighted AverageLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash FunctionColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width1024Image Height681
>> Mav !sSgYKb1m0E
One thing I was thinking of... do I need a remote shutter release? I know I may not need one but would it be a huge benefit if I did have one? With the bulb setting I have to hold down the shutter button for as long as I want the exposure, but even with a tripod, that may cause some movement right? I've found ones fairly inexpensive online but I'm not sure they will get here before the weekend and none of the local stores stock them...
>> Anonymous
>>215634
dude, just get one anyways, its essensial for long exposures and youre going to need it sooner than later anyways. its worth the cash.
>> Anonymous
if your camera has a delayed shutter release you can use that to solve the initial shake but it might be hard to time it.
>> Anonymous
>>215607

See this thread>>214875