Ghosts at the Fireworks

Today’s photograph was taken just before the fireworks began on the 4th of July.  It was taken at 9:10 pm, with a 30 second exposure.  I was fortunate to have no wind at the time which kept the trees in sharp focus along with all other stationary objects.  Those things in motion (people mostly) are blurred and in some cases it appears as though ghosts are walking through the crowd.

There are lots of fun things to do with long exposure photography.  If you are experiencing a creative block, try some long exposure work.  The possibilities are endless.

Have fun and go make some great photography.

Craig

2011 July 4th Fireworks on the National Mall, Washington DC

I am not a big fan of fireworks photography, but nonetheless, I cannot resist.  This year’s temptation was particularly difficult to ignore.  My wife (Chef Sue), won tickets for lawn seats just a couple of blocks from the location the fireworks are launched.

Trying to avoid the cliché fireworks photography, this year I decided to focus more on the light reflections in the smoke rather than the fireworks proper.  The result is the set of photographs I am sharing here.

I find these photographs more reminiscent of an exploding galaxy, or some of the photographs produced by the Hubble telescope.  I was fortunate to get these shots.  The wind was light, but blowing in the right direction – away from our location.  Any other direction, and I would have been unable to capture the lighting in the smoke.

So here is the takeaway:  If you are photographing something that is sure to be photographed by hundreds if not thousands of other people, take a moment to look at it differently.  Use your creativity to see something different.

Have fun, and go make some great photography.

Craig