How can I create abstract ‘Hirobamboo’-style firework photos by changing focus during the exposure?
Asked 8/26/2012
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2 answers
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I’d like to make abstract fireworks images similar to the style sometimes called the “Hirobamboo method.” What shooting technique creates this look? Should I start focused or defocused, what shutter speeds are typical, and do I need a particular kind of lens to pull focus during the exposure?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
10
It looks like the photographer has changed the aperture during the exposure, using a manual lens. The lens starts wide open when the firework first explodes and is then quickly stopped down.
I guess it just takes a lot of practice snapping with one hand and twisting the aperture ring with the other. A lens that offers a continually variable aperture (like many motion picture lenses) would be best as there are no click stops that will create gaps in the aperture trails.
You can get this effect by changing focus during the exposure. This can be done with any lens though you it will help to physically limit the focus ring so it stops automatically at the point of true focus (which will be a close to the infinity focus mark). I guess this can be done by attaching a couple of zip ties round the lens.
Edit: it's definitely changing focus, not aperture in the examples given. Not only is this method easier to do as it doesn't require a manual aperture ring, the proof is in the brightness of the trails. Changing aperture would give a dot of constant brightness as ways happening is more and more of the disk of light is being blocked as the iris closes. When you change focus the light disk gets more concentrated and thus brighter.
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
14y ago
0
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This look is made by refocusing during a long exposure. Based on the photographer’s own description, each frame is roughly 1–2 seconds: start slightly out of focus, then when the firework explodes, quickly turn the focus ring toward proper focus so the streaks taper into points.
A manual-focus lens, or any lens that lets you change focus manually during the exposure, works best. You do not need a special focal length so much as a lens with a usable mechanical focus ring. Autofocus-only or fixed-lens cameras that won’t let you adjust focus during exposure are poor choices.
A good starting approach:
- use a long exposure around 1–2 seconds
- pre-compose and set focus manually near infinity
- begin a little out of focus
- as the burst opens, smoothly refocus toward sharpness
Some commenters also suggested changing aperture during the exposure, but the strongest evidence here is that the effect comes from focus pulling, not aperture changes. Expect a lot of trial and error; timing and the speed of your focus movement strongly affect the shape.
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