More Experimenting with Fireworks Photography

I have wonderful neighbors that look for any excuse to launch fireworks.  This being Labor Day weekend seemed to be one of those perfect excuses.  No complaints on my part – they are always entertaining, and another opportunity for me to experiment further with photography.

My experimentation comprised two components; 1) rather than my normal choice of a wide angle lens (17-40 would be my natural choice, or 24-105 if I were further away), I stuck with my committed relationship to my 50mm, and 2) rather than stick to my recommendation of a 5 – 8 second exposure (see my recommendations for shooting fireworks - “Independence Day Fireworks”), I extended the exposures to 30 seconds.  All of the photographs in this post were shot with my Canon 50mm f/1.8 II at ISO 200, f/5.6 and 30 seconds.

As is normally the case, I was happy with the use of the 50mm.  Nice sharp shots even with the long exposures.  However, I did not have enough room to get the shots I wanted and keep all of the bursts in the frame.  A wide angle is certainly a better choice when you are up close and personal with the display.

I was pleased with the results of the longer exposure.  By extending the exposure time, I was able to draw more color and definition from the background and introduce a strong gradient in the sky which in turn highlighted the horizon.  This combination provides greater context for the fireworks.

Have fun, and go make some great photography.

Craig

Sticking with the 50mm

In a couple of previous posts (Improving Your Photography Through a Committed Relationship, and Taking my own Advice – Commitment to 50mm) I recommended snapping on a fixed focal length (prime) lens, and challenge yourself to develop a committed relationship to that lens.  I continue my committed relationship with the 50mm and here are a few results.  Since my first post on this subject, my 50mm has not come off the camera.

These photographs were made at one of my favorite locations and favorite times.  The location is the Saint George’s Island in Saint Mary’s County Maryland, and the time was just after sunrise.  One hour either side of sunrise and sunset supply the most interesting light of the day.  These photographs came a little outside that one hour window, but still very nice light.

One of the nice things the Canon 50mm f/1.8 II brings to these photographs is super sharpness.  While you can get some sense of this via these blog sized photos, the full resolution versions are sufficiently sharp that they encourage you to explore all the details in the composition.  Several times I have stated that pursuit of perfect focus and sharpness is an unnecessary endeavor.  However, in the right context an extreme level of detail adds a great deal to the photograph.  The first and third photograph in this post are good examples.  In the second shot, the silhouette of the seagull on the piling, it is not an important aspect.

Have fun and go make some great photography.

Craig