Mary Ann's Photo Gallery and Tips

Blog

« Back to Blog « Older Entry | Newer Entry »

Fireworks and the 4th

Posted by laxwings at 03:21 PM on July 14, 2009

For years I have tried to take some photos of the Fireworks. I never was successful. This year between some guidence from a friend and photographer, Roger Plesha and my new 50 mm f1.4 lens I had plenty of wonderful shots to choose from.

What a beautiful evening to be out on the river. Ryan archored the boat right at the mouth of the Black River where it joins the La Crosse and mighty Mississippi River. Riverfest was going on throughout Riverside Park so the lighting was bright and music entertaining. Near us was a houseboat with several middle school aged kids and another boat with a very entertaining grow-up. Well soon the frisbee's were flying and it was amazing how well they could throw and catch between the boats. With the few that were missed the kids were more than willing to jump in and retrieve. What fun to help cheer them on.

I looked up the metadata of the original photo I chose and my Canon D20 was at 1/250 sec, f/3.2 and ISO 1600. In the manipulated photo I just did a tighter crop, slight saturation, and adjusted exposure a tweak. I find I dislike setting the sharpening more and more as it takes away from the ambiance that I find I like. With this fast lens all was hand held. I would have never been able to use a tripod and find the spot in the sky!

Just imagine the Star Spangle Banner planing in the background or my favorite the 1812 Overture. Oh, what fun it must be to be in Boston to listen to the "Boston Pops" playing that selection on the 4th.

Original

Cropped and slight editing

Categories: None

2 Comments

Reply Edna B

11:59 PM on July 18, 2009

I was here a few days ago, but had to leave before I could write my comments. These fireworks photos are just gorgeous. I will have to try this next summer. I checked out your 1st place photo, and I must tell you how proud I am of you. I am going to try that Orton effect on one of my pics. Your photos look as though I could just climb right into the scene. Terrific job my friend. Hugs, Edna

Reply Mary Ann

12:03 AM on July 19, 2009

Hi Edna, Thanks for saying everything I told you too!!!!!!!! Seriously, I really appreciate your kind comments. Let me see your Orton photos when you do it. Try it on some of your awesome florals...works for them also, not just landscape. It's meant for anything where you want to pop color. Enjoy!