Happy 4th of July!

Post by **Mike Jackson** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 9:24 am

Hi Forum Readers,
Having a big holiday fall in the middle part of the week makes the next day feel like a double Monday.

Here are couple of shots from last night's fireworks. These were shot with 4 second exposures while on a tripod.
Mike Jackson

Ron Berlier · Post by **Ron Berlier** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 11:27 am

Mike!

Nice work, as usual. Did you try any at a slower speed? Where in town were these shot off?

Ron

Post by **Mike Jackson** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 2:04 pm

Ron,
I started out at a faster shutter speed, then progressed to 4 seconds. That usually allowed for two bursts per shot.

They looked good in the LCD and I kept shooting at that speed, but next time I think I will opt for a 2 to 3 second shot.

Not that these are bad, but within 4 seconds, the little balls of flame have a chance to burn completely out, creating little petals of light. I think I would rather capture the little sparkling round balls, with trailing light on my next attempt. I know there are tutorials around on fireworks...but I didn't try to read them before going. My hands-on experience will probably be more valuable in the long run. I think there will be some more fireworks at the end of the month during the county fair.

These were taken at the SnowKing Ski mountain here in town. The local Jaycees raise money all year to fund the fireworks. It might be one of the best displays in the rocky mountain region, though I know the Aspen fireworks are very good. The town gets packed with tourists and all the businesses want their signs up before that weekend. Things will stay at a hectic pace here in town until Labor Day.

Mike Jackson