On July 3rd, the Illuminate Workshops Meetup group met for a fireworks night shoot at Civic Center Park. This fireworks event takes place on the night before July 4th to celebrate Independence Day with music and fireworks. Crowds of people had made their way to Civic Center Park since late afternoon. Outside the State Capitol building, folks sat on the lawn to get a view of fireworks that would start later. I had never made an image with our State Capitol building, so after the sun had set, I made this image with a deep blue sky to contrast the golden dome.
Crowds At The Colorado State Capitol
A few of us had gathered in the incorrect location to meet the main body of photographers, so we headed over the the Justice Center. Outside the building were polished granite blocks that served as outdoor seating. The stone columns of the building were reflected in the highly polished surface.
Granite Reflections At Justice Center
In this image, I used the lights in the hand rails as a leading line to the little boy who was watching fireworks on the steps.
On The Justice Center Steps
Outside the Justice Center, people were gathered to view the firework display.
Watching Fireworks At Civic Center Park
While making images outside the Justice Center, I noticed the bugs circling in the warm air above the pavement lights, leaving lighted trails as they caught the light.
Bugs In The Light
Another firework spectator sitting among the columns…
Watching The Fireworks
In the past I had not had much success making images of fireworks. So I decided on a different approach for this image, where the firework trails were reflected in the windows.
Firework Reflections
Finally, I managed to make a decent image of the fireworks. The slight breeze in the air blew clouds of smoke that were lit by the blue lights of the City and County Building, below.
Fireworks Over City And County Building, No 2
Later we met up the main body of photographers at a nearby pub for a meal and beverages. Check out some more images of the firework show at Illuminate Photography Workshops Meetup site.