| July
4th, 2001 |
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| Photography
Tips |
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Rockets' Red Glare: How to Photograph Fireworks
The Fourth of July celebration often ends with a firework extravaganza
that captivates us all with its awesome beauty. So be prepared to
"ooh" and "ah" along with the crowd. And, if you're like many of us,
have your camera ready to capture the "rockets red glare."
What's the best way to take "great" firework photos? According to Chuck
DeLaney, Dean of the New York Institute of Photography
(NYI),the world's largest photography school, it's easy if you do a couple of simplethings.
First, take a time-exposure. If you have an SLR camera, this should be
no problem. With an auto-everything point-and-shoot camera, try to "fool"
the camera into keeping the shutter open. Here's how: When you see a
rocket shoot skyward, press the shutter-button. The darkness of the
sky should cause your camera to keep the shutter open for a time-exposure,
and you can end up with a splendid picture. What about using a
single-use "cardboard" supermarket camera? NYI says, forget it! These
cameras usually have a fixed shutter speed, and you can't "fool" them
into doing the right thing no matter what you do.
Second, and equally important, since you are taking a
time-exposure, your camera should be on a solid, unmoving base throughout the exposure. A
tripod is best. If you don't have a tripod, try bracing your camera
against some solid structure - for example, a wall, a post or a
railing. They're not as good as a tripod, but they're better than hand-holding
the camera. And hand-holding is the road to disaster - no one likes blurry
fireworks photos.
Third, to add an extra-special touch to your picture, include something
on the ground to give a sense of location to the firework display in
the sky. For example, across the bottom of your frame show silhouettes of
the crowd, or a statue (George Washington on horseback?), or the
skyline of the city. This one trick will do more to make your fireworks
pictures stand out than any other single thing you can do.
For lots more advice on how to take "great" fireworks pictures, and
some great fireworks photos, visit the New York Institute of Photography
website
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| Music |
Holiday
Supplies |
 Hands Across The Sea:
Sousa Marches
25
Marches - Composed by John Philip Sousa
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It's Your Party
Great
party supplies for your Fourth of July party,
picnic, or family reunion
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