Fireworks Extravemaganza 2013

The Fourth of July is one of my top two favorite holidays every year. The main reason is probably the same reason most guys will give, Fireworks! I love me some controlled explosions put on by incredible technicians and outstanding choreographers. There is only a couple of places in the country that can offer that experience, one of them being a couple miles down the freeway from where I live, Disneyland.

This was my fourth year specifically watching the fireworks at Disneyland. My first two years were from the Brookhurst St/ Interstate 5 overpass. It has one CLEAR view, plus or minus some smog. Last year, I stood on the Ball Rd overpass directly behind Disneyland's office buildings. the view was incredible, but I saw myself wanting more.

This year, I perched myself on the top level of the Mickey and Friends parking structure. You can pay 15 buckaroos, or you can do what I did, I parked in the neighborhood and walked about five to ten minutes to the structure. I got there around 8:00 PM, and there were people already setting up camp. I walked about halfway down the structure as far away from everybody as I could. I setup my tripod and my camera and the rest is now history.

The only unfortunate part about watching the fireworks here is that you cannot hear the music track that plays to the fireworks. Not so important, but you do get a quite different experience. But if you don't like to be elbow to elbow, I wouldn't recommend it. That happens to be the busiest day of the year, or at least it was when I worked there.

Test shot to see how my night photography is.

Spot floodlights coming from Fantasmic.

July the Fourth Be With You

Happy American Independence Day to all.

I used to be one of those guys who loved to shoot off fireworks. As I've gotten older, and money has become more important, I've turned my back on watching my cold hard cash turn into sparkles in my face. I shall once again, fourth year running, be making the trek to a prime viewing location to shoot pictures of fireworks at the Happiest Place on Earth, sometimes aka The Mouse House or its very under used name that probably not many people know of, Disneyland. There is no other company on the planet that can match the skill in fireworks of Disney.

Here are some basic tips for shooting pictures of fireworks

• Make sure your flash is turned off, 
• Your ISO needs to be set as low as possible, like ISO 100
• Have a higher aperture, Try f11 or f16
• Set the shutter speed to 1/2 or slower.

If you find that you are getting blurry pictures, you might want to bring use a monopod or a tripod. When looking for usable stands, most people make a mistake in thinking they need expensive equipment. A very inexpensive and light tripod will do everything you need.

Last but not least, Get there early and scout your zone. Composition is still an important factor.

Have Fun, and drive safe, and have a blast!

Further Refference:

http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-fireworks

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-tips/photographing-fireworks/

Independance Day, Don't Go Towards the Light!!

As many of you know, yesterday was Independance Day in America. Just a little known fact. Maybe a few of you  knew.

I always wondered what expats do when it comes to major holidays for their home countries. Does anybody go out and celebrate? Drunk and running starkers through the city square, hoping nobody saw? Well for all of my expat readers and for the non expats who want to see some fireworks, I have for you all Yashmat United's 4th of July Extravemaganza!!!!

Woo!! Oh yeah!! Timmy Time!! What the H?!

I took a long trip and a very short drive down the freeway to, still a little iffy, The Happiest Place on Earth, or to the masses, AKA Disneyland for their Annual Fireworks display. I'm an uber cheapo and have reluctantly waited to purchase a $600 annual pass so I opted for the sidewalk treatment. I was practically underneath them. As I glared into the heavens, while wiping away some rainman amazement drool, I happened to snap a couple of shots. 43 to be exact.

Here is the spot where I was able to capture my moments for the year.

I hope I have some good ones.