Fireworks Help

[Bad Andy]

Hello all,

I am still a newbie at photography. This weekend will be my first attempt at Fireworks. I have read many articles and everyone has different ideas. Here is what my plan is.

I will be photographing the fireworks over Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island, California. My plan is to hike up the hills, and shoot with a wide angle lens to get the entire harbor with boats and casino building in view. I have only one lens (so far!) and it is the 18-200. I think I will be fine at the 18mm. I am going tripod shopping tomorrow and have about $150 to spend on a tripod.

Questions:

1.) Tripod- Any recommendations for this price range? I was thinking about the Manfroto 190XDB with the 484RC2 mini ball head. It seams like a pretty good all around package.

2.) The Casino building will most likely be the brightest object (except for the fireworks?). My plan was to set up the aperture (Aperture priority) to F/11 or so and let the camera meter take care of the shutter speed. Should I exposure lock on the lit casino building? I don't want it to "blow out" or overexpose the rest of the shot.

3.) I was thinking ISO 100 for the best images. I assume I should shoot RAW, as I seam to be having the best luck so far with that. Any advice?

4.) wireless camera release. I was thinking of purchasing one of these as well. One question is the owners manual said you have to be in front of the camera (D5000) to trigger the remote control. Is this true? Will it work from the top or side?

Any and all help is most appreciative. Thank you all in advance.

-Andy

 

[manaheim]

Hi Bad Andy- I hate to tell you this, but your best bet is a search. (upper right) It's an annual topic and there's lots of info. Good luck and be sure to show us your results.

 

[Sachphotography]

Where are you getting your tripod. That would make a huge difference for what is recommended.

 

[Bad Andy]

I was planning on stopping by Samy's Camera store on my way home from work tomorrow. I know there are many different options for tripods.

I plan on mostly using the tripod for landscapes and nightscapes. I may do some short day hikes with the tripod, but weight isn't a huge issue for me. I think I will like the compactness of the ball head as opposed to the pan and tilt head. I just don't think I have a use for the pan and tilt thing. As long as I can get a ball head level, I think I will be ok.

-Andy

 

[Sachphotography]

I guess I meant more along the lines of are you needing it by Saturday? If so then most of the recomendations here will more so to mail order or online purchases.