Friday, July 04, 2008

Happy Independence Day RAK

I hope that everyone has a safe, fun, and memorable holiday and weekend! While you are celebrating, take time to say thank you to all of the people before us who have made this country what it is today. I have a wonderful life, and I am not so sure how it would have been had I not been born in the good old USA!

I had my little "Uncle Sam" pose for a few shots. Trying to get an eight year old to sit still for a picture is like trying to sew buttons on ice cream. He is still cute, though.



An ever bigger challenge for me is those dreaded fireworks shots. I try every year, and every year I fail. Does anyone know of the perfect camera settings for my DigiRebel for the fireworks? I wish I had time to Google that. Please, if you know, tell me.

If you have some fun July 4th shots of your own, link me up! I'd love to see them. Anything July 4th related would be great. You could also link me up to any July 4th scrapbook layouts that you have done. I will send a little goodie package to one random poster who links me up in their comment by Tuesday July 8th. Maybe some BasicGrey, Making Memories, Tinkering Ink and other fun stuff! How does that sound? Good deal! Enjoy your holiday!

6 comments:

  1. I cut and pasted this article last year to my computer, so I don't know where it came from, but for what it's worth....

    Digital Fireworks Photography
    Help and Tips Shoot spectacular fireworks photos with your digital camera. Digital photography insights when dealing with low-light situations.

    #1: Use a Tripod
    A tripod can make your fireworks photos crisper and more pleasing to the eye.
     
    #2: Keep the Shutter Held Down
    Remove 'camera shake' by not releasing the shutter button too early.
     
    #3: Exposure Time
    Shutter speed recommendations for digital fireworks photos.
     
    #4: Flash Won't Help
    Flash will not help your fireworks photography.
     
    #5: Find a Good Vantage Point
    A good location can make all the difference when taking fireworks photos with your digital camera.
     
    #6: Focus to Infinity
    Keep everything in focus when taking fireworks photos.
     
    #7: Bring Lots of Memory
    Ensure you can take plenty of digital photos.
     
    #8: Capture a Landmark
    A landmark can fill the void of the night sky in your photo.
     
    #9: Increase ISO Slightly
    Increased ISO sensitivity may allow shorter exposure times.
     
    #10: Consider Tilting Your Camera
    Add variety to your fireworks photos by tilting your digital camera.
     
    #11: Use Double Exposure For Impressive Photos
    Use double exposure tricks to take even more incredible fireworks photos with your digital camera.
     
    #12: Make Sure Tripods Are Allowed
    Before bringing a tripod to shoot digital fireworks photos, make sure it is ok to do so. Or, find someplace away from the crowds to take your photos.
     

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  2. Great shot of your son! I'd love any tips YOU have for getting them to hold still for a second! LOL!

    Digital Photography School just did an article on fireworks on their blog http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-photograph-fireworks/ I think Holly covered most of it, but you may find a help or two.

    Have a wonderful 4th! Good luck!

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  3. Hi,

    Congrats on HOF... I just discovered your blog. I'm glad a fellow PA resident won!! I love your LO w/Little Yellow Bicycle product for the HOF challenge over on CK.

    Chris

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  4. the settings i used on my digi rebel were: Manual - F8, 2 sec SS, ISO 200, and both auto/manual focus and a tripod.

    I put a slideshow up on my blog with my fireworks shots :)
    http://jessicajo78.blogspot.com/2008/07/happy-4th-of-july.html

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  5. I found your blog and have it saved in my favorites. I posted a 4th of july layout I did last year on my blog check it out at
    lakerplunk.blogspot.com

    haven't gotten any good fireworks shots either, always forget until iit iis to late to see what settings I should use.

    Love reading about you and your family
    laura P

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  6. http://hansenhappenings.blogspot.com/2008/07/parker-does-some-golfing-after-parade.html

    http://jenniferhansenscrapgallery.blogspot.com/2008/07/2-sketches-4-you-laura-3.html

    Thanks for the giveaway :-)

    Jennifer

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