Patriotism

I've seen some amazing fireworks shots, so I'm a little shy about sharing mine.  But I am trying to live by the idea that my excitement about my photos should be based on my own improvement and not other's skill level; with that in mind, I really like how my photos turned out.  I did not have a tripod and I left my 28-55mm at home (oops), so all are 50mm, f/16, ISO 100.  I used the bulb feature on the camera for the first time, just holding it down until I thought the photos was "done" (meaning the exposure ranged from 1.7 seconds to 7 seconds).  Did you know you cannot see through your view finder when your shutter is open?  Kind of obvious when I think about it, but not something I thought about before.  So I framed the photo with my right eye, pushed down the shutter button, watched the fireworks with my left eye, and lifted my finger from the button when the burst seemed "done"--all while holding the camera as still as possible.  A tripod and remote release is definitely on my wish list, but while it seems like a silly way to watch fireworks, I had a blast.  Okay, enough chat.  Here is my Patriotic post:

Freedom Rings (by Jill Lemming)

Starry skies, and moonlit nights,
such beauty in our land...

we're so thankful for these blessings,
that come from God's own hand.

The right to vote, to have a choice,
In a nation proud and strong-

and on this Independence day,
we sing our Freedom Song.

We salute our flag so proudly,
and thank God for the chance to say...
"there's no country we love better,
than the good ol' USA!"

Today we'll gather together,
with our family and our friends...

giving thanks to our Heavenly Father
for the blessings that He sends.

Thank you, Lord, for America,
a place where we can pray...

we give You all the glory,
on this Independence day.

Linking with Live and Love Outloud and Project Alicia for their Crazy Days of Summer Summer Photo Challenge.  Be sure to check out the other Patriotic posts!  

(I think I should add that we were at a friend's house on a very small lake.  The barge the lake house owners paid to have a show had technical difficulties not very far in, but the neighbors and home owners apparently went all out on their own spending, too.  There were some lovely, lovely fireworks.)