roberttaylorcook

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NIKON D5200

settings

Aperture f/10 ISO 100 Shutter 47/10 Focal Length 180/10

upload_date

Jul, 2015

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212

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+35

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Love the symmetry!

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Same photographer See all Behind The Lens

Redcar steelworks, Teesside North East UK

Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken In my home town of Stockton, England, It was taken on bonfire night at the annual town display.

Time

The image was taken on the 5th of November, a few years ago, I don't remember the exact time but I do remember that it was well below freezing and I had been standing in position for about two hours before the display started in order to get a good spot. I really wish I had taken some gloves.

Lighting

No additional lighting was used, I took several test shots before the fireworks started so I would have some idea of my settings.

Equipment

This was shot on my nikon d5200, with the kit 18-55 kit lens and a cheap (awful) tripod. The only equipment I had at the time as I was just getting started in photography. I also used a tripod.

Inspiration

It was more for the challenge at the time, I was fairly new to photography and still very much in the experimental stage. I had never photographed fireworks before and wanted to give it a try.

Editing

I didn't do a huge amount on this one, I lowered the highlights a little and lifted up the shadows, I pushed the contrast and vibrance up a bit and added a slight vignette to lead the eyes in to the centre of the image. A little noise reduction was also requited with fairly heavy masking. I used Lightroom for all of the post-processing.

In my camera bag

I have just ordered a Nikon D810 (my D5200 has served me well but I'm well overdue an upgrade) I also carry a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 prime, Tameron 28-25 f/2.8, Tameron 70-300 f/4-5.6 VC a set of macro tubes, two Nikon speed lights, a selection of ND filters, several spare batteries and memory cards, a good cleaning kit, a Gittos tripod with ball head. I use a BlackRapid strap, and also carry a shutter release cable.

Feedback

When photographing fireworks I would always recommend arriving early, this way you will be able to pick a great spot and not have people blocking your view. You do not need any exotic equipment but I would say that a tripod and shutter release cable are a must. Set up your camera and start taking some test shots before the fireworks start, If it's dark you can get your horizon level by upping your ISO and using live view to frame your shots (don't forget to turn it back down!) For this particular shot I used f/10 ISO100 And an exposure time of 5 seconds. I would recommend keeping your ISO at 100 or less and moving your aperture between around f/8 and f/16 to get the correct exposure. as for shutter speed I shot in bulb mode using a shutter release cable. press the button just before the firework explodes and hold it open for around 5 seconds, if shooting in RAW you will get quite a bit of room either wa without over/ under exposing your shot. As always when shooting outside at night I would recommend appropriate clothing (It really was freezing). Take along a torch for setting up your camera, and maybe something to sit on while you're waiting for the fireworks to start.

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Behind The Lens

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