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20 minutes

In fireworks photography, 10 seconds can be a perfect moment or an overwhelming blur.

 

These photographs were taken at exposures from 2.5 to 10 seconds.

 

Globalfest is Calgary's annual international fireworks competition.

These were taken during Spain's performance.

 

Edit: Spain was declared the winner of the competition for 2007.

They will be invited back in 2008 to defend their championship

against a new batch of international competitors.
COMMENTS
MHCityPlanner said at 6:40 p.m. on Aug 25, 2007:
Wow! Great work! Love the reflections and the clarity.
Tishfish said at 6:45 p.m. on Aug 25, 2007:
WOW is right!!
Janer said at 7:01 p.m. on Aug 25, 2007:
WOW indeed!!! And the reflections make it doubly awesome. Thanks for the tip re 10 secs, i'll keep that in mind next time. (:
Hollyridger said at 7:30 p.m. on Aug 25, 2007:
I shall have to come up with something other than "wow" - how about "superb"! These are fantastic shots, Destiny. Let me guess, was #9 the one that you exoposed for 10 seconds? Love this tabblo...
DVP said at 7:33 p.m. on Aug 25, 2007:
Actually, a number of these were at 10 seconds. It all depended on the timing of the music/fireworks as to how the shots were turning out. Next time I'll try an old trick and take some black foam-core with me.
Cruising said at 7:37 p.m. on Aug 25, 2007:
Fantastic job. Looks like you have this style down. The first is just a memorable shot!
ViqiFrench said at 8:13 p.m. on Aug 25, 2007:
Agree: #9 is a show-stopper, and so is #1! Wonder if you used a tripod, or are you able to keep remarkably still for those magical 10 seconds. ;-)
AndyH said at 8:17 p.m. on Aug 25, 2007:
Very nice work.
DVP said at 8:22 p.m. on Aug 25, 2007:
Tripods are your friend for fireworks. :)
Thank for the compliments folks.
Zippywinds said at 12:25 a.m. on Aug 26, 2007:
DAM i can hear go off, WOW WOW WOW oooo aahahahahah ooo ahahha spectacular show :)
Nina1960 said at 5:05 a.m. on Aug 26, 2007:
Fantastic pictures.I love the colors,reflections.Great job~
Pkeener said at 8:01 a.m. on Aug 26, 2007:
amazing show. these photos are very trippy. thanks for the info. and....WOW!!!!!!!
Leftofcenter said at 9:44 a.m. on Aug 26, 2007:
beautiful images
Jerii said at 11:31 a.m. on Aug 26, 2007:
Wow! These are lovely! You timed them well. I like the one where the fireworks look like feathers and the first and last ones are cool too. Nice!
DVP said at 12:58 p.m. on Aug 26, 2007:
For more awesome fireworks photos just Google "Globalfest" :)
DEE-Trow said at 2:43 p.m. on Aug 26, 2007:
Wow, you outdid yourself! These are just gorgeous. I do believe this must go into my favorites. Someday I will get a decent fireworks picture! Great tabblo!
Loes said at 3:24 p.m. on Aug 26, 2007:
Great fireworks show, the colors and reflections are beautiful!!!!
Whya said at 4:37 p.m. on Aug 26, 2007:
wow... amazing!! <3 them all..
Decoy said at 6:28 p.m. on Aug 26, 2007:
Great shots of fireworks! And #9 is one to go totally lost in :)
Perryandtina83 said at 7:12 p.m. on Aug 26, 2007:
awesome!
Floridamolle said at 8:33 p.m. on Aug 26, 2007:
Great lesson and BEAUTIFUL PICTURES!!!
AliDar said at 2:45 a.m. on Aug 27, 2007:
Whoa! spectacular firework shots! I love the little star bursts in the centers in the first and fourth shots! What is this about black foam and the music?
DVP said at 10:20 a.m. on Aug 27, 2007:
This is an international competition and the fireworks are set to music. Parts are slower than others, and it's hard with a digital camera to get timing on the fly. This is one type of photography where having an old 35 mm SLR with the ability to lock up the mirror at will is fabulous.

However, if you have a digital, you can always take a chunk of matte black foam core (nice sturdy stuff) with you and block the lens once you feel enough fireworks have been exposed. You still won't get the rapid fire ability to close the lens immediately and then reopen it, but at least you won't be forced to overexpose the shot if you've cranked open the lens. One would think you could do this with the lens cap, and you can - but it's difficult not to jiggle the camera that way. Aperture at F8 and focus at very close to infinity. Always use a tripod.

This is more of an art than a science. I'm pleased that my H5 did as well as it did and that my guesses on timing worked out.
Cougar79go said at 10:26 p.m. on Aug 28, 2007:
Absolutely Beautiful Shots Great Job!
Memotions said at 12:56 a.m. on Aug 30, 2007:
Just wonderful. Especially like the shots where you see the reflection in the water. Adds dimension. Very nice!
Lifequest22 said at 9:34 a.m. on Aug 31, 2007:
Incredible shots.
Jeepchick24 said at 9:59 a.m. on Aug 31, 2007:
Love these pictures...great job.
Koolkozak1994 said at 3:12 p.m. on Aug 31, 2007:
These are amazing! And the title is really simple but als really creative. Nice Job!
OscarDaniel said at 3:29 p.m. on Aug 31, 2007:
very good captures!!! exellent
Umauma said at 10:14 p.m. on Aug 31, 2007:
I'm speechless after looking at this Tabblo for the 10th time.
Flinkfar said at 9:07 a.m. on Sep 1, 2007:
Great stuff - and thanks for sharing the tips and tricks. Now I'll just have to wait for some fireworks in the neighbourhood...........
Courtney-bowers57 said at 5:29 p.m. on Sep 1, 2007:
wow that is really pretty, nice shots!
Marcif said at 9:19 p.m. on Sep 1, 2007:
awesome!
Kath said at 11:54 a.m. on Sep 3, 2007:
nice shots!!
Siagian said at 12:39 a.m. on Sep 7, 2007:
very beautiful. nicely done!
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