How (not) to Photograph Fireworks

 To start with, you want to do the opposite of what I did. I just grabbed my camera, tripod, and family, and off we went. Had I taken the time to Google "how to photograph fireworks", things would have turned out better. I tried using a shutter speed in the 5-8 second range, but the fireworks were too bright and blown out. Shorter shutter speeds resulted in backgrounds that were too dark, and I often missed the main "bouquet" of the firework. So I just kind of randomly experimented with various settings in manual mode and got a couple decent photos (none great). But I found a website that said to do the following, and I think it's good advice:

1. Set your ISO on 100
2. Set your Fstop somewhere in the range of 11 (to give you a decent depth of field)
3. Use a wide angle lens (24mm or wider)
4. Manually adjust your focus to infinity, or nearly infinity
5. Use a 10 second exposure (try a few test shots to get this dialed in). The longer your exposure, the more fireworks activity you will capture in a single image.
6. Use a tripod and the 2 second delay on your camera (so you are not touching the camera when the image is captured).

Really pretty easy. Will I remember this next year? Doubtful!

Things can get very rowdy in Huntington Beach on the Forth of July. They have gotten downright ugly in the past, and we wouldn't have braved it except we have a friend that lives right on the beach, next to the pier. Ground zero for the fireworks, plus we can park in a gated private parking area at our friend's complex (finding a parking spot in Huntington Beach on the 4th is like winning the lotto, and your chances are similar). So off we went at about 3PM (fireworks scheduled to start at 9PM), but the annual Huntington Beach parade was scheduled to end at 2PM. Local roads would reopen from 2PM to 5PM only, then close again until after the fireworks.

 

I love the flag flapping in the breeze on the lifeguard tower. After enjoying the beach for the afternoon, we went on a walk to the pier.

 

The pier was closed because they would be launching fireworks from the end in a couple hours. Things were starting to get crowded, but not as bad as I anticipated.

 

I guess the Pacific Ocean, blue skies, a parade, and fireworks just aren't enough for people. They also had a carnival, and it was jammed with people. Go ahead, try to find someone wearing a mask. Anyone? Anyone??

 

We let Lilly go on just one ride. She chose this crazy ride that looks like a flying saucer that spins around so fast it pins you to the wall. People getting off looked queasy and unstable. A couple looked like they were going to be sick. While waiting, the three adults placed bets... Would Lilly come out of this contraption scared? Crying? Happy?

 

My wife won... all smiles! (if you are wondering, yes she is missing her two front teeth)
 

Sunshine on my (his) shoulder.

It was time to head down to the beach with camera and tripod in hand. I was hoping to get a few beach photos before the fireworks started.

 

The complex in the center of the above photo is where our friend lives... right on the sand, and a very short walk to the pier. We've spent many happy hours here over the years.
 

The beach after sunset is beautiful! It's called the "blue hour". The photo above is an 8 second exposure, so these three people were staying remarkably still!

 

As I was taking these blue hour beach photos, I saw someone set a cylinder on the sand about 20' from me. Within a few seconds, it started spewing out fireworks! I wasn't sure if I should hit the deck, run away, or enjoy the show. I decided to get my phone out and make a video of the experience.

 

As an aside, fireworks are illegal on the beach (and throughout much of California). I saw signs posted stating they are illegal, with a $1000 fine. But that certainly didn't seem to be slowing anyone down. Fireworks were everywhere, and it seemed very dangerous to me. All it would take is one of the cylinder "launchers" to fall on their side to cause serious injury or worse.

Let the fireworks begin!

 

Beach fireworks are the best, and a shout out to Huntington Beach for putting on a really good show!! After taking a handful of photos, I thought it would be fun to rejoin my family for the fireworks finale.

 

On the way back to our friends complex, I noticed the lifeguards standing on their tower platform, enjoying the fireworks display. I didn't have time to set up my tripod and dial in my DSLR, so these were taken with my iPhone, and they turned out to be some of my favorites of the night!

 

It reinforced my belief that a fancy camera is not needed to take a great photo. Continuing my journey to get back to my family, I didn't quite make it. I got as far as the complex gate before the grand finale began. Here's a portion of it (best with volume turned up):

Another aside: We here in the US might need to re-think this whole Independence Day celebration thing. With global warming, rampant wildfires, and poor air quality, it seems a little crazy that most of the population celebrates by setting things on fire and blowing things up. I believe all personal fireworks should be outlawed and banned (gasp!). If you and your family want to see fireworks, go to one of the many city-sponsored displays. Just my two cents.

 

Linking with Skywatch Friday.

Hope your had a good 4th (if you celebrate), and thanks for stopping by!