#30: Xīn Nián Kuài Lè

My headphones were playing Parov Stelar when I heard someone speaking or shouting using a PA system. I couldn't grasp clearly over the electric swing... Is there a demonstration? Some other public happening? Immediately I steered from towards Kiasma, the museum of contemporary art, where I thought the sound came from.

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After work I had taken a train to the central railway station to get the picture of the day. I had hasted from the station along the railroad track to the Blue Villa – just in time to get a couple of pretty pictures of the blue scenic moments after the sunset.

Coming back to the station I decided to make a slight detour by the Music Centre, as that route might provide something interesting, differing the street I had already been walking.

Some seconds after the shouting I heard a series of bangs, and saw fireworks over Kiasma. Soon another set of rockets. Luckily I had my camera ready in my palm.

Instantly I took a series of photos. I hadn't time to change my 85mm prime lens to any wider. The camera was set at f/2, ISO 1600 and -1 ²/₃ EV. Thus the shutter speed remained fast, 1/250 sec. Above is one frame, unedited (except size change and slight sharpening). There were other pictures with more traditional rocket trails, but I like this that happened to be timed so that it captures the best of the altering colours from the Kiasma exhibition. Found out that there are far better ones, but they needed +2 EV exposure (like the one uppermost now).

After the short-lived fireworks show I changed the lens to a 35mm prime and proceeded to Kiasma. To my surprise there was no one launching the rockets, nor any audience gathered. I walked around the building but nothing unusual. And yet there was a proof in my camera that it wasn't only my brain making funny tricks.

So, instead of some beautiful skies I chose this photo that left me wondering – until I saw the evening news at home. Xīn Nián Kuài Lè!