Question about fireworks over Town Lake...

[lextalionis]

Hey gang,

Based on the image below from google maps, where would be the best location to be to shot fireworks with the skyline as a back drop? I'll be there this Friday evening.



Thanks,
Roy

[nancyc]

I would think that it could be nice from the new park next to the Auditorium Shores. Do you know where is the orquestra going to be located?

[lextalionis]

Not a clue about anything. What new park? Where would it be on this map, 1/2 inch to the right or left of the word Auditorium Shores?

-Roy

[phillip ino]

Just to the left of the words. Before the RR tracks. Although, I suspect it is going to be impossible to catch a spot there. If you want to incorporate the downtown skyline, you will probably have to be further. Let me know if you find a good spot, maybe we can have a mini meet up and snap some firework shots!

[nancyc]

Originally Posted by phillip ino

Just to the left of the words. Before the RR tracks. Although, I suspect it is going to be impossible to catch a spot there. If you want to incorporate the downtown skyline, you will probably have to be further. Let me know if you find a good spot, maybe we can have a mini meet up and snap some firework shots!

I will try my best to catch a spot there... I really like that view and the fireworks should also be reflected in the water.

[kenw]

not specific to TL, but make sure you are upwind of the fireworks. Otherwise the smoke residue will obscure a lot of shots.

[lextalionis]

Okay,

I just updated my OP image because I spoke to someone who has gone in the past. This is what he told me...reference the updated image in the OP.

Does this sound right?

Thanks,
Roy

[nancyc]

Having taken place at Zilker Park for the past six years, the stage for this celebration will return to it original home at Auditorium Shores in front of the beautiful new Long Center for the Performing Arts

That means that it has changed, it is not the same place where he watched them last year. Your map makes reference to Zilker Park.

More info about the H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks here

[bondarnes]

I would think that where Treadwell St. dead ends at the railroad track would be an ideal location with a longer lens. With a shorter lens maybe somewhere along Dawson.

[Driver]

I'll be on the other side of MoPac from Zilker. Our road runs along a ridge overlooking Zilker. Here's a few picts (handheld, very amateur) from the 4th floor deck above the house. We are having a little 4th of July party here, it's very low key. Will gladly pick someone's brain if they want to attend.

First one you can make out the railing in the bottom right a little (shot at 18mm) That black hole towards the bottom right is also Zilker as well. The second photo is where I believe most of the Fireworks will be above/in front of.

[phillip ino]

Originally Posted by Driver

I'll be on the other side of MoPac from Zilker. Our road runs along a ridge overlooking Zilker. Here's a few picts (handheld, very amateur) from the 4th floor deck above the house. We are having a little 4th of July party here, it's very low key. Will gladly pick someone's brain if they want to attend.

First one you can make out the railing in the bottom right a little (shot at 18mm) That black hole towards the bottom right is also Zilker as well. The second photo is where I believe most of the Fireworks will be above/in front of.

Might take you up and attend your shindig. Looks like a good spot! What focal length did you use in those images?

[Driver]

Your more than welcome. PM me your info and I'll give you a call with details if you'd like. Myself and the girls (female roommates) will be here all evening. I only have a 18-200 and a 50 for the D300 at this time. I was using the 18-200. One shot's focal length was at 18 and the other was at 36 (forum software downsized the images to 900 wide and stripped all the EXIF info).

[rickthestick]

I'm trying to go downtown too and have heard that you can get some good shots from on top of parking garages. Does anyone have suggestions of ones they may have used in the past? Any recommendations on what time to arrive? Are they usually filled up by a certain time? Thanks for the help or any tips.

[Tims]

"Take note, creatures of habit: this year’s show is not at Zilker Park. The Symphony is returning its free concert and fireworks tradition to its original home at Auditorium Shores, on the grassy lawn in front of the redesigned Long Center for Performing Arts, facing downtown. "

Like Nancyc pointed out, it's further east this year. I'm thinking the overlook hill here might be best:



Or else shooting along the water to get the fireworks on the right and the city on the left. If I'm understanding where they are shooting them off.

[Driver]

I fully expect to see a similar image of the fireworks from here to what the people at Auditorium shores see. Fireworks on the right, majority of the city skyline to the left and behind them. I don't think they've changed the launch site, unless they've gone back to shooting them off from the lake itself like they used to during the Austin Aqua Festival. Even at Zilker they still shot them off over the lake I believe to cut down on fire hazard. Besides, a little more lens and it won't matter. Hoping the rain today will keep the haze down tomorrow evening.