“All I could think about was if anyone was hurt”

-Lady Standing Next To Me

It 'wasn't too hot this year for the Fourth of July. Arkansas usually hits triple digits by now, and the humidity stays somewhere between muggy and drowning. If you ever went to inland Florida during summer, you know what I am talking about.

Even though there are bigger and bader fireworks displays in the area, like the Walmart AMP and The Naturals Baseball stadium, the Springdale Country Club still continues with its long tradition of holding their very own fireworks display. Even though it isn't as technologically advanced as its rivals, the crowds again came out in droves. Kelli and I were there too, sure, but mostly because my parent's home is only a block away. Just a quick walk up the hill and our position was perfect for watching the spectacle.

Since I have a new camera, I figured I would try it out on some fireworks. I have gotten some fantastic images in the past from my little a77, but this time I had the big dog, the a7III and its massive full-frame sensor. Armed with my new tripod and a crisp lens, I knew I was going to get something that looked pretty cool.

Honestly, I have taken so many photographs of exploding fireworks that it was way too easy and almost commonplace. The a77 camera had to have its settings run manually and adjusted often. It took finesse and a lot of patience to get the photos right. This camera, the a7III, almost knew what I was up to before I pulled it out of the bag. Sure, it took a little bit of dialing in to get it right, just much less than the a77 did.

Just before the Country Clubs firework show began, I noticed even more fireworks in the distance. I took a chance, changed my lens, and decided it would be super cool to get some slo-mo. I forgot that the a7III records slo-mo in 1080 instead of 4K and the shot turned out grainy, but it is still impressive. The whole program was exciting and fun. Just watch the video and see for yourself.

Everyone was watching and enjoying the spectacle, drinking beer, pop and being eaten up by vampiric flying syringes, otherwise known as mosquitos when a massive explosion went off near the staging area. The immense fireball rose above the treeline, the flames lighting up the entire area. The heat from the fireball was still prominent three hundred yards away, where I was taking photographs. I wondered to myself if anyone was hurt or if there may have been any damage done by the explosion. It seemed like everything was fine after a few minutes, the show continues, no lights or sirens from emergency vehicles. Ok, cool. Everyone is ok.

Then it hit me, I may have a picture of it! I immediately began to scroll through my images and there it was. Frikin Awesome!

As any self-respecting digital media guy would do, I immediately shared it. Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter all received a copy of the explosion within twenty minutes. I got a couple of likes but nothing special. You would think something like that would trend, at least locally. Alas, the algorithms won the day again, and no attention was paid until the next day until my friends at the news stations decided to make it into a story.

Of course they want to make it into a story, it's a great picture. It also has an added benefit of making the casual observer believe it was some sort of freak accident with children screaming while brave souls rush to the aid of the possibly injured parties. Five News, KFSM, teased the picture and the presumably dire circumstances surrounding the fireworks show at the local Country Club. What about that is not news?

Well, the whole thing, actually.

You see, that massive explosion was planned. I found out from my father's neighbor that they do it every year.

It is still a great photo, even if it was planned. I had no idea it was going to happen, so just getting it is a win. On top of that, I think it's pretty awesome. So enjoy this photo of an explosion that is worthy of Hollywood. And even though it's not "breaking news," I am still pretty proud of it. Just think of how many takes I would have gone through before I could get that photo.