Taking photos of fireworks can be a fun adventure. There seems to be lots of fireworks around our neighborhood so each year on Independence Day I set up my tripod on our front walk and wait for just the right shot. I have found that the tripod is a necessity to get a clear shot.
In this photo I used my Canon SX40 camera. For my settings I used a F8 aperture and held the camera open for 2 seconds. The ISO setting was 100 and I zoomed to the 80mm setting.
I also enjoy taking photos in low light settings. The time just before and for about 30 minutes after sunset can produce some beautiful photos. I give you hints on taking photos during this time at How to Take Sunset Photos.
I am not usually an early morning person but the beauty of a sunset can get me out of bed and behind the eye of a camera. Here is a shot I took at sunrise in Juno Beach Florida. I arrived at the pier about 1/2 hour before sunrise, set up my camera and waited for the perfect shot. I was able to take about 20 photos before the sun got too high in the sky.
I have been fascinated by sunrises for quite some time and have written about other encounters with photographing sunrises on this page Beautiful Sunrises.
As I visited the pages of other photographers this week I found two that I particularly enjoyed their takes on night time and low light photography.
- Patgoltz is a wonderful photographer. On this page Night Photography , she gives us great hints on taking photos at night. She also suggests some interesting night time subjects. I would think of photographing the moon, fireworks, and Christmas lights; all of which Pat gives some wonderful tips. But how about subjects like flowers, birds, lightning and even snow? Those are some of the interesting night subject Pat explores on her lens.
- EditionH gives 5 tips for taking photos of the sunrise and sunset. This lens was granted a Lens of the Day on 2/10/14 Sunset and Sunrise Photos Be sure to stop by to see some beautiful photos and learn how you can take these photos. My favorites are the photos with the morning fog!
Wonderful tips, Mary Beth. Photography is something I would love to be able to do well. I'll be keeping an eye on your work to see if I can get a little better! Hm, might be tough, but I'll try.
ReplyDeleteLow light photos are such an opportunity for the photographer who is prepared. Your pier and fireworks photos are outstanding. I'm headed over to Squidoo to check out the two lenses you highlight here. Thanks for another valuable post. Always appreciated.
ReplyDeleteYou always share the most beautiful photos Mary Beth! I am obviously going to have to start using a tripod. Because we are often walking and I am always trying to reduce equipment that I am carrying, I don't keep a tripod with me and as a result my photos are not as sharp as I would like for them to be.
ReplyDeleteCynthia you might want to consider a monopod. I have one that I use when I'm hiking and don't want to carry my tripod.
DeleteNow that's what I am talking about Mary Beth! Awesome tips for the camera challenged like me! LOL Now I need to go buy a tripod! LOL Thanks for the help. I am sure there are others out there that need it as much as I do.
ReplyDeleteNow, you know I am loving all that sunshine! You remind me that I really do need to create and publish a Squidoo lens on my beach walks with my dog Tidbit.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see photos of your beach walks Ruth.
DeleteGreat photographs, Mary! I never managed to get a decent fireworks picture. I have to try your settings on the next sylvester night :).
ReplyDeleteThanks...fireworks are tricky...I have many more flubs than good photos :)
DeleteI love taking photos and I've taken lots of nighttime pics. I've always thought about getting a tripod, it makes quite a difference in the quality. Great tips!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful selection of lenses, and a terrific post, too! I am hankering after a "proper" camera this year and really want to get better at taking pictures. Night photography fascinates me as I love the moon and can never get a decent picture of it :) As always your photography is fabulous!
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