not your usual obligatory fireworks photo
It’s hard to go to a big fireworks show and not take the camera along. And since Wamego has what they describe as the “biggest hand-fired fireworks show in the Midwest and possibly in the nation,” there was no way I could resist.
I’ve tried doing the typical fireworks picture before, but never got anything I was pleased with. This year, I read an article from JPG Magazine on using focus shift to create really interesting fireworks pictures.
I tried it, and I’m in love.
Basically, you set your camera on a tripod (and this type of shot requires a camera that has a manual-focus ring on the lens, so probably an SLR-type camera) and use your longest lens. Use manual focus and a long shutter speed. During the exposure, change the focus. You can go from focused to out of focus or the other way around. On this one, I went from unfocused to focused. Just make sure you don’t shake the tripod during the exposure. 
More to come.
ISO 100, 4 seconds, f11, 75mm, focus shift
That’s beautiful.
Damnit, I just went to a fireworks show tonight, I wish I had read this a few hours ago, I would have liked to try this! That’s really cool, I’ll have to remember this!
http://clamroll.wordpress.com
Sweet shot Rik! I wonder if you might also try shooting through a shape template — you’ve seen the shots of Christmas trees and other lights where the lights take on the shape of the cutout?!
That is awesome! Next year I will be trying that out!
looks awesome!!