As summer fireworks season is approaching (think 4th of July), here’s a one cool photo technique tip I would like to share with you folks. Before you’ll head out to find a best spot and try to capture this beauty same way as last years, consider to try something new this time. I had to wait whole year to try it, but finally, my wait was over – last Friday city of Ballwin was celebrating their Ballwin days! Hooray! So what is this buzz all about? It’s actually simple. Put your camera on tripod, set up exposure to have shutter speed at 2 or 3 seconds and then try to aim to the epicenter of the explosion.Then while having your shutter open, rotate your focusing ring (hence “defocusing fireworks”) from infinity where the fireworks is sharp to a minimal focus distance your lens will allow you (or vice versa, play!). The full focus ring rotation has to happen during those two seconds. It is a very similar method to “zooming” technique, which Bryan Peterson maybe taught you in his books, workshops or online school. But instead of rotating zooming ring, you’ll be rotating focusing ring. Couple of things you need to take into a consideration for your setting: Longer focal length will work better, as the difference between “focused” and “out of focus” is more visible. But you don’t want to go too long, as than chances that the firework will explode in your  viewfinder are getting thinner with your telezoom. All pictures here in the post were shot at 70mm with my 24-70mm lens or at 85mm with my prime lens. Between 60-100mm you should be safe.  Get as close as possible to the fireworks, but don’t forget – safety first!! Be on tripod, but have your head slightly loose so […]