Happy 4th of July!

Here is some information I have found to be useful.  

Everyone may have their own technique, if it works all is good.  

This is night Photography so you will need some of the following equipment:

            Tripod – This is a must.

            Cable Release – so you do not jiggle things.

            Spare Battery – I need them, so might you.

            SD cards – I seem to shoot a lot so I have 256g.

            ISO – 100-200

            Manual Mode

            Aperture – F8 or F11 or F16 Chang it up if need be.

            Use Bulb – so you can open the shutter with your cable release when the shell goes off and then close it                         when the streaks have tapered off. With fireworks photos you need to check your images to make sure                    you are not over or under exposing.

            Turn Image stabilization off on your lens.

            Focus – for the first few fireworks use auto focus to get your focus set.  Then turn to your lens to manual                           focus. 

            Headlamp set to red – so you can see and not trip over your tripod or spill something.

Try using a composition of the park you are at for some of the shots.  A city skyline might be properly exposed at f/8 and 15 seconds and now do a firework shot for about 2 to 5 seconds.  Then blend them together in photoshop. 

Just have fun and practice.