Good location for firework pics in Houston

[ion-man]

Hi everyone, fist time poster, recent lurker! I am seeking advice for good places to shoot the downtown fireworks on the 4th of July. If possible, I'd like to include the downtown skyline but not sure of a good vantage point. All suggestions greatly appreciated.

[LWimages]

There's a thread about burn-ban in Harris County this year, so you may not be able to see fireworks on the 4th of July.

[ion-man]

Sorry for not being clear when I referred to downtown fireworks...I meant the Freedom Over Texas event. What's a good photographic vantage point?

[r0xikat]

not sure, but I'm pretty sure the burn ban will not be lifted unless it pours down about 4 inches between now and then.. which isn't likely :/ vendors can't even sell fireworks until it's time for New Year's.

[ion-man]

Oh ok, thanks for the responses. I really thought it wouldn't apply to that event. Bummer.

[r0xikat]

I would say 75% of Texas is under drought conditions, and the majority of that is under 'extreme' which goes hand in hand with burn bans. the only area that will probably enjoy fireworks in the state this year would be the DFW area.

"Keetch-Byram Drought Index"

[synoptic]

The fireworks ban allows permitted shows by licensed pyrotechnicians to occur. I would be surprised if Freedom Over Texas does not have fireworks. Pat, check the event website to make sure, but my understanding is that they will have fireworks.

[r0xikat]

hmm.. 'cause the woodlands' fireworks event has been cancelled too. this is (I'm assuming) a much larger gathering, so we'll see. I guess you can call the organizers and double check? then I think I saw a map of the grounds on the event site you could look into there to see if there's any hills or adjacent buildings you can post up at.

[LWimages]

When I lived in Houston, I would drive on I-10 about 15 min before 8 and just stopped on the side of yhe highways on te shoulder as everyone is at a standstill anyway.
I would always have my camera already mounted on my tripod with settings ready from previous nights' practice and be ready to shoot as soon as I stopped.

[auddii]

What about the Sabine bridge (is that the name of it?) There is one particular bridge where everyone takes downtown skyline shots. I imagine it would be good for fireworks too, although maybe they will be behind buildings. Not sure.

I'm hoping to be at an acquaintance's place, because he just got a three story house on Washington. But, don't know if he'll end up having people over or not - haven't heard anything yet.

[ion-man]

Not a bad idea Louis, I'll scout around just in case.
CJ- I saw that bit about The Woodlands cancelling, thought City of Houston site still has the Freedom event on their site.
As Louis implied, I'll just be prepared just in case. Last year I posted up on side of the road by the 59 HOV (southbound entrance) but that was before my D5000 and real interest in making better photos. Just got my tripod this w/end so eager to put it to real world use. Looking at the map I think the Allen pkwy or I-10 area into downtown might work for both skyline and fireworks. Thx folks.

[HFMarshburnJR]

Sabine Bridge won't work - that is inside the Freedom festival site. If you want to camp out at the site in the hot sun all day, feel free. Also, at this point, the fireworks display is still on for Freedom over Houston.

Now for an answer to the OP's questions: There are three really good locations to camp out and get your fireworks photos with DT in the background. There are actually more than that, but these are easily accessible:

1. Park in the neighborhood of the AIG building and walk across th Waugh Street Bridge to the exit ramp to Memorial Drive East - There is a greenspace right at the top of the hill that has a great view of downtown. That is where I shot my fireworks from last year. I used an 80-200 lens and came back with some nice shots. Take a lawn chair about 7PM and sit and enjoy the sunset - the police will have the ramp blocked off , so you can walk further in toward town on Memorial if you want, but then you will have to contend with the streetlights in your shot.
2. Go further north on Waugh until you are right across the street from the YWCA. It is a great view into downtown, and you may try to talk yourself into the fact that this side of Memorial is even better - then remind yourself about the leading line of streetlights that will dominate your photos.
3. Take I-10 to Taylor Street. Go north until you get to the first street you can turn right on. Go down to the park where everyone else is partying and wait for the fireworks to start. You have a great view of downtown, but the fireworks will probably be a little lower on the horizon, and you may need a longer lens.

Want to try something a little different? Go downtown and set up at the end of the reflecting pool in front of City Hall. Take pictures of firworks going off over City Hall, fireworks reflecting in the various glass buildings, etc. It could be pretty cool. I don't know for sure if the police will have that area cordoned off, but it would be worth a try.

Those suggestions ought to keep you busy. Have fun!

HFM

[KenJulio]

^^^ Howard the ever so helpful gentleman, thanks for sharing!

[HFMarshburnJR]

You are welcome Ken - This is my neighborhood, so I am glad to help.

[ion-man]

Originally Posted by HFMarshburnJR

Sabine Bridge won't work - that is inside the Freedom festival site. If you want to camp out at the site in the hot sun all day, feel free. Also, at this point, the fireworks display is still on for Freedom over Houston.

Now for an answer to the OP's questions: There are three really good locations to camp out and get your fireworks photos with DT in the background. There are actually more than that, but these are easily accessible:

1. Park in the neighborhood of the AIG building and walk across th Waugh Street Bridge to the exit ramp to Memorial Drive East - There is a greenspace right at the top of the hill that has a great view of downtown. That is where I shot my fireworks from last year. I used an 80-200 lens and came back with some nice shots. Take a lawn chair about 7PM and sit and enjoy the sunset - the police will have the ramp blocked off , so you can walk further in toward town on Memorial if you want, but then you will have to contend with the streetlights in your shot.
2. Go further north on Waugh until you are right across the street from the YWCA. It is a great view into downtown, and you may try to talk yourself into the fact that this side of Memorial is even better - then remind yourself about the leading line of streetlights that will dominate your photos.
3. Take I-10 to Taylor Street. Go north until you get to the first street you can turn right on. Go down to the park where everyone else is partying and wait for the fireworks to start. You have a great view of downtown, but the fireworks will probably be a little lower on the horizon, and you may need a longer lens.

Want to try something a little different? Go downtown and set up at the end of the reflecting pool in front of City Hall. Take pictures of firworks going off over City Hall, fireworks reflecting in the various glass buildings, etc. It could be pretty cool. I don't know for sure if the police will have that area cordoned off, but it would be worth a try.

Those suggestions ought to keep you busy. Have fun!

HFM

Wow! Thanks Howard,that's more than I expected. I'll have to scout these routes this weekend and see which one works best. Again, thanks for the responses to all.