tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post7251277684587397406..comments2024-02-02T10:18:48.627-05:00Comments on NSL Photography Blog: Photographing Fireworks with your Digital CameraNed S. Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924189990444148376noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-5667002982034807652009-07-01T21:55:48.499-04:002009-07-01T21:55:48.499-04:00Hi Jackie,
The difference is stability, mobility ...Hi Jackie,<br /><br />The difference is stability, mobility and the size of the steps.<br /><br />A typical step ladder has steps that are about 12"-15" deep, max. The top of the step ladder has no safety bar.<br /><br />My photographer's step ladder's steps are 20" and the top step is 30". Protruding up is an aluminum safety rail which has a rubber sleeve. The Ned S. Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09924189990444148376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-23378489054811166082009-07-01T08:39:35.599-04:002009-07-01T08:39:35.599-04:00What's the difference between the photographer...What's the difference between the photographer's step ladder and any step ladder?Jackienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-77970690363807080072009-06-30T07:56:49.303-04:002009-06-30T07:56:49.303-04:00Jackie, sometimes it's not easy.
I do a coupl...Jackie, sometimes it's not easy.<br /><br />I do a couple of things to secure a good spot, which is similar to what I do when taking any event photos.<br /><br />First, I try to go to the location at least a day before the event. If there are going to be special temporary stands, barriers, or other obstacles set up, then I make a point to go the day before or the morning of the event, if it&#Ned S. Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09924189990444148376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-54861715667917082452009-06-30T07:44:02.825-04:002009-06-30T07:44:02.825-04:00Ned, every time I go to a fireworks display there ...Ned, every time I go to a fireworks display there are always thousands of people milling around watching. Where do you go to get out of their way?Jackienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-82024416767405262422009-06-29T21:50:23.423-04:002009-06-29T21:50:23.423-04:00Hi Sandy,
I'm going to assume you're goin...Hi Sandy,<br /><br />I'm going to assume you're going to be at least a couple of hundred yards/meters from the fireworks to make sure you're safe.<br /><br />Assuming I'm right, since the light from your flash doesn't have enough power to get that far, it will have no effect on the fireworks themselves.<br /><br />I'm also going to assume that the light from the flash is Ned S. Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09924189990444148376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-13569570091586684452009-06-29T21:36:49.943-04:002009-06-29T21:36:49.943-04:00Ned, if I keep my flash on my DSLR to light up som...Ned, if I keep my flash on my DSLR to light up someone in the foreground of a fireworks photo, aren't I going to overexpose the fireworks, which as you said are already very bright?<br /><br />Thanks for your answer.Sandynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-55796017141416335922009-06-29T21:26:53.239-04:002009-06-29T21:26:53.239-04:00Hi All,
I've been carrying a flashlight in my...Hi All,<br /><br />I've been carrying a flashlight in my travel kit, and my photo kit since it was suggested to me just a few years ago (LOL) in junior high school by my photography teacher (can't remember his name (I do remember it was a he.) - senior moment).<br /><br />To be honest, I've seen this suggestion on the Internet before, and it's pretty much a standard item in most Ned S. Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09924189990444148376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-69185808238141900002009-06-29T21:20:22.012-04:002009-06-29T21:20:22.012-04:00Ned, it goes without saying, "Your the best!&...Ned, it goes without saying, "Your the best!" Who else consistently comes up with simple and inexpensive solutions to difficult problems like seeing your camera settings in the dark by bringing along a flashlight?Rogernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-50510605595201967112009-06-29T19:24:11.699-04:002009-06-29T19:24:11.699-04:00Ned, like Sarah and Tom, I can't believe I nev...Ned, like Sarah and Tom, I can't believe I never thought of the flashlight idea.<br /><br />JasmineJasminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-64387216259998944402009-06-29T10:34:19.309-04:002009-06-29T10:34:19.309-04:00Like Sarah, I can't believe I've never tho...Like Sarah, I can't believe I've never thought of using a flashlight when taking photos at night. Oh my!<br /><br />Thanks Ned.Tomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-53343705150066283892009-06-29T10:32:34.048-04:002009-06-29T10:32:34.048-04:00Good question Gene.
