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dkmaxwell

Bastille Day Fireworks

NIKON D850

settings

Aperture f/4 ISO 8000 Shutter 1/40 Focal Length 460/10

location

Paris, Ile-de-France, FR

upload_date

Jul, 2021

Views

296

Likes

+77

Awards

Judge Favorite

Peer Award

+30

Absolute Masterpiece

Magnificent Capture

Top Choice

Superb Composition

All Star

Outstanding Creativity

Genius

Emotions

Impressed

Happy

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Beautiful capture! They put on quite a show of fireworks!

Absolutely Beautiful

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Same photographer See all Behind The Lens

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Chef ale saluting the US Marine photographer.

Behind The Lens

Location

I shot this photo from a boat on the Seine during the annual Bastille Celebration in Paris, France.

Time

The Eiffel Tower fireworks show runs from 11pm to 12 midnight on July 14th. The sky was very dark with high clouds that didn't reflect the bright light of the fireworks. Being on the boat, the firework gave a surreal multicolor glow to the surroundings that played a sweet melodic visual opera for the senses.

Lighting

As with all fireworks displays the main lighting come for the exquisite array of colors from the variety of the munitions gracefully exploding overhead. As in the case here, the clouds were very high so the only additional light source was from the Seine. The reflections of the fireworks gave a sort of bracketing effect visually.

Equipment

The photo was shot with a Nikon D850. Funny thing is that the 850 is a heavy camera especially with the battery pack attached. But the excitement of seeing the fireworks and experience the crowd distracted from the weight of the camera. I shot over 1000 photos of the event.

Inspiration

I work in Paris every summer, but the year I took this photo was the first time I went to the show on a boat. I knew the experience was going to be a new event visually since this would be a new perspective. Fireworks are usually very dramatic displays with huge multicolor burst of fire and light. I love the large moments of mad illustrious explosions, but the simple displays are, to me more dramatic. Also, the Bastille fireworks show is centered around the Eiffel tower. However most of the fireworks are shot from a nearby bridge. The fireworks coming off the tower are more sublime and to me more interesting and colorful as my photo shows.

Editing

Most photos can use some kind of editing and tweeking. This photo came out exceptionally well. I did minor adjustment with the contrast, exposure and highlights.

In my camera bag

I'm not one to carry a lot of equipment when out and about shooting. I usually carry either my D750 or D850. A flash unit, 24-120 zoom lens, 50mm fixed, and a wide-angle zoom. Cleaning gear, extra batteries and flash cards. I also carry my phone for impromptu or inclement weather photos.

Feedback

Viewbug offers a multitude of lessons on a number of subjects. Check them out. I believe I saw one on Shooting Fireworks. Unfortunately, I discovered it after I shot this photo.

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dkmaxwell

dkmaxwell

Bastille Day Fireworks

Behind The Lens

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