4th of July

This will be my first 4th of July that I attempt to take pictures of the fireworks. I am planning watching the show in Estes Park, as I hear it is a great show.

Any RMNP's have any tips on how to increase my chances of getting a good shot?

Hope everyone has a great and safe 4th and I am already looking forward to seeing some of the pictures people take.

A cable release will make things a lot easier if you weren't already planning on it. I shot a show last year, was using a shutter between 1 second and 1/10. Most of them were at 1/5. I was pretty happy with them (read: amazed at how well they came out on the first attempt). I was also shooting from a dark location with no nearby light sources, at least a mile and a half away from the launch site. How close you are may determine how well this works for you, but two cues as to when to fire are when you see the shell going up and/or when you hear the report from the launch.

Brad I hate to be a party pooper, but at present there is a severe fire ban and they may not have the fireworks display here in Estes. Everyone is holding their breath as we need it to bring the tourists, but not if it sets our main attraction on fire.

Erik thanks for the heads up. Is there a web page or anything that gives updates on whether Estes Park will be having their fireworks display this year?

Sorry, I don't know Brad. If I hear anything, I'll post it here.

Brad, just want to let you know that they have announced that there will be fireworks in Estes on the 4th. Everyone here is thrilled. The recent rains have helped been a big help. They say the show will begin at 9:30pm. Hope you get some good shots!