First time shooting fireworks

[Quadracer041]

Our town had a pre July 4th fireworks show this past weekend. This was the first time I had a chance to use the D90 and a tripod to shoot them. I think they came out ok. What do you guys think?

[Photo-John]

They look good! Did you see our Fireworks Photography Guide? There's a link for it in the right-hand column over there -->

[gotrocks]

I'd say A ok!

[Quadracer041]

No I didnt John but I will check it out now, lol.

[Photo-John]

They look good!

Uh oh. I broke one of my own rules - no "that's nice" posts on the Photo Critique forum. now I have to give myself a lecture on the benefits of taking the time and making the effort to post a real critique

So here goes...

You really did do a pretty good job. Technically these are just fine, I think. To take them to the next level is going to require some serious effort. One thing that I try to do with fireworks photos is get something besides black sky in the frame. If you look at our Fireworks Photography Tips page you'll see a photo I'm especially proud of. I shot it from up the side of the mountains here in Salt Lake. That allowed me to look down on the fireworks and get the city and some mountains in the photo - along with a very nice sunset. Next time scout around for a vantage point that includes some buildings or maybe even shoot wide to include spectators. Like I said, you really did fine on just the fireworks. To step it up you need to add another element.

So how did I do? Have I redeemed myself for my lame first comment? The reason that happened is I saw your photos in the gallery and followed the link from there without paying attention to what forum your post was in. Please forgive me

[Photo-John]

I'd say A ok!

Please see my post, above

Seriously. Just posting that you like an image isn't enough on the Photo Critique forum. Taking the time to analyze what you like and don't like, what works and doesn't is an invaluable learning experience for *you, * the critic. I would argue that the critics really have the most to gain from posting critiques. The process of critique helps us learn more about what works and what doesn't and helps us become better photographers as we integrate what know discover into our own photography. Not to mention that, if no one posts real critiques, this forum won't be very useful.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled programming...

[Quadracer041]

No worries, thanks for the advise. We will be going to some more fireworks shows this weekend. I will try to do better next time, lol lol.

[Photo-John]

No worries, thanks for the advise. We will be going to some more fireworks shows this weekend. I will try to do better next time, lol lol.

Location really is the key. I'm not sure how far north Bergen County is, but I imagine you could get some sweet photos around the Palisades or in Hoboken, with Manhattan in the background. Find a high spot and use a long lens to pull the City in. I'm counting on you now - entertain me!

[gotrocks]

Please see my post, above

Seriously. Just posting that you like an image isn't enough on the Photo Critique forum. Taking the time to analyze what you like and don't like, what works and doesn't is an invaluable learning experience for *you, * the critic. I would argue that the critics really have the most to gain from posting critiques. The process of critique helps us learn more about what works and what doesn't and helps us become better photographers as we integrate what know discover into our own photography. Not to mention that, if no one posts real critiques, this forum won't be very useful.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled programming...

Ok, I understand what you are saying. Does this mean that I must find something wrong with a photo before posting in "critiques" ?

Thank you for this site. I appreciate all the help and advice.

[n8]

I would like to see a wider angle and more then one burst in a frame.

[Photo-John]

Ok, I understand what you are saying. Does this mean that I must find something wrong with a photo before posting in "critiques" ?

Thank you for this site. I appreciate all the help and advice.

You don't necessarily need to find something wrong - any kind of constructive sugggestion works. If you read my critique, you can see that I was very complimentary. There really isn't anything "wrong" with Quadracer041's fireworks photos. So we have to think a little more and reach a little deeper to find a way to help him. I think the best thing he can do to make better fireworks photos is to find a better location and include some context. What do you think he can do to make them better? Can you think of anything I didn't? It's ok if you can't. But for your sake, it's important to give it a shot. The process of evaluating the photos and making an effort to offer helpful suggestions will be invaluable to you!

Thanks for being a good sport. I think a lot of photographers are unaware of the power of the critique process.

[Grandpaw]

I think you did a very nice job on these. They are clear and the color is good. I would like to say that I really had not thought about having something else in the frame until PJ mentioned it but after looking a some of mine I do like the one with buildings or something else included much better. So by you posting and getting PJ's response, we both learned something. I would be interested in knowing the settings that were used on these photos. Thanks, Jeff

[Greg McCary]

Very nice. I think maybe backing off and shooting wider so you can off center them would help. But you have the technique worked out.

[Frog]

PJ is right as he is most of the time. Fireworks without a back or foreground or something to give perspective all look the same.
Your shots are sharp, clear, and have good color. They just look the same as al the others without something to give perspective.

[clayhaus]

I don't want to echo Photo-John and Frog, but they bring up two VERY valid points. First, fireworks without context are just explosions in the air. You have the essence: clean, sharp and colorful but they need to have more dynamics to them (not just simply centered) and a setting. The second point is what brings me back to Photography Review: the Critiquing! I submit images so that others can share their viewpoints. I may not agree all the time, but I usually learn something. I post a lot on Flickr and the "cool shot" comments to thoughtful analyses is pretty high. I get a lot of comments, but learn little from them. My 2 centavos.