Fireworks !

ISO: 200

Exposure: 2.2 sec
Aperture: 8.0
Focal Length: 38mm
Flash Used: No
Latitude: 30.155556° N
Longitude: 97.957778° W

ISO: 200
Exposure: 10.0 sec
Aperture: 8.0
Focal Length: 20mm
Flash Used: No
Latitude: 30.155556° N
Longitude: 97.957778° W 

Have always wondered how fireworks were shot. Capturing it seemed a challenge. Did a lot of reading before trying it.

Here are the main things to consider

- Mount camera on my tripod.

- As the duration of the shot is determined by light from firework, set the camera to manual (M) mode.

- Use remote/cable release to open and close shutter. ML-L3 worked fine with Nikon D5000.

- Set a proper Aperture and ISO by taking few shots. Started at Aperture 8.0 and ISO 200 (worked fine for me). Try few shots to finalize them.

- Shoot RAW. Though file sizes are big, it gives lot of room for adjustments later. Both images here were adjusted for brightness later.

Pittsburgh downtown

ISO: 400
Exposure: 1.3 sec
Aperture: 3.5
Focal Length: 18mm
Flash Used: No
Latitude: 40.430830° N
Longitude: 80.010560° W

Mount Washington is a must visit place in Pittsburgh. The view of downtown from the hill is awesome. It was late when I got there that day, still it was great. Though I did not have my tripod, I rested the camera on the railing for the pictures. This is when I realized - never forget your tripod on any trip! Never know when you need it!

Here is the address to Mt. Washington (some find it difficult to find it online)

100 Grandview Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15211