If you need a telephoto lens ...Good question Gene.<br /><br />If you need a telephoto lens you should try getting closer if you can. Sometimes, I know you can't do that, and a telephone lens may be appropriate. For example, the NYC Macy's fireworks this year has moved. It's now on the Hudson River, so Hoboken is a great place to view it. A short telephoto lens might be perfect for the fireworks there this year.<br Ned S. Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09924189990444148376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-48102670359794102382009-06-29T10:14:02.839-04:002009-06-29T10:14:02.839-04:00Ned, Hi. Why would anyone need a wide angle lens f...Ned, Hi. Why would anyone need a wide angle lens for fireworks. We're so far away from them, a normal lens seems appropriate, and perhaps we'd need a telephoto lens.<br /><br />Thanks.Genenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-90953114288915710892009-06-29T09:48:15.926-04:002009-06-29T09:48:15.926-04:00Hi John,
To answer your basic question in a word,...Hi John,<br /><br />To answer your basic question in a word, NO!<br /><br />I have a couple of expensive carbon fiber tripods; one big one for studio work and for local photos, and one for travel which is not quite as strong, but really folds up small. Of course, I'm using a Nikon DSLR, sometimes with long, heavy lenses, and I'm producing photos for sale.<br /><br />You can use a much Ned S. Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09924189990444148376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-43533982597239764002009-06-29T09:33:27.890-04:002009-06-29T09:33:27.890-04:00Hi Ned,
John here. I know pros use expense tripod...Hi Ned,<br /><br />John here. I know pros use expense tripods, but they have big cameras and big lenses. I have a Canon Powershot. Do I really need to spend $500 or more to get a tripod to handle my camera?<br /><br />Thanks.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-34411813753100144572009-06-29T09:30:56.378-04:002009-06-29T09:30:56.378-04:00Hi Harriet,
The Canon SD960 has two quality (comp...Hi Harriet,<br /><br />The Canon SD960 has two quality (compression) settings; normal and fine. You want to choose fine. Frankly, in my opinion, I'd set your camera to fine, then forget about the setting. Your prints, even at 4x6 will look better.<br /><br />Good luck with your fireworks photos.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />NedNed S. Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09924189990444148376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-19879034016933057192009-06-29T09:23:51.678-04:002009-06-29T09:23:51.678-04:00Hi Ned,
I understand how to set my Canon PowerSho...Hi Ned,<br /><br />I understand how to set my Canon PowerShot SD960 IS to the largest photo size, but what do you mean when you suggest using the highest quality.<br /><br />I'm new to photography and this is my first digital camera.<br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br />HarrietHarrietnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-37891621583440958692009-06-29T09:17:12.099-04:002009-06-29T09:17:12.099-04:00Hi John,
The "fireworks show" mode on y...Hi John,<br /><br />The "fireworks show" mode on your Nikon Coolpix S6 should work fine, though I haven't ever personally used that camera.<br /><br />When set to "fireworks show" mode (check out page 28 of your manual) the camera sets your flash off, and sets your focus to infinity. It also is programmed to use slow shutter speeds in that mode.<br /><br />Good luck. Let Ned S. Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09924189990444148376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-28631787947379300202009-06-29T08:41:28.524-04:002009-06-29T08:41:28.524-04:00I have a point and shoot camera which doesn't ...I have a point and shoot camera which doesn't have manual focus. I had no idea I could use Landscape mode. Thanks. I've been having trouble focusing when it's dark trying to get night cityscape scenes. I assume this will work for that too. I'll let you know how I make out tomorrow.<br /><br />Thanks for your great articles. They've helped me a lot. I'm thinking about Stevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-48458829016860194432009-06-29T08:31:29.764-04:002009-06-29T08:31:29.764-04:00Thanks for another good article Ned. I have notice...Thanks for another good article Ned. I have noticed on many P&S cameras (I have a Nikon S6)that they have a specific fireworks setting. Does this adequately compensate?<br /><br />But these are great tips and I will use them this Saturday--actually just got my remote release a month or so ago--now's the perfect time to try it out!Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07139597304473373820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-14103210446076279882009-06-29T08:31:15.696-04:002009-06-29T08:31:15.696-04:00Bring a Flashlight!
Now why didn't I think of...Bring a Flashlight!<br /><br />Now why didn't I think of that while fumbling around in the dark trying to set my camera.<br /><br />Great article as always.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />SarahSarahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-18636013520441651722009-06-29T08:24:54.120-04:002009-06-29T08:24:54.120-04:00Your tip on extra batteries is one that everyone s...Your tip on extra batteries is one that everyone should heed. I was in New York last year for the 4th and ran out of juice before the finale. I hadn't checked my battery or taken a spare. It will never happen again. This year I'm in Philadelphia and will be at the concert. I'll see if I can find you. I'd love to meet you.<br /><br />JaneJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-45358133582337756122009-06-29T08:09:04.211-04:002009-06-29T08:09:04.211-04:00Great post. My fireworks photos always have lots o...Great post. My fireworks photos always have lots of noise, and I've had trouble getting getting the whole burst. Now I know it's because I haven't been exposing my photos for a long enough time, and I set my ISO too high.<br /><br />I'll use your advice and change my settings this Saturday.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />SuzanneSuzannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184534445566567352.post-19354628828865437182009-06-29T06:59:37.969-04:002009-06-29T06:59:37.969-04:00Thanks for the great tips. I'll be using them ...Thanks for the great tips. I'll be using them in NYC Saturday. I've always wanted to take fireworks pictures, but in the past they came out overexposed. I didn't know why then, but know now from your article.<br /><br />Thanks again.<br /><br />ArtArtnoreply@blogger.com