| How to Photograph Fireworks Posted: 04 Jul 2018 01:00 AM PDT Fireworks look beautiful in photographs, full of light and color. You may wonder how you can best capture fireworks in an image without issues like over or underexposure, blurriness, and graininess. To photograph fireworks well, start by picking a good shooting location. You can also use camera settings that will help you achieve a high quality image. Then, set up the camera on a tripod to keep it steady and frame the fireworks with landmarks, a skyline, or even people to capture interesting photos. EditSelecting the Shooting Location - Look for a high spot in an open area. Try to position yourself on a spot that is high up, such as a ledge in a field or a high slope by a main road. Check that you can see the spot where the fireworks are supposed to be in the sky from your vantage point and that you are at a 45 degree angle from the ground when you look up.[1]
- Keep in mind if you want to include people in some of your shots, you may pick a high spot that you can move down from easily so you can be closer to crowds.
- Check that the spot is upwind from the fireworks so you get a clear short. Shooting downwind from the fireworks can cause smoke to get into your images as the fireworks go off. Prevent this by making sure your shooting location is upwind from where the fireworks are set to go off.[2]
- To determine the wind conditions, check the weather beforehand. Note if it is going to be a windy night and plan accordingly.
- Pick a spot that has a view of the skyline or a landmark for a unique shot. You may want to include a beautiful city skyline or a historic landmark in the area where the fireworks are set to go off. Find a shooting location that allows you to see the skyline clearly below the fireworks. Or go for a spot where a landmark or building appears in one side of the frame or in the foreground.[3]
- You can always shift your shooting location slightly while the fireworks are going off to get different objects in the foreground, as well as no objects at all in the shot. Try to find a spot where you can move around and play with different compositions.
EditSetting up the Camera - Switch your camera to manual mode. You do not need an expensive camera with a lot of different settings to photograph fireworks well. In fact, you can use a film camera or a digital camera to get a great image as long as it can be switched to manual mode.[4]#*Make sure the focus mode reverts to manual when you switch to manual mode, as this will allow you to focus the camera as needed during the fireworks show.
- If you are shooting with the camera on your smartphone, download an app that allows you to have a slower shutter speed on the camera, such as Slow Shutter Cam.
- Some digital cameras will have a "Fireworks Mode" on the settings dial or in the menu options on the camera. Use this mode, if available, as this allows the camera to adjust the settings for you so you do not need to do it yourself.
- Turn off the flash to limit distractions around you. Switch the flash off, as it is not strong enough to illuminate the foreground in the dark. It can also distract you when you are taking pictures and bother others around you.[5]
- Use a wide or telephoto zoom lens to capture the fireworks. Look for a telephoto zoom lens that is 70-200mm or 70-300mm, as this will allow you to capture the fireworks in full from a distance. You can also use a wide lens that is 24-70mm or 24-120mm if you are shooting a bit closer to the fireworks.[6]
- It may be good to have both lenses on hand so you can switch between them to suit your vantage point.
- Start with a slow shutter speed of 2.5-4 seconds. Using a slow shutter speed will allow the camera shutter to stay open long enough to capture the long light trails of the fireworks. Avoid going lower than 2.5 seconds, as a shutter speed that is too low can cause the fireworks to appear blown out or overexposed.[7]
- You may need to play around with the shutter speed as you photograph the fireworks, shifting between 2.5-4 seconds. Try a few different speeds once you set up your camera to vary the types of images you get.
- Set the camera to a low ISO level and a narrow aperture field. Start with an ISO that is at 100, as this will allow you to allow use a low shutter speed. You can usually leave the ISO at 100 as you shoot. The aperture, or how wide the lens opens, should be around f/5.6-f/8. This will keep the aperture just narrow enough to capture the fireworks without letting in too much light.[8]
- You can try playing around with the aperture field as you photograph the fireworks, bumping up to f/11-f/16 depending on how bright your images appear.
EditTaking the Photographs - Arrive early for the fireworks to reserve your shooting spot. If you know the fireworks show is going to be popular, you may aim to get to the location 30 minutes-1 hour early so you can set up your camera gear and be ready for the show.
- If you are not sure about the details of the location, you may visit it a day early to stake out a good location for shooting the fireworks.
