Shooting Fireworks? Happy Holiday!

Are you shooting tonight? Nothing beats a good fireworks shot..

The photo above was shot last year from the back of a pickup truck. If you're in it for the best, photography demands patience, forgiveness, and desire. It also used to require a lot more work, but the digital realm has simplified that . . and you can always do a cellphone video, but if you shake and bake, you'll have abstract art. Though you might surprise me. People always do.

Tips and tricks? Listen to these guys. http://photodoto.com/how-to-shoot-fireworks/ Their info checks out, and besides, they have a funky name. Photography is basically mechanical anyway. Use of light and experience with variables, some uncontrollable, make it an art.

Great fireworks photos! http://www.google.com/search?q=great+fireworks+photos&hl=en&rlz=1W1GGLR_en&biw=1024&bih=507&prmd=ivnsu&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=H58TTvieJIrt0gHG8PGvDg&ved=0CCIQsAQ

Still wanna shoot? Well, let some light in and experiment with the bulb setting. Use a bit of wide angle over the telephoto. See what you get, but don't go off without a tripod, even if I once captured fireworks from a fishing pier post.

More specifically, The Guys say:

1. Say No to Autofocus.
2. Say yes to film at ISO 100-200.
3. Relax with an aperture setting of up to f/8, more if needed
4. Open the shutter at least 2 seconds, more with discretion; shorter exposures leave shorter trails on the fireworks, and vice versa.
5. Always keep fresh batteries and flash memory cards for a Plan B.
6. Flash away for folk or flags in the foreground. Fireworks will still be there.
7. Don't forget the tripod and double-check everything.

Also keep in mind that location may be important. http://photodoto.com/location-as-important-as-technique-when-shooting-fireworks/

See you at the beach (or a Morehead City NC fishing pier).