Fourth of July Fireworks

After reading posts from several of the photographers I follow on social media about shooting fireworks, I decided to set up and attempt to capture some tonight after our Fourth of July dinner. I expected to get some, but I definitely did not expect to be this excited about the results. In addition to getting multiple shots of fireworks I am really happy with, I also captured a priceless moment of a Fourth of July storm moving in. 

Alex, my boyfriend of five years, and I set up about an hour and half before a firework show in a local neighborhood in Conway. After getting my tripod, remote and picnic blanket set up, we enjoyed ourselves, talking and people-watching as we waited for the show to begin. We were keeping a close eye on the weather because I did not want to take too much of a risk with my camera equipment, but just before 9 p.m., the firework show started and was accompanied by a lightning strike nearby, during which, I just so happened to have my shutter open through the bulb setting using my remote. As soon as the lightning struck, Alex and I both looked at each other, and he said, "I really hope you got that." 

As the show ended and the rain moved in, we finished capturing the show and enjoying the fireworks while also swatting at five or six beetles who seemed unusually interested in my camera (thanks Alex, the bug swatter). As soon as the show ended we immediately packed up and went straight back to the car because it was starting to rain. When we got in the car I pulled my camera out to see the results, and I was floored. We were both so excited and shocked at what I had captured! It was a great Fourth of July, and a great night for fireworks! Thanks to my assistant for the evening, and thanks to God for such beautiful surprises in nature at just the right moments! Happy Fourth of July!