- Put the camera on a tripod to get a steady image. Always use a tripod when you are shooting fireworks, as this will ensure you get a clear, high quality image. Set up the camera, or your smartphone, on a tripod in the shooting location. Make sure the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture have already been set, as you do not want to have to touch the camera too much once you start shooting.[9]
- Look for a tripod that fits your camera model at your local camera store or online.
- Get a remote shutter release to avoid touching the camera. The remote shutter release attaches to your camera and is controlled by a small remote you hold in your hand. This feature is ideal when you are shooting fireworks, as touching your camera while shooting can cause the images to appear blurry or unclear.[10]
- You can buy a remote shutter release at your local camera store or online.
- Focus the camera on a distant object near where the fireworks are going off. Look into the lense and adjust the focus manually so it is on an object that is fairly far away, just beside or in front of where the fireworks are going to explode. This will then ensure the fireworks appear in focus when they enter the frame.[11]
- You can also try zooming out or in and focusing on the fireworks to get a different perspective. Your wide or telephoto zoom lense should make doing this fairly easy.
- Frame the fireworks with people, objects, or a landscape. Use your surroundings to make the photographs more interesting and unique. Try placing a landmark in one corner of the frame and focusing on it as the fireworks go off. You can also focus on the skyline just below the fireworks to get a nice landscape in the foreground.[12]
- Including people watching the fireworks can also make the photographs more interesting. Try shooting at a lower angle to capture people in the foreground or background of the image.
- Reduce the shutter speed if the fireworks appear blurry or unclear. If you notice your images are coming out blurry or unclear, it may be because your shutter speed is not slow enough. Bump it down 1-2 speeds so the lense stays open longer and you can capture the full effect of the fireworks.[13]
- You may need to also play around with the aperture setting when you reduce the shutter speed to find the right balance.
- Use "bulb mode" to experiment with exposure. To do this, press the shutter down as the fireworks are launching. Continue to hold the shutter for several seconds until the burst fades and then slowly let it go. This allows you to create a long exposure that will capture the fireworks as it explodes.[14]
- Use a remote shutter release to do "bulb mode" as this will prevent you from touching the camera and causing it to shift or move, which can ruin the photograph.
- Shoot in RAW mode, rather than JPEG mode, if you are using a digital camera. RAW mode will make it easier for you to edit RAW images later to remove shadows or blurry area in the images.[15]
EditThings You'll Need - A digital or film camera with a manual mode
- A tripod
- A remote shutter release
- A flashlight
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| How to Train Climbing Roses Posted: 03 Jul 2018 05:00 PM PDT Climbing roses come in all sizes, ranging from tall to or more. All of these roses need to be trained to climb, however, as they do not climb naturally. In order to train your roses, you'll need to tie the canes to a support and keep up with pruning. If you haven't installed a support or planted your roses yet, it's critical to choose the right location and position them correctly. EditTraining Your Roses onto Their Support - Tie the canes to the support without training the first year. When your rose plant starts to grow canes, or stems, long enough to reach your support, tie each of them to it with strips of a stretchy material, such as pantyhose. Hold each cane against the support naturally and make loose ties with of "give" so that the plant has enough airflow to grow properly.[1]
- Continue tying the canes every during the first year. After tying each cane to your support, tend to the plant as is until it grows another . Once you think the canes have grown about this far from the initial ties, measure the growth with measuring tape to be sure. Then, tie each cane as you did before, loosely to the support without forcing them in any specific direction.[2]
- Continue tying the canes each time they've grown past their most recent tie.
- Train the canes to grow horizontally during the second year. After your rose plant has had at least 1 year to establish itself and begin to grow naturally over the support, select the 4 or 5 most healthy, strong canes on the plant. Use strips of pantyhose to loosely tie these healthiest canes to the support, but this time tie them so that they're positioned as horizontally as possible across the support.
- As they grow, continue tying the canes horizontally at evenly spaced intervals.
- Positioning climbing roses horizontally encourages the growth of side shoots, or laterals, that extend from the main canes. This allows the plant to produce more flowers.[3]
- Prune your roses each spring. Once your rose plant is about 3 years old, you'll need to start pruning off old canes to promote growth. Each spring, after the first main flush of blooms, remove the ties on the old, gray, woody-looking canes and cut them off at the base with pruning shears. This is healthy for your plant because it helps to improve airflow and direct future growth.[4]
- In addition to removing dead, damaged, and diseased canes, you may also need to remove canes that cross and suckers that grow from below the graft union.[5]
- Don't prune your plant at all during its first 3 years of life.
