As photographers, we’re always fighting the good fight to achieve crisp, clean, sharp focus…but you know what? Sometimes it’s fun to throw the rules out the window and try something new!

I discovered this De-Focusing technique just a few days ago, and decided to give it a try while photographing the fireworks show last night. I was a bit nervous. I mean, how was I going to press the shutter button, twist the focus ring, and compose the shot all at the same time?? You know it’s dark, right? And that the fireworks move really, really, really fast? And I don’t have three hands?

Well, after several throw away…ahem…practice shots, I finally got the hang of it. And you know what, it is possible to do it all (shutter, focus, compose) with just two hands! Phew, what a relief. These are some of my favorite shots.

Now we’re getting into some of the glittery effects…my favorite!

This reminds me of hot lava sparks in the night…not that I’ve ever seen hot lava sparks at night…but if I were to, I think this is what they would look like…

Mmmm, everything is better with a little glitter…

And finally, my absolute favorite!…

All shot with these settings:  Nikon D7000 | 55-300mm lens at 70mm | f/11 | 2 sec. | ISO 400 | RAW
Post-processing: Adobe Camera Raw: Clarity, Vibrancy, and Saturation adjustments made

Did you capture a fireworks display of your own? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!