Please help suggest settings for firework photos with d5100

[digitalman4242]

I am going to a really nice fireworks show this weekend. I just bought a DSLR for the first time about 6 months ago. I am currently using D5100. I have kit lense, 35mm, and 55-200mm vr. I am guessing the 55-200 would be best to use? I will be pretty close to the fireworks. Near the tape where they tape it off. Probably 30 ft from there. I am just wondering what lense and settings you recommend?? I guess since they are moving maybe something like 1/1000 shutter? and aperature f9-f10?? And iso 400-800?

 

[RunOrDie226]

Finally a question I am able to answer Will you be shooting the Canada Day Fireworks be chance?

Anyway, to help you, I made some quick tips.
1). Use a Tripod

2). Manual Focus

3). Manual Mode

4). Turn off V/R

5). Low ISO (As fireworks are REALLY bright, there is no need to bump up ISO, as many people think they should)

6). Aperture around f-10 as fireworks are bright! (Too bright go to f-16, too dark go to f-8)
7). Slow Shutter Speed (3-6 secs) OR use BULB mode

Also, if you youtube or google "fireworks photography tutorial" it will explain more in detail what I listed.

Hope this helps! Good Luck

 

[digitalman4242]

No it's a fireworks display in West Virginia. Thank you for the help though!

 

[bgD300]

Shooting fireworks displays is pretty much the same everywhere.

http://birdsnbugs.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/shooting-fireworks-displays/ has a writeup on my approach.
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[LeftyAce]

I used a different approach from runordie. Basically set the camera on aperture priority mode, exposure compensation to minus 1 and shot handheld as the fireworks burst. Here's what I ended up with: f/2 1/125 second iso 2000 (I was using the 35mm f1.8 lens).