Fireworks.

Capturing colours and patterns.

Today there was only one choice for the Photograph of the Day. So, a walk into town to where the Rugby Round Table were putting on a display. Tripod and camera at the ready to get some shots of the fireworks.

As it happens, this is the first time I have had the opportunity to attempt this. I have always admired photographs that other people have taken of fireworks. Now, it was my turn to have a go.

The theory is simple. Aim the camera. Use a remote shutter cable with the camera on “Bulb”. Low ISO, fairly small aperture. Open the shutter for a varying length of time, depending of the brightness of the particular fireworks at the time.

Unfortunately, my remote shutter appears to be faulty. I therefore resorted to using the time settings on the camera. Experimentation and anticipation! The other issue is not knowing the range that the fireworks will cover, although in a professional display, at least they tend to follow a bit of a pattern.

The bottom line is point, aim and hope! Of all I have come out with today, this is the most perfectly framed. Another option is to zoom in, and intentionally only capture part of the display. “Fill the frame”. It is an abstract act and, as such, there is justification in any shot that looks good – even if it extends partially outside the frame. Rules are there to be broken!

Photograph Details:

• Taken: 4 November 2017
• Camera: Canon 5D MkIII
• Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm 1:2.8 L II USM
• Focal Length 24mm
• F/11
• 5 Sec
• ISO 100