Shooting Fireworks. Any advice

Hi all

Never tried taking night photos before, so would like to know what you guys would recommend for shooting firework displays etc.

Have only got the standard kit lens that came with the K10D + a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro.

Normally I would just try loads of different options / settings etc. whilst still trying to get used to the camera, but I just have this sneaky feeling that by the time I get it sussed, the display will be over!

Regards

Danny.

bearing in mind that I have never been particularly successful at fireworks up until now, this is what I intend to try this evening

Tripod mounted K10D + 28mm A series prime (the 18-55 will have to do in your case)

something on the order of F8, and use Bulb mode to hold the shutter open while a couple of rockets go off. If you haven't got a remote release, I suggest a fairly long timed exposure as holding down the button on the camera will introduce shake. Say about 20 seconds.


You'll want to adjust the aperture and ISO to suit the ambient light and brightness of the display.

I make no guarantee that this will work, but it's where I plan to start.

Must be a popular event coming up. Similar topic just a few days ago...
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5949

Sorry, missed that one!

(1) Tripod.
(2) B setting. F8--F11 for depth of field.
(3) Suss out where most fireworks burst.
(4) Aim camera in this direction.
(5) Release shutter keeping open on B setting and keeping lens covered with a piece of black cloth which you remove two or three times to get multiple bursts in the same shot.
(6) Make sure you have the camera pointed at a blank dark sky.
(7) For some different shots try nudging the camera as this gives some wierd effects.
I shall be out myself to a display in the local park to-night.

Hey, unlocker, by any chance are you going to the Rugby club tonight? just noticed your location as Aylesbury. That's where I'll be with my family and K10D.

No fireworks over here to try this, right now, but I wonder if anybody doing fireworks will give this a try, and share their findings?

use that multiexposure technique mentioned the other day in another thread.
set the iso to 200-400 and (try both noise reduction on and off), and 9 exposures. try manual focus and f8. try various shutterspeeds.

if you time it right you should be able to get multibursts with low noise onto a single frame...

I'll be there tonight, won't be taking the camera though so I'll just keep my eye out for other people with K10D's in the crowd. Good show last year but the queues for the food were horrendous! Will be eating before I leave this time...

We seem to have two threads going on the same subject. Rather than merge them and cause more confusion I'll lock this one.

Can you continue this in the other thread in General Ditital please.