Fourth of July

•



Beloit Fireworks    

•







Beloit Fireworks

•

A small series of new versions of photos of Fourth of July fireworks celebrations along the Rock River in Beloit, WI. Photos from Fourth of July celebrations over the past few years.

Fireworks photography is a special kind of night photography. Time-lapse techniques are involved, but the most important thing to remember is that fireworks (like lightning) are so bright that they will white out unless the aperture is stopped down to f8 or f11. That of course requires longer exposures on a tripod, especially at night.

The three Beloit Fireworks are such long exposures, from three different vantage points, with the desire to capture the fireworks light reflected in the dark night waters. These are layered montages of two or three starbursts, consecutive shots from the same vantage. I played with the idea of framing in the third montage, as well. I have noticed often how beautiful the fireworks are when they're in the sky, reflected in the water, and mixed in with the lights of boats moving or anchored along the river: a festival of lights.

The sound file is an ambient recording from my back porch, featuring many night sounds, of fireworks being launched from the stadium a mile from my home, which is home to a regional minor league baseball team.

The B&W flag pieces, and the antiqued flag image, are all from summertime flag displays around the town. I particularly like the graphic power of the first image, with the flock of small birds against the moon. I find an emotional content to that piece that evokes a strong feeling in me of love for the land hereabouts.