FREE: photograph fireworks @ Moomba Festival

UPDATE: Due to ill health, I won't be able to run this session tonight (Sat). I have tentatively re-scheduled it for Monday evening. Of course, the fireworks display will still launch tonight so if you're still intending to try photographing them and need some pointers, just message me on here.

Moomba Festival runs over 5 days this year which means 5 nights to practice fireworks photography.

On Saturday at 8:30pm we'll gather on top of William Barak Bridge (see map) on the east side of Batman Ave.

If you've never shot fireworks before, I will give you a full rundown on the technical aspects of doing it including the appropriate camera mode/settings. The fireworks are scheduled to go off at approx 9:15pm.

What to bring?

• Your camera

• A general purpose zoom lens (eg. 24-70mm or 18-55mm) that can shoot fairly wide.

• A tripod (optional - for traditional fireworks photos)

• A cable shutter release (optional - this is useful if you're shooting on a tripod)

If you want to try the weirdo technique (http://photos.gilliver.net/fireworks) I use, all you'll need is your camera and a longer lens (eg. 70-200mm). I usually don't recommend the weirdo technique if you haven't shot fireworks before as it's difficult to get good shots.

Note that the fireworks may be cancelled if the weather is poor. Obviously, this is entirely out of my control.

You should also be aware that the section of the bridge from Birrarung Marr over Batman Ave will be closed for a time before the launch so avoid relying on that if you're running late.

If you can't make it to this event, you can find a listing of other upcoming fireworks displays on a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/fireworksinmelbourne) I manage.