Boston July 4th fireworks photo location?

[YYV_146]

Monday I'll be trying to get some pictures of the fireworks display in Boston. I'm trying to decide between three locations: the Esplanade, the Harvard Bridge and somewhere in the park across from the Charles.

For those of you who have been to the event: which would you choose for photos?

If anyone has similar plans, we could also meet up....🙄

 

[ProviaFan]

The only bridge that will be open this year is the BU bridge. It's much smaller than the Mass Ave bridge and Longfellow bridge so plan to get there really early if you want a spot there. I've found the Cambridge side generally has less obstructions, there's a fair amount of trees on the Boston side of the Charles. Also keep in mind security is very strict after the marathon bombing so limit your camera gear to whatever you can carry. Large bags aren't allowed anymore.

 

[YYV_146]

The only bridge that will be open this year is the BU bridge. It's much smaller than the Mass Ave bridge and Longfellow bridge so plan to get there really early if you want a spot there. I've found the Cambridge side generally has less obstructions, there's a fair amount of trees on the Boston side of the Charles. Also keep in mind security is very strict after the marathon bombing so limit your camera gear to whatever you can carry. Large bags aren't allowed anymore.

Wow. This is super helpful! So bridges are probably off...

I'll only be carrying a light tripod and a two-lens mirrorless kit. I left my long teles at home so FL wise it's probably going to be 75mm+21mm or something like that.

 

[somak]

Check the wind direction before hand and accordingly choose boston or cambridge side. Be early to secure a position if you decide to settle at the Boston side, particularly at the Esplanade.

p.s: I've compiled some tips for fireworks photography mostly based upon my experiences in shooting fireworks in Boston and adjoining areas:

http://somakray.blogspot.com/2015/06/tips-for-photographing-fireworks-part-1.html

http://somakray.blogspot.com/2015/07/tipsfor-photographing-fireworks-part-2.html

I also own the Flickr group "Boston Fireworks", there are hundreds of photos which can give you ideas for choosing vantage points

https://www.flickr.com/groups/2831855@N20/