jamesies : I own the same lens as you. The KM 28-75 f/2.8, at f/3.5 would be quite sharp for a single person portrait photo, you don't have to go up to f/8.0. IDC = Sony Image Data Converter which comes in package when you bought your A300 or download it from the web.

Banzai_san : Is the ceiling high? If it is, don't bother to do make a ceiling bounce. Just use a bounce card will do; and if you're beside a wall (if the wall is not dark in color), do a light bounce on the wall instead.

Use the black card technique/trick. Before it explode, do a quick cover to your lens (either a black cap or a black card) to avoid your sensor picking up the huge burst of light, then quickly remove the card again after that burst of light for further exposure (continuously use the card to cover and uncover). That's the only way to capture multiple fireworks typically within about 10 seconds or so. It sounds easy, but it's not... it takes a lot of practice and guessing.

Before fireworks goes into the sky, you hit the shutter first right? e.g. you set a target of 10 second exposure, in between the start and end, keep on holding that black card. When it gonna explodes (the big burst), quickly cover. After that, uncover. Also, I guess you know about using low ISO and high f number like f11~f16. No worries about the plenty of bad shots, because no one can predict fireworks unless you are really pro. Most people shot hundreds and probably only one or two gives the results they want.

Edit: Summary... When it explode, your black card should be covering it. Not the opposite.

This post has been edited by wha7ever: May 7 2010, 04:43 PM

Those small fireworks, unless you buy a lot and do a proper planning on how to light them up. Wait for National Day...

Yeah, during CNY times in Kepong, you can even find them selling in front of Pondok Polis!

@zstan : It depends on you. However, it's best to be quick because if you cover it more than 1 - 2 seconds, you might missed out some of the light trail from the fireworks explosion. Try your best to avoid taking too much of the center 'explosion' as that's the part that makes your picture over exposed.

@kayone360 : Congrats.