- Train the remaining healthy canes. After removing all of the unhealthy canes, you should ideally have about 3 or 4 of the healthiest canes left. Once you've done this annual pruning, tie the remaining canes to the support loosely with strips of pantyhose. As the canes grow, continue tying them to the support horizontally at evenly spaced intervals.[6]
EditInstalling a New Support and Rose Plan - Decide on a location that's sunny, sheltered, and has good drainage. Roses grow best when they're exposed to 6 hours of sun daily and are protected from harsh elements, such as wind. They also need to be planted in soil that drains well, or else rotting may occur. Choose a location in your yard to install your support that meets these needs.[7]
- Select a support. Choose a trellis or other similar structure that your roses can climb on. The support must be large enough and sturdy enough to hold the climbing rose in wet and windy conditions at its mature height. Choose a support that encourages horizontal growth, such as a fence, over a support that allows vertical growth, such as a rose tower. Also, consider ease of access for pruning.[8]
- A smaller climbing rose will do fine with a support that's tall.
- A larger climber will require a large arbor, pergola, or other sturdy structure.
- Once a climbing rose is established, you won't be able to replace the support without severely damaging the plant. Try to purchase or build a support that will last for several decades.
- Install your support. Once you've decided on a support and a location, it's important that you secure your support to the ground. Anchor the base of the support with stakes to enhance its stability. If you're leaning your support against a wall, be sure to place the base at least away from the wall to allow proper airflow, and so that you'll be able to access the plant when doing necessary maintenance.[9]
- Dig a hole that's deep. Use measuring tape to measure away from the base of your support. Use a shovel to dig a hole that's deep and twice as wide as the plant's root spread. This is where you'll plant your roses.[10]
- Position the graft union below the soil line in cold climates. If you're planting in an area that has a cold winter climate, put the plant in the hole and position the graft union of the plant, or the bulge where the top and bottom of the plant meet, about below the soil level. Then, fill in the rest of the hole with soil. This should help to protect the plant from frost.[11]
- Place the graft union above the soil line in warm climates. If you're planting in an area that has a warmer climate, there's little risk of frost damage. Because of this, you can plant your rose plant with the bulging graft union slightly exposed. Fill your hole with some soil and place the plant in the hole so that the graft union is positioned just above the soil level.[12]
- Add mulch to the surface. Spread wood chips or cocoa bean hulls around the base of the rose plant, but be careful not to heap the mulch around the plant's trunk.[13] This should help the plant to retain water and also protect it from weeds.
- Water the root zone heavily twice a week. Roses respond much better to less frequent soakings than frequent sprinklings. Soak the soil around the base of your rose plant with water at least twice a week during the warm summer months and at most twice a week during the rest of the year.[14]
- While roses love water, they may die if they sit in it. Remember that good drainage is crucial for growth.
- Wrap your support in burlap during the winter. Your roses will be at risk throughout the winter if you don't do anything to protect them from the cold weather. To ensure that your roses have the best chance at staying alive and healthy, wrap the plant and the support in burlap and stuff the inside with straw.[15]
EditThings You'll Need - Support
- Pantyhose strips (or other stretchy material)
- Measuring tape
- Pruning shears
- Stakes
- Shovel
- Mulch
- Water
- Burlap
- Straw
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Set up a Fireworks Show Posted: 03 Jul 2018 09:00 AM PDT Putting on a fireworks show can be a great way to celebrate a holiday or a special occasion, but it takes a lot of planning in advance to make sure it's safe and fun for everyone. If you pick the right fireworks and pay close attention to firework safety and legality, though, you should be able to put on a spectacular fireworks show for your family and friends! EditChoosing Your Fireworks - Plan to spend about $150-$500 (£125 to £400) for a decent show. This should give you anywhere from 10-50 shells, depending on the ones you choose.[1]
- Try to vary your show with at least 3-4 different effects, such as a combination of peony bursts, brocades, and waterfalls, with a multi-effect cake for the finale.
- Choose quality over quantity. Fireworks can be expensive, but you'll have a more impressive show if you focus on a shorter show packed with exciting aerials rather than trying to stretch your budget into the longest show you can make. Choose shells that will make an impact on the crowd and which fire multiple shots rather than buying bottle rockets and Roman candles in bulk.
