July 4th Fireworks - Albany Skyline View from Holiday Inn Express (EG)
Details
Photograph the Fireworks!
For a listing of area fireworks displays and family activities, please visit:
https://www.news10.com/news/local-news/where-to-watch-4th-of-july-fireworks-in-the-capital-region/
Anyone interested in photographing fireworks overhead Albany's State Plaza with an amazing skyline view is welcome to join each other at this location. It's far less crowded and offers a great alternate way to view fireworks. It's best to arrive by 8:00pm to get a prime spot as people WILL park alongside the guard rail going down the hill.
Zoom lenses will be excellent at this location! Wider angles will provide a great perspective over Albany with fireworks above.
*Fireworks begin at dusk about/just after 9pm
For more information on the Albany fireworks please visit:
https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/new-york-states-fourth-july-celebration
Please review comments to this post, to make arrangements to meet other group members to gather, and celebrate our Independence Day! There are lots of hot spots to photograph the fireworks, if you have a favorite spot, please comment with your suggestion for additional sites. There are several locations throughout the region that offer fireworks. I will be at Glimmerglass State Park on the beach (weather permitting).
Please feel free to share your images in our group facebook page or our meetup album (Fireworks 2025). Only members have access
https://www.meetup.com/tcrpmg/photos/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/181008728623643/
TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING FIREWORKS:
Please share your own successful tips as well!
Always use a TRIPOD for the most pleasing results!
Use your remote or cable release if you have one
TURN OFF EVERYTHING AUTO!
Turn OFF Autofocus, Image Stabilization and Vibration Reduction
Manually pre-focus to save time if you can
Shoot using MANUAL MODE for full control! Try using Shutter Priority if Manual scares you ;)
ISO:
Use the lowest ISO possible to prevent digital noise (such as ISO 100 or 200)
If you don't have a tripod, go for ISO 400 or 800 to prevent camera shake
Turn OFF your vibration reduction feature when using a tripod
SHUTTER SPEEDS:
Use a slow shutter speed to capture great light trails and get more than one burst in your frame. Aim between 1-4 seconds for this effect. Use your tripod!
Experiment with your BULB setting. Your shutter will remain open for as long as you depress your shutter button. Tripod a must! Use a cable release as opposed to depressing your shutter button manually, you may risk camera shake.
APERTURE:
I would recommend you start at F8. Wider apertures tend to lead to overexposure. Open aperture in small increments if your images are coming out too dark.
If your colored fireworks appear too white, adjust your aperture down to F11. Adjusting your shutter speed may cause you to lose those nice light trails so be aware of your settings and your primary preference for your fireworks photos.
Happy Photographing!
~Angela~
There will be no meetup fees for this meetup.
PS: for surrounding area fireworks locations please visit:
July 4th Fireworks - Albany Skyline View from Holiday Inn Express (EG)