Shooting Fireworks

I received one SMS on New Year wishes from May three hours before mid-night on New Year’s Eve (31 Dec 2006). She asked where I would take my camera to shoot the fireworks.

After reading that the fireworks would be scheduled as plan but without partying at KLCC, I thought that would be a challenge – possibly with lesser crowd and lesser traffic jam – to drive all the way there just to take the five minutes of fireworks display. The traffic was indeed light at 10:30 p.m.

I walked round the KLCC red rubberized track, which most Pacesetters runners run there either in the morning or evening. The bridge overlooking KLCC and at the fountain areas were jam packed with people.

The launching platform was located at the hill top near to the side of KL Conventional Centre. The entire launching area was cordoned off with proper warning signs. After analyzing the trajectory of fireworks in relation to the Twin Tower, I decided to set up my tools at one open space, a little further away and with lesser crowd.

There was no sound system to announce the countdown. Instead, I first heard the sound of fireworks from a distance. I believe that must be from the nearby Bintang Walk area. When that was over, the fireworks at KLCC began. And that began my frantic shooting moment. With about 100 meters away, the sight and sound were really terrific. The feeling of being engulfed in balls of fire was electrifying and ecstatic.

On the way back, I chatted with one guy and he said that was his fourth time shooting fireworks.

The results of my photos were not satisfactory. Quite a number of the photos were too bright.

I will try again next year at KLCC since I know a much better location. I shall fine tune the exposure settings in the camera for continual improvement in this special skill.

By KC