I want to take pictures of this year's 4th of July fireworks with my digital camera, but the couple attempts I've made at taking night photos have been terrible. Any tips at getting good night shots? Should I get a tripod?
I have an Olympus D-545 if it makes a difference, or should I try using a regular 35mm cameria? Definately get a tripod. Don't use your flash. Slow shutter speeds are best.
Some digital cameras work great with night photography. Mine does (Nikon D70). Compact digitals don't do as well because of the lag time. That can get frustrating. I looked up your camera, and it looks like it wouldn't be the best for fireworks. Maybe with the night mode, but take along a 35mm film camera just in case.
Wide apertures are a very bad idea! You don't want to wash out the black background with too much ambient light. Small aperture is the only way to go!
Oh yes, and if you camera is having a hard time focusing, see if you can pre-set your focus at infinity (farthest point from camera). Digital cameras do not work well at night. Use a 35mm camera with a high speed film, like 400 ASA. You'll get good results. Tripod is a MUST in night photography.
Off your flash because its of no use.
Use slow shutter speed, wide aperture and a high ISO setting (about ISO400) to capture more light. Use multiple blurst shooting if possible.
Slow shutter speed create a blurred motion in the fireworks that will looked quite nice, wide aperture is to allow more light to enter your camera and high ISO settings for more light sensitivity. Choose night mode (no need to on flash) on your camera if you are unsure on how to set them.
Play around with the controls to suit the conditions and to create the effect you desire. Tripod is a must.
Low light or nighttime picture setting.
Low aperture opening to prevent washout effect.
Set at Infinity.
Low shutter speed if you want dramatic effects.
Use the rapid shutter release for other dramatic effects.
No flash.
I do not know much about your camera. Is it fast in processing images? If no, you will be frustrated. If yes, be prepared for a nice treat, you will be quite pleased with the results.
My Nikon D50 allows me to take about 20 pictures in rapid shoot without losing any time in processing before it stores in memory. Every picture is in vivid detail and with excellent quality. So, I write from that experience.
On a nice night you can take about 300 to 400 pictures with every single shot without losing the effects. But camera is not always the reason that one takes good pictures - it is the person behind it.
Understand the settings of your camera well to take full advantage of it. Read your manual well and take some trial pictures at night - say your city downtown skyline - before you head out on July 4th. Experiment.
You do not really need 35 mm film camera. You can achieve the same thing with a digital.
Enjoy..! Take a look at this site:
Top 5 tips for fireworks photos
http://www.photobird.com/learn/top5tipsf... | 