How to Photograph Fireworks

The best part of Independence Day are the fireworks. The whole concept of playing with fire and blowing stuff up intrigues me. As a kid, I made sure to buy as many Black Cats and M-60s just to tie them to my toy soldiers and indians. I would set them up for battle and then light them up one by one. Living in the city, we were limited to certain fireworks going in the air, but bottle rockets were another of my favorite. It wasn't until I caught fire to a grass field next to the highway that I wasn't allowed to buy them anymore.

When photographing fireworks there are four things that you should know. Understanding how to shoot in manual mode, ISO, shutter speed, and aperture will make your photograph stand out. You should use a tripod when photographing. A tripod will keep your camera steady, and a remote to your camera will help you from having to stand behind the camera the entire time.

It's always best to take some test shots to make sure your lighting is correct. If not, this is where shutter speed, aperture, and ISO make a difference. I would suggest starting at ISO 100, aperture at 10 (f.10), and shutter speed an 1/4. From here, you can adjust your aperture and shutter speed.

A few things to look for: if your shutter sheep is too long, say at 1 second, then your fireworks will trail like in the 1st and 2nd picture. 

If your aperture is too high, say at f.29, then your picture may be too dark and you will loose detail like in the 3rd picture. 

You will have to adjust your settings during the first part of the firework show, but after that you should be good. Remember to continue checking your images to make sure lighting is correct, or the way you want it look. During the grand finale, you will have to make more adjustments being that there are more fire works at one time. Therefore your camera will be capturing too much light and your pictures will be over exposed. 

Enjoy and have a safe Independence Day. 

Easter Pictures

Easter is my one of my favorite holidays. The fact that our Savior, Jesus Christ, was resurrected brings promise to everlasting life. I also enjoy the tradition of Easter. The egg hunts, bunnies, cracking confetti eggs on friends are always fun. The air is filled with the smell of smoke from families grilling hamburgers and hotdogs.
Easter is also a time where parents take their kids for pictures. Here are a few images and ideas I captured while photographing this wonderful little girl.

Veronica

Veronica was such a great subject to photograph. A friend of mine was the one who met with her through Model Mayhem and let me in on the shoot. Through the cold wind she held her shivers in and kept her face and pose focused on the camera. 

The Battle of The Alamo

For the past week San Antonio has been celebrating The Battle of The Alamo. Travis' letter that he sent out for reenforcement was back for the first time after 177 years. On Saturday I volunteered to help out with our church's Royal Rangers program,  were able to witness the reenactment of the battle. From food to cannons and muskets the battle raged on. Breaking down the North wall Spanish officials killed  William B. Travis and raided the Alamo killing all, but women and children. Once word spread of the siege Sam Houston and James Fannin retreated to take back The Alamo and was won on April 21st, and later Texas became its own republic for 9 years before becoming the 22nd state of the United States.  "I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls - I shall never surrender or retreat". Victory or Death

San Antonio Youth for Christ

San Antonio Youth for Christ is a Christ centered non-profit organization that I have had the privilege to not only be their photographer for the past few years, but also a volunteer in their City Life program. Starting as an intern with YFC in 2006 my heart grew with love for so many high school students. From the suburbs to the inner city YFC is there. Recently they updated their media and brochures, and requested that I photograph some of their students. 

If you would like to help YFC in anyway click the link. http://www.sayfc.com/get_involved/

Terry and Jon's Engagement Photos

It hasn't been long since these love birds said I do. With their requests to capture certain memories from Jonathan's mother's necklace to "Roland feel free to pose us however you want" this couple was fun and willing to try weird poses I suggested. 

Hilda's Maternity

Hilda is the type of person that is filled, to the top, with joy and excitement. If you're happy she'll be happy with you, and if you're sad she'll be sad with you too, but help to lift you up. We are all happy to know that the Hernandez' baby is healthy and growing fast.