To celebrate the 5th of November, a few friends and I went to Hawley Lake to watch the firework display put on by the army. I’ve been over there a few times in the past 5 years. It’s always a nice little evening with friends, and the money goes towards to army, which is always a good cause.

I believe the fireworks were shooting for 20 minutes, not leaving much time to shoot at all. The weather wasn’t on my side either, drizzly and windy. It did however make the images more interesting, as you can see in the image to the left the wind in blowing the smoke to the left and out of frame, and the first image below the water droplets on the lens while taking a long exposure.

Another image I’m particularly keen on is the shot on the island in the middle of the lake (seen left). The bonfire, out of frame to the left, is lighting the island itself. And the long exposure providing a perfectly smooth look to the water, almost like a mirror.

Always take advantage of what is going on around you. Capture what you can, when you can. And enjoy what you take.

- Charlie Bluck :)