Independence Day Fireworks in DC - A Night of Risk and Reward

July 4, 2014 - After hanging out on the Georgetown Waterfront in the afternoon, I got on my bike and headed toward the Lincoln Memorial as I knew that the Independence Day Fireworks were going to be launched at the reflecting pool at 9:10pm. I made my way through Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, intending to get onto Arlington Memorial Bridge. It turns out the area just before the Lincoln Memorial was blocked. So with about an hour left before the fireworks started, I could either stay where I was or take a chance and bike over 50/66 and around to Memorial Bridge, and I chose the latter. I thought that the view would be better from the bridge.

I arrived in good time and had time to prepare to photograph the fireworks. I brought everything I needed in my large backpack, yet as I was setting things up, I realized that when I transferred some gear from my larger backpack to a small backpack that I didn't bring my camera tripod plate to securely fasten the camera to my tripod with the camera plate.  I also realized that I had an older cable release, so it was going to work with this particular camera that I brought. I even read posts from Scott Kelby and Joe McNally about photographing fireworks, so I knew what to expect. Time is of the essence and at times photographers are in a rush and can forget things. It's important to lay gear out and ensure everything is packed for a shoot. Originally I was going to bring both my larger and smaller backpacks, even while riding my bike, but I opted for traveling light and intended to bring the essentials of what I needed. I was disappointed, especially as it was too late to go back to my larger backpack in my car, but I was going to do what I could with what I had at the moment.

So I waited till the first launching of the fireworks and then kept clicking away to capture the glorious fireworks. I could hear music in the background and the oohs and ahhs of the crowd gathered to behold the fireworks and celebrate the Independence of the United States of America.

I think the photos came out pretty well, considering I was resting my camera on my tripod and using the camera's timer and a slow shutter speed. The pictures looked okay from the back of my camera, but the real test was in downloading my pictures and seeing them on my monitor. I was rather pleased with the results and learned some lessons for next time. Without some risk and pressing on when things seem hopeless, there may not be a reward in the end, and I'm glad I decided to press on to do what I can in getting the best shots I could, considering everything. Happy Birthday America!