Fireworks from Lincoln Memorial

My husband and I biked to the Lincoln Memorial to watch the fireworks. We do this every year, but it seemed more crowded than usual this year. We usually keep our bikes with us, but this year I locked my bike on the fence so I could get to a better spot for viewing and photographing.

This is my first time photographing fireworks. i brought my pocket camera and a "gorilla" style tripod, but the tripod was too short to use effectively. I was planning to use my bike to support the tripod, but it was too crowded to keep my bike with me like I usually do. So i rested the tripod on my knees. This was also the first time I set my pocket camera in totally manual mode. i tried several different shutter speeds-, between 2 seconds and 1/6 of a second. i think this was at 1/6 of a second.

I wanted to include the Washington Monument. In the beginning, I could see the Capitol as well but it was soon obscured by the smoke.

I debated with myself whether to try photographing fireworks. I wanted a photo, but I really had to choose between thoroughly experiencing the fireworks and photographing them. I can't do both at once. I compromised and took a few shots, then turned off the camera and concentrated on the experience.

This is one of my favorite times of the year to live near Washington, DC. I've gone to see the national fireworks most years of my life. As a teenager, this was one of my favorite days of the year. I remember spending all day on the mall to secure a prime viewing spot and then many hours getting home after they were finished.

For many years now, we have ridden our bikes and it is reasonably easy. The security checkpoints make it a little more complicated than it used to be, but it is definitely worth the effort. We left our house around 8:30. The fireworks started at 9:10. We were home before 10.

I was disappointed in my photographs. And I took some others that day that are probably better photographs, but the fireworks are what make July 4th special for me.

[The Smith Family]

Very nice. What I like is how it gives a sense of place and purpose. What I mean is that it is not just your typical shot of fireworks against a black sky. I love the fact that you can see that it was taken in our nation's capitol as you celebrated the birth of our country. Well done. (N)