Fifth of July Fireworks

Nearly every digital camera on the market these days comes with a number of pre-programmed settings for aperture and shutter speed. Usually these include a macro setting for taking pictures up close, portrait setting for moderately close and still captures, a sports setting to capture the split-second action image, and fireworks. While most of the settings may find their way into daily photography, last night everyone was turning the dial or scrolling through menus to use the fireworks setting to capture some images of the explosive sky above the Charles River. Of course snapshots weren't the only captures taken. Lots of videos are showing up of the display. If your view was blocked by a tree as you sat on the Esplanade, or the Pru distorted the view from your South End roof deck perch, or Italy's world cup semi-final triumph had you celebrating a little too early in the day and you passed out during the 1812 Overture you can find a little solace in seeing the pyrotechnics in today's video. For full effect you'll need to have someone punch you in the chest every time one of those white "bang!" flashes goes off – or otherwise get some base that will rattle you momentarily.

Photo by Flickr user Aero Racer E