I got my first taste of display fireworks a few years ago while helping set up a demo for a local consumer fireworks distributer. As long as I can remember, I wanted to shoot "real" fireworks, and once I had done that, I only wanted more. After helping out with a few other small displays using 1.3g and 1.4g product, I got the chance to be on the crew of a large display put on by a club. It took 10 people 2 days of setting up racks, burying guns, and matching product all for a 20 minute show. Once I heard the crowd cheer after the finale, it was well worth the hard work. Last summer I worked my first commercial show on the 4th. It was a completely different experience than the club shoots; a much faster pace and we had sponsors to please, not just ourselves.

This summer, I will be shooting for a large display company in the United States. Right now I'm scheduled for a few fully scripted shows and I will start to learn about proximate displays at some sporting events.

I am a far cry from an expert when it comes to pyrotechnics. I am learning as much as I can as I go. I am hoping to have a safe and fun summer ahead.