Fourth of July - 2005

Last year Chris' co-worker invited Chris to help shoot off fireworks. His co-worker is a pyrotechnician and Chris agreed since how many times do you get to participate in a large fireworks show within city limits (and have it be legal)? Unfortunately, last 4th of July it rained out the show so Chris had to wait until last October to do his first firework assistant gig. Needless to say, if he was helping launch them, he couldn't photograph them and if you know Chris you know you can't do anything without a camera. So last October Chris gave me a handbook on photographing fireworks. Yeah, not as easy as you would think - there's a delay and you have to account for the delay between launch and ignition. Oh, and the camera is set on delay to catch the "streamers" in the explosion, not just an explosion.

We were both hooked.

This time Chris and Kenneth both were able to assist. Lesley videotaped the event, I photographed, and the three kiddos (after a day of anticipation in the 107 degree heat) were treated to a front row seat to the fireworks. They loved it. Funny because I remember I always hated fireworks when I was a kid - they were loud and I felt like there was too much that could go wrong with a load of explosives and fire. Of course, now that I know the people who shoot these off, I know the precautions they take and I feel better being so close to the firepower. Sometimes.

Wilson loves fireworks too. It was a great show.