July 4th Fireworks - Albany State Plaza
Details
Photograph the Fireworks!
Anyone interested in photographing fireworks in Albany's State Plaza is welcome to join each other. It's best to arrive early to get a prime spot.
***I SUGGEST MEETING EACH OTHER at 8pm IN FRONT OF THE MUSEUM*** so you're not overcrowded by people then determine where you would like to set up as a group.
*Fireworks begin at dusk just after 9pm
For more information please visit:
https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/new-york-states-fourth-july-celebration
FREE parking is available in the visitor and “P” lots under the Empire State Plaza, the Grand Street lot, and the Elk Street lot, East and Sheridan Hollow garages (no roof access at East and Sheridan garages).
Please be sure to check for road closures and parking restrictions around Albany. Traffic and parking in Albany gets crazy! Consider taking the bus from another location.
Please review comments to make arrangements to meet other group members to gather and celebrate our Independence! There are LOTS of hot spots to photograph the fireworks, if you have a favorite spot, please comment with your suggestion for additional sites. The members new to the area will greatly appreciate knowing your favorite preferred spot!!! Thanks!!
The festival starts at 5 pm with food & drink options and live entertainment to keep you busy before the fireworks start.
There will be no meetup fee.
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~
PS....for surrounding area fireworks locations please visit:
July 4th Fireworks - Albany State Plaza