Personal Project: Fireworks

Celebrate! Fireworks are a celebration of stories and memories, new and past.  I find fireworks fascinating when I can zoom in to look at the details of the fire. If ever I do a physical gallery display show, fireworks might be my subject. But, such a show would break my bank because I would want to print the images 6 feet tall so the viewers could stand close and view the details. Even though I can't explore large size fireworks in this electronic gallery, perhaps we can stir some celebration stories and memories. For your photo club, I do have a presentation about photographing fireworks (see my available Seminars & Presentations).

Some viewers may not be familiar with focus shift fireworks. A few of my crazy favorites are displayed here. The lens focus is changed as the fireworks burst spreads across the sky. They can be noted by wide thick trails near the center of the burst, which resolve to thin crisp lines after the burst has spread. The reverse is also possible, detailed, in focus, at the center burst, and out of focus puff-balls or flares at the end of the spread.

Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) is another fun effect that can make for intriguing images of fireworks. While the fireworks burst is spreading across the sky, try moving the camera up, down, left, right, or all around. Combining other intentional effects can also be interesting.

Edit: 7/25/2024