Fireworks on the water

Today, it is the only day of the year with the firework show.

I really enjoy fireworks. Since I live in US, I am missing the New Year celebration, and even more- the Light and Music events in my area back in Poland many years ago.

Yet, I have to admit the no fireworks across the Pond come close to the 4th of July show in even small rural communities. It is a great fun to watch and to photograph. When you get pat the basic setting- f/11, bulb and a bit wider focal length to catch the action, you start wondering how to add interest. Include a landscape into composition, a lake, a building. Last year, we were on vacation on Lake Namakagon in Wisconsin- it was quite easy to choose a spot. I have a colorful reflection in the water and boats, floating freely while people watch the show.

This year, wish mi luck in finding a good spot in Iowa City.

And if you want to learn more about the technique for photographing fireworks, check out some of those great tutorials:

- How to photograph fireworks by Alan Hess
- How to shoot fireworks by Scott Kelby
- 5 tips for spectacular firework photographs
- How to shoot [photograph] fireworks by Chase Jarvis (with video by John Cornicello)
- How to photograph firework displays from Digital Photography School
- How to get perfect firework photo from Pixiq

Any resources I did not mention? Share them in the comments!

Related Posts

  • Fireworks on the lakeFireworks on the lake
    I am not going to add to many blog posts this weekend about photographing fireworks. Especially that the recipe seems to be quite simple, and I re-...
  • Welcome Year 2013Welcome Year 2013
    Just a quick post to wish Happy New year to all my blog readers. I hope you had a great celebration yesterday in the evening, and are ready today t...
  • Yet another fireworksYet another fireworks
    Yeah, I know I am a week late, but I was so dissappointed and upset with my fireworks photos, that I needed to cool down before looking at them...
  • Fireworks in townFireworks in town
    Now, it was a successful evening. This time, we decided to photograph fireworks downtown. To have some background, not only the bursts of light. We...
  • Aviation Friday – Fireworks dragonAviation Friday – Fireworks dragon
    Do you remember the fireworks image from night air-show I put out on blog last summer? It was also available as downloadable free wallpaper for iPa...
  • http://www.radek-kozak.com/ Radek Kozak

    Thanks for tutorial links Iza, hope you’ll have great 4th of July experience and catch some beautiful fireworks in Iowa with your camera.

    as to links i enjoyed last Joe Mcnally’s post : http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/2012/07/02/have-a-great-fourth-of-july-week/ 

  • Izabela

    Great post suggestion, thanks, Radek! I love the image with fireworks all around the Statue of Liberty!