- Go with a peony shell for the most common fireworks burst. Peonies are the shells most people think about when they imagine a fireworks show. They produce a spherical break of colored stars and are especially striking when several are used in quick succession.[2]
- The cost of a peony averages about $25 USD.[3]
- Select a brocade shell for an umbrella pattern. Brocades trail sparks, which slowly cascade down in the shape of an umbrella. Use a combination of brocades and peonies for an eye-catching opening.[4]
- A 10-shot brocade shell starts at about $20 but can cost as much as $100 depending on the intensity and duration of the effects.
- Pick waterfall fireworks for a long-burning tail. Waterfall fireworks create, as the name suggests, a waterfall effect after the break. The stars only fall a short distance, but the effect can be breathtaking.[5]
- A waterfall firework should cost around $40 USD.
- Choose a crossette for a burst that crisscrosses. A crossette shoots several large stars which then break apart into smaller stars. This is accompanied by a loud crackling sound and creates a crisscross or grid pattern.[6]
- You can find multiple-shot crossettes starting at about $15-$20 USD.
- Purchase a set piece to display a word or shape. Set pieces usually burn for about a minute, and they really impress the crowd. They are available in a wide variety of patterns, shapes, and words, including flags,hearts, or corporate logos. You can use these to catch the audience's attention at the beginning, or you can incorporate it into your finale.[7]
- Since set pieces are usually custom-designed, these can cost several hundred dollars, but the impact is worth it if you have the room in your budget.
- Get cakes for multiple aerial effects that fire rapidly. Cakes can be a great way to create a dramatic grand finale, since they fire multiple shells in a short amount of time. The labels will describe the effects that the cake contains.[8]
- Cakes can range in price from $25 to over $150, depending on their size and the effects they produce.
EditGetting Ready for the Show - Check your local regulations to see which fireworks are allowed. Since fireworks can present a safety hazard, you might be prohibited from using certain kinds depending on where you live, or you may be required to purchase a permit.[9]
- For instance, although most states in the U.S. allow the use of consumer fireworks (also known as Class C or 1.4G), New Jersey prohibits the use of aerial fireworks and firecrackers.[10] Some cities don't allow any fireworks.
- You may also be limited on when you can use the fireworks. For instance, in Indiana, fireworks may not be used after 11:00 p.m. or before 9:00 a.m., except on holidays, when the time is extended to midnight.[11]
- Scout out your spot so you'll know how much room you have for the show. Fireworks should not come within of any overhead object, and your spectators should be located at least from your fireworks.[12]
- The minimum distance for spectators may vary depending on your location. For instance, in Missouri, the distance is 70 feet per inch (roughly 10 meters for every centimeter) of the internal mortar diameter of the largest shell you will be firing. In this case, a show closing with a mortar that is in diameter would require a spectator distance of [13]
- Make sure you pick a flat, open area that doesn't have any dry grass, dead leaves, nearby buildings, trees, or other fire hazards.[14]
- Write out a plan for the order of your show. Make sure anyone who will be helping you has a copy of the plan. For the most impact during your show, rotate your fireworks effects and plan for as few gaps as possible.[15]
- Most fireworks effects should be rotated at least every minute or so.
- Plan to only fire a few shells at a time. If you fire too many, the effects will be lost.
- Build or purchase a trough to hold your fireworks. A trough is a structure filled with sand or soft earth in which fireworks can be safely positioned. You can build your trough out of plywood or use large crates. Make sure your sand or dirt is free from any rocks or other items which can become dangerous during an explosion.[16]
- Reinforce or brace your trough with brackets or heavy lumber.
- Secure your trough with stakes or spikes, or use an A-frame to prevent it from tipping over.[17]
- If you have a lot of fireworks, you may need more than one trough. Measure the size of your trough, then create a rough drawing of how your fireworks will be spaced out. Use this to determine whether you will need more than one trough.
- Set up your fireworks during the day. Even though you'll want to put on your fireworks show after the sun has started to set, you should set up during the day to make sure you get everything exactly where you want it. This will help your show be safer and more accurate.
- Place your shells in the order and direction you want them to fire. Line up your shells in the order you want them to explode and bury them between halfway and two thirds deep in the sand, lined up in the order you want them to explode. This will help ensure they are stable enough to fire straight from the direction they are pointed. Make sure to leave the fuse uncovered.
