Friends of Arizona Highways Photo Workshops

June 28, 2006

ONE SPACE AVAILABLE ON DAVID MUENCH WORKSHOP
UPDATE: THE SPACE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Due to a cancellation, we now have one space available on the September 26-30 workshop with David Muench. It will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. The trip information is here: http://www.friendsofazhighways.com/workshops/06FallTetons.htm

SHOOTING FIREWORKS

I've read a number of articles lately on how to photograph fireworks for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Most articles have a number of similar bits of advice. I'll try to condense them for you here, or you can search online for some outstanding articles on the subject:

Arrive early to scout for a good background (is there a building, monument, statue etc that you can frame with the display?).

Bring a flashlight for reading your camera settings after dark.

Start with a speed setting of ISO 200 and aperture of f/11 or f/16. Adjust from there, as needed.

Expect shutter speeds of a second or more.

Use a tripod - paired with a cable release or electronic remote - to eliminate camera shake during the long exposures.

Start the exposure as the shell launches and, depending on your preference, shut it off either when the explosion peaks or as it dissipates.

Multiple bursts can be captured by setting the camera on Bulb ("B") and blocking the lens between bursts (but be sure not to touch the camera).

Experiment a lot, but don't run out of film or media cards before the grand finale!

PHOTO TIP

Here's an important reminder from participant Jim Ryder. Digital photographers who use interchangeable lenses should always remember to shut off the power to the camera before changing lenses. Otherwise the sensor keeps a static charge, acts like a dust magnet and you'll get spots in your photos. This won't completely eliminate your risk for getting dust on your sensor, but is one of the important safeguards you can take.

PHOTO CONTEST

We just heard about a photo contest that sounds pretty interesting. It's sponsored by National Geographic Traveler and Photo District News. Besides all kinds of neat prizes, winning entries will be published early next year. There's a small fee to enter and the deadline is August 15, 2006. More details can be found here: http://www.worldinfocuscontest.com/

SHARING PHOTOS

Here are a few more student websites for you to enjoy.

Rick Judd - http://shutterworks.smugmug.com/Travel/187881
Jerry Ginsberg - http://www.JerryGinsberg.com
Roger Galburt - http://osprey.smugmug.com/

OFFICE CLOSURES

The office move is upon us. Michelle and I will be vacationing from June 29 until July 7 while the work on our building commences. We will be working from home after that time until about mid-August. We will still be conducting business, but please be aware that there may be delays in our responses. We will do our best to keep things "business as usual," however.

Thank you for your continued interest in the workshops.