Demorest, Georgia fireworks brought to you by United Community Bank, July 4, 2014

Other than a click here, and a click there, it has been 2 years since I broke out my camera gear for an "event." Even after retirement, it still seems like work. Still, I could not take "just one photo," hence my small presentation of the 4th in small-town America. Thank you, United Community Bank for the firework display.

Lesson to newbie photographers: Location is the most important thing when shooting fireworks, at least when shooting for a newspaper. Knowing the location of the launching of the fireworks is equally important in determining where you set up your gear. Photo editors do not want to see explosions in the sky. They want people, foregrounds and backgrounds. I did not do my homework when scouting for a location and ended up on a dark hill with a rooftop below me. Great for viewing, but lousy for shooting. I left my strobes at home, purposely, and was not able to pop people into the frames. I had my 200 2.8 Nikon on a tripod but was too close, and so ended up shooting with 2 other hand-held cameras. Thank goodness there was no photo editor at the end of this shoot, nor any deadline. The beauty of retirement. If I shoot the fireworks next year, I will be more respectful of the location rule.

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Demorest, Georgia, home of Piedmont College

My normal photo essay would have included a ton of festival photos. This young gent sums up the 4th perfectly.

A few snaps at Piedmont College

When was the last time you bought 2 drinks for a dollar?

A few fireworks

  

Trivia: Ever wonder why there are no true "blue" fireworks (except in photoshop)? Because they are hard to make and crazy expensive. Most fireworks are primarily white, orange, and yellow, with a few violets, mauves, and greens thrown in for effect. You seldom see the "blues," even in New York or D.C. shows. When you see a lot of blue fireworks you know a city or country has paid dearly for them. Keep your eyes peeled on the 'round the world New Year's Eve fireworks. You are bound to see some affluent country strut the blues. I love 'em.