Big bang

The hard part of getting fireworks photos is finding a good place to set up. I figure if I got a spot down by the Ottawa River everything would be peachy. Unfortunately when I got to the area near the locks it had been blocked off. I guess the police don't like the thought of thousands of drunks wandering around down there, and I can see their point. I spent a fair amount of time running around, and after a bit of back-and-forthing I set up near the National Arts Centre, on the ramp that leads down to the driveway.

First I took a photo near the Canal. Turned out a bit wide.



This one was pitched a bit high ... you can already see the smoke building up.



Then I walked up to the lane itself ... unfortuntely some of the NAC got into this shot and several others.



Now I think I'm getting the hang of it.



Another nice one.



A slightly wider angle to take in the convention centre.



A nice vertical, but a bit off-centre ...



I should have gotten the bicyclist's name.



Squiggly!



The shadowy figure at left was illuminated by successive blasts.



A whole lot of smoke now.



If you go to my Flickr stream you can see the fireworks wind down.



Next year I'm going to see if I can find a place that's got the Parliament Buildings in the background.

Shoot out the lights

Here's a selection of photographs taken from the grassy slope new the Laurier St. Bridge just across the Rideau Canal from the Department of National Defence. I don't think the framing is as nice as last year, but the turnout ruled out a higher vantage point.









See you next year!

Tremendous kaboom

Another Canada Day, another excuse to slow down the old shutter speed and capture lots of colourful explosions. Huzzay! You've already seen the first if you've just come from National Capital Rock.


Fireworks over the Chateau Laurier Hotel, July 1, 2007


Fireworks over the Chateau Laurier Hotel, July 1, 2007


Fireworks over the Chateau Laurier Hotel, July 1, 2007


Fireworks over the Chateau Laurier Hotel, July 1, 2007


Fireworks over the Rideau Centre, July 1, 2007


Fireworks over the Rideau Centre, July 1, 2007


Fireworks over the Rideau Centre, July 1, 2007


Fireworks over the Rideau Centre, July 1, 2007

And of course a big thanks to the lady in the latter four photos who decided to stand right in front of my camera. Provides a more interesting foreground, you know.