Chicago PPA

Hi and Welcome Back,

As you may well know, I’m in Chicago presenting off camera flash to the Chicago PPA.  Things are going great.  The Chicago PPA is full of wonderful photographers who have treated me like royalty.  I love it here!

Here are a few images from last night’s presentation/quick shoot:

This was a tough session as I taught and shot in front of a very interested and engaged group, but I loved it.  I moved quickly from on camera, to off camera, to gelling the flashes and creative white balance.  Many thanks to Eddie and MaryGrace, our accommodating models for the evening.

Today I am running a 4 hour workshop, so look for images tomorrow and a post on my travels here.

Till then,

Happy Shooting

Stacey From Yesterday

Hi and welcome back,

Here is a teaser from yesterday’s shoot with Stacey.

How To Shoot Fireworks

Hi Everyone,

Welcome back.  This post is on how to shoot fireworks.

It is essentially easy once you have some of the necessary equipment:

1. Camera
2. Sturdy Tripod
3. Cable release not necessary but good if you have one
4. Mid range to telephoto lenses

Settings:

1. ISO: 100 or 200
2. Aperture F/8
3. Shutter Speed 4 seconds
4. WB Auto or try Tungsten/Incandescent

That’s about it.  Here’s how to do it:

1. Get there early to find a good spot to shoot
2. Set camera to above settings
3. Once fireworks start, take a test shot, review on LCD screen
4. If the shot looks good, keep shooting; if not, adjust shutter speed as an Aperture of f/8 will give you plenty of sharpness in the image from front to back
5. Try shooting with a telephoto lens to isolate the firework from the background

Hint: Shoot early and fast so the smoke from the explosions doesn’t cloud your shots.

That’s it.  Go out and give it a try and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results!