- You may want to bury the shells so that they are slightly angled (about 15°) away from the crowd. You should never fire shells over the crowd's head, as sparks may fall to the ground and cause injury.[18]
- Read the label on each shell carefully so you will understand how far the fireworks will travel before they explode.
- Many fireworks have a "bury line" that will show you how deep to plant them in the sand.
- Separate shells by at least the same distance as their own diameter. For instance, if you have a shell that is in diameter, you will make sure that it is spaced at least from the next shell. Use the measurement of the larger shell to determine this.[19]
- Set up smaller fireworks in front and big items farthest from the audience. Your smaller fireworks will have the most impact if they're fired closer to your audience, while your larger ones should be given more room so they can be seen well.
- Make sure you are still allowing the minimum space required by your local laws between the fireworks and the audience.
- Connect your fireworks with a fuse. Whether you use light your fireworks by hand or with an electric detonator, you should connect your fireworks with long fuses. You can connect several shells to a single fuse, with the length of the fuse creating pauses between firings. You can purchase firework fuses online starting at $5 for a fuse.
- To determine how much fuse to use between fireworks, cut a piece of fuse and light one end. (Be sure you're nowhere near your shells when you do this.) Time how long it takes to burn all the way through, then use that as your guideline for spacing your fireworks.[20]
- To safely light your fireworks, use a long-handled lighter to ignite the fuse. Light only the very tip, then back away at least and wait until each firework is finished before you light the next one.[21]
- Use an electric detonator if you don't want to light the fuses by hand. Electric detonators are often used for larger displays as they offer precise control. You can purchase them where you buy high-end fireworks or at a hardware store that sells electrical equipment, and they can cost anywhere from $15 to $60 for a basic model, or as much as $200 for professional-grade detonators. Stand back about when you detonate the fuse.[22]
- Have plenty of water nearby. Fill several buckets with water and place them near the launch area, or purchase water fire extinguishers from a hardware store. Having plenty of water will be useful in case of a stray spark or for disposing misfired shells.[23]
- To make sure you can quickly reach the water if you need it, keep a large bucket at each corner of your display trough, or have one fire extinguisher on each side.
EditStaying Safe - Read the instructions on each shell so you know what it will do. Some shells might shoot into the air with a zig-zag, while others will shoot additional stars after a delay. Carefully read the label on each shell so you'll know exactly how it should behave.[24]
- Pay attention to the weather the day of the launch. No matter how excited you are about the show, safety should be your first concern. Wind can cause sparks from fireworks to behave erratically, potentially causing fires to nearby structures or injury to your audience. If the forecast calls for winds higher than 11-16 knots, or , you may want to take larger shells out of the show or reschedule it altogether.[25]
- You don't have to cancel your show because of light rain as long as you protected your fuses with plastic bags, but you might want to delay the show for the comfort of the crowd.
- Wear safety glasses and ear plugs during the launch. Anyone who will be near the launch area should wear protective gear to protect their eyes and ears. You might also want to wear fire-retardant clothing.[26]
- Have a few friends plan to stay close during the show in case you need help dousing out flames.
- If you do catch on fire, drop to the ground and roll to smother the flames.
- Keep spare charges or extra fuse away from the launch area. Stray sparks might ignite any extra charges or fuses you have on hand. Keep them at least from your mortar trough. Never keep charges or fuses in your pocket, as they could ignite and cause you serious injury.
- Do not attempt to relight fireworks that don't go off. Instead, wait for about 30 minutes, then douse them in water.[27]
- Get the audience's attention with a strong opening, but save your biggest effects for a memorable finale
- Leave some room in your budget for gear. If you're putting on a big show, you'll need wood for a mortar trough, plus tape, lighters, extra fuses, and transportation to and from the show. This can cost up to $100 USD.
- Use garbage bags or plastic wrap to cover fuses and protect them from rain or dew.
- Never give fireworks to small children.
- Do not drink alcohol or do any drugs before or during the show. Fireworks require accuracy and attention in order to be safely displayed.
- Don't shoot shells from metal or glass containers as they may explode.
- Don't allow smoking anywhere near the firing area.
- Never keep extra shells in your pockets.
- Do not fire any tubes with missing base plugs or which are split, bent, or bulging.[28]
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