Peter Kun Frary, Professor of Music • University of Hawaii, Leeward
Peter Kun Frary, Professor of Music • University of Hawaii, Leeward
4th of July 2009 • Honolulu, Hawaii
Photo by Peter Kun Frary • Canon EOS 50D, EF 200 2.8 USM, Bogan tripod
How I did it
This image is the Ala Moana fireworks show taken from my condo in downtown Honolulu on 7/4/09. How did I do it? First, I attached my camera to a tripod to keep it steady. I also connected a cable release to remotely fire the shutter. Why all the fuss? You can't use flash for fireworks so the resulting long exposure will be burry if hand held.
Next I set the camera for manual exposure and focus. Why? Camera metering systems tend to grossly overexpose night scenes. And no need to keep focusing since the scene is at infinity (the camera will eventually miss in low light).
Here are the actual settings: ISO 100 (for low noise), F11 and 2 seconds in manual exposure mode and locked focus on infinity (switched off autofocus). Triggered at will with a RS-80N3 Remote Switch.
I took about 100 images during the 20 minute show. I also tried a few 10 to 15 second exposures in order to record multiple bursts.
Why I stay at home
In prior years I've shot the fireworks show from Ala Moana Shopping Center and Ala Moana Beach Park but with poor results. Too many drunks, screaming kids, popping firecrackers and people jumping in front of me. My living room window is the best spot: stereo pumpin', beer in one hand and cable release in the other. Plus no hell traffic after the show...
Downtown Galleria Home
©Copyright 2009 by Peter Kun Frary • All Rights Reserved
