Sunday, July 28, 2013

Photos: Fireworks (花火) in Okinawa, Japan and How It's Done

 

Last Night in Kin Town

 

 

Matsuri or, festival season is in full speed ahead mode, all over the Ryukyu Islands.

These photos were among the hundreds taken yesterday.

And, off we go to another festival, somewhere, tonight.

fireworks at night

 

Along with these photos, I'll post some tips to give an idea how I gotterdun.




Find a place where you are away from the crowds.

If you aren't familiar with the area, ask someone where the fireworks are launched from.

Maybe, you'll get an idea where you'll want to set-up your camera.

red, green, yellow, fireworks
The camera has to be kept steady, not hand-held.

These images were made with a Pentax KD 10 and a Sigma 10-20mm lens at 10mm.

fireworks at night
The Pentax K5 was mounted on a tripod so, I propped the KD 10 up on a wall.

At an aperture of f/11, I set shutter speed for 1 or, 2 seconds and use ISO 100.

bursting fireworks


With the slightest breeze blowing the camera shakes so, remove things the wind will hit.

The lens hood, camera strap or, any dangling lens covers, have to go !


green fireworks


These shots were made, using a shutter cable release and another little trick.

Both cameras, I used last night were set to continuous shooting mode.

As long as you keep the shutter button depressed, the camera keeps firing.

Normally, I fire the shots, three frames at a time.

Look, listen and fire away, it takes a bit of experimentation.

Now, it's time for me to pack up and get on out of here to head over to another matsuri.

I have more experimentatin' to do !












No comments: