Take Amazing Fireworks Images This Coming 2011!

When year ends, fireworks blast all over the world!  Let me share some simple fireworks photography techniques I teach for my basic digital photography tutorials.

Got Gear?
What you need  is your DSLR with a wide angle lens and a stable tripod and you are ready to go!

Scout for a Spot
Before you shoot, it is important to choose a perfect spot for your fireworks photography. Choose a place where there is no distractions from unwanted objects in your composition. Remember, we are not just taking fireworks images, we are taking the big picture of the first seconds of the new year. Make your viewers agree that you capture fireworks were you are in the world, Singapore, New York, Amsterdam, Paris etc. Know where the fireworks will come from to have an idea where to setup your camera.

A palm tree on the center of the frame ruins the composition.

Camera Settings
On Manual Mode set your ISO to 100 or 200, Aperture to f22 or f 16 Set shutter speed to BULB and don't forget to mount your DSLR on your tripod.

Get Ready for the BIG BANG!

Before the count down starts, make test shots on hand. First you focus manually, because we don't want to stress the auto focus when fireworks shows later. Second, you need to get the proper light exposure or ambiance of  the scene such as buildings, Christmas lights, street lights, cityscape etc. It is important to preserve details of these objects. How do we do it? The Rule of Thumb. What I do with my suggested settings, I hit and hold on the shutter release button ( having a shutter release cable or other triggering device to prevent camera shake is best)  then count about five to ten counts until I get my desired exposure for a particular scene.

Experiment different exposures and preserve details.

When It Blasts!
Now you have an idea of the exposure of your scene, you are now ready to take a shot. When the first firework explode in the air, gently press, hold and release on the shutter release button on your estimated time.

On Manual Mode, ISO 200, f22, BULB and counted 10.

Go out, experiment and take amazing 2011 firework display!

Juanlou Tattoo Group Xmas Party 2010

Juanlou on extreme right, with fellow tattoo artists and homies. 

December 22, 2010. Tattoo artist Juanlou Enconado together with fellow artists and homies exchanged Php100 worth of gifts, raffled six free tattoo service, foodtrips, strong beer cheers and photo ops. See more images here

Narita Bros Show Tricks in Manila!

Hang Time - Narita Brothers on air action.

Photo: Ronaldo Santiago

Yamaha Motors showcased previews and new collections of motorbikes last December 10, 2010 in SM City Fairview, Quezon City, Philippines. One of the highlights of the event were bike stunts, flips and tricks of two amazing motocross duo from Japan , The Narita Brothers.  The brothers do trick shows for Yamaha motor bikes, won awards from international motocross and free-style tournaments. They are also known as stunt riders for a famous Japanese television series, Kamen Rider Kuuga.
   The show was more than an entertainment, I was challenged photographing lightning speed actions.  Pumped my camera ISO to 3200, played shutter speeds from 1/30 to 1/60 sec and took consecutive panning shots to create motion in every image in a low lit scene.