Experimenting with new techniques

While I was watching a portion of the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, I was reminded of national pride, and how no matter where we may live, everyone loves fireworks. Over the 4th of July my friends and I drove up to Vancouver Washington to see the fireworks in the park. Going there was a last minute decision, getting there was a rerouted traffic adventure (thank goodness for GPS systems), and after parking and walking through hundreds of people, finding a non-tree blocking spot in the grass was total chaos. Then we sat in the lawn, shared an elephant ear (fried dough with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top), and waited for the sun to set as the local bands played on a flag decorated stage. 

As the sun inched closer to the horizon, out came the flashing lights and toys. I couldn't resist. Not only did I end up decorating my friends in glow sticks, but I subjected them to public embarrassment as we took pictures in front of thousands of people. Perhaps my friends weren't totally embarrassed, but we certainly had an audience. 
                                   
What was supposed to be some "mean wings" for my tough guy friend, turned into not so mean wings that look more like elephant ears (the animal, not our dessert). The green stripe in the background was created by a wandering child (whose toy I want). 


Once it was finally dark, they started the fireworks, and everyone around us became lost in the trance of the pretty lights. The band on the stage played the songs we are all familiar with, and the fireworks exploded in a rhythm to match. Perhaps it's this trance that compels me to take pictures of fireworks every time I see them. And I don't know what it is, but a TV just doesn't show fireworks the way you see them in photos or in life. 

You know it's a good show when they start out with more than one firework at a time.

                                      

I love the star bursts at the center.

I had never taken pictures like this before. I used a long exposure which captured the trails of the lights, and had to guess when a good time to close the shutter would be.

I was generally satisfied with what I got.

Short exposure.

oooo!

I really like the way the light moved in this picture. The "stringy-ness" makes it not look like a firework.

My favorite kind of firework. The gold glittery kind. I usually had to watch these instead of take pictures of them.

Reminds me of Indian Paintbrush flowers. LOVE!

Ahhh...

Starburst with purple centers. So cool.

At every end of a fireworks show, there is always the "Grand Finale". I didn't take pictures of it because I have to watch it, and cameras are distracting. But it was good. I don't know if you can really call it the end though. On our walk back to the car, people were setting fireworks off in their neighborhoods. Even the really big ones! So while we sat in the parked car for an hour as we waited for traffic to clear, we got a second show. A big thanks to the people who can spend money on entertainment for all of us.