It is that time of year again, summer is a time when many people all over the world photograph fireworks displays. Here in the US we celebrate our Independence Day on July 4th and there are thousands of fireworks displays all over the country. Fireworks are such a fun and colorful thing to take pictures of. Many fireworks displays only last a few minutes and really you do not want to use up the whole time trying different shooting techniques so here are a few fireworks photography tips I have learned over the years that will help you get some great shots this year. How to Photograph Fireworks Displays
Photo By Tyson
1.Use a Tripod or Camera Stand.
When photographing fireworks you must use a long exposure and it is best to use a tripod. If you do not have a tripod you can find a sturdy table or rest to put your camera on that will not move during exposures. I strongly recommend a tripod. If you do not have one, this is a great reason to make the investment.
2. ISO
I try to stay with ISO 100 because it has always worked well for me. My blanket theory on ISO is lower is better. If you need to use a higher ISO for any reason only go as high as need. If you can go lower and test the results that is great. I will be starting at ISO 100 and testing lower this year. Lower ISO gives you a cleaner shot every time.
3. Shutter Speed
Photo By Tyson
Shutter speed one of the most important settings in fireworks photography. Long shutter speeds are needed to get the results you see in many photographs of fireworks displays. As many of you may already know shooting in low light needs either higher ISO or longer shutter speeds. I have used both long exposures like 1-30 seconds and I have gotten really great results using Bulb. When using long timed exposures you need to test a little more than when using Bulb. Using Bulb allows you to press and release the shutter exactly when you want. You get much more control over your firework photograph when use Bulb. However if you use Bulb and do not have a remote shutter release you must be very steady when holding the shutter down because the smallest movement will blur your shot. It is best if you have a remote shutter release, but it still works great if you do not just do not move!
Photography Tip: If you get a piece of black foam core or something to place over the end of the lens to block all light. You can use it to capture multiple fireworks in the same shot. You hold the shutter open during the first firework and then once it has exploded you put the foam in front of the lens to keep out the light. You do not need to touch the lens, if you are in a dark area, just place the foam in front of the lens.
4. Aperture
Photographing fireworks is tricky when it comes to aperture. You may need to do some testing in your area. Because of ambient light different areas will require different aperture. I would suggest somewhere between f/8 and f/20. Start with f/11 and see how it works.
5. Focal Length
Photo By Stuck In Customs
Depending on how you want the shots to come out you may want wide shots of the fireworks display in the landscape or you may want bright exploding color on a black background. Either way you can try both focal lengths during one fireworks display. I would suggest starting at a wide focal length until you see where in the sky the fireworks are exploding and then zoom using a zoom lens to get some more close up shots. This is how I have had the best luck.
6. Frame Your Shot
As always framing your shot is important depending on the shot you want. I like many different compositions when it comes to firework photography. If you use a vertical framing technique you can get the stream of sparks leading from the ground to the explosion and that always looks great. You can always you a horizontal framing technique that allows you to capture the landscape being lit up by the fireworks. There are many different framing options and if using a digital camera if you get it close you can always try cropping afterward to get it perfect. I usually try to get the perfect shot in the field and not have to crop just because it saves me time in post.
Photo By jrobertshaw
7.Flash
This could be a hot button topic in fireworks photography. Some people may want to light something in the foreground for the shot using off or on camera flash. I personally prefer no flash, however I understand if someone wants to add to there shot using flash to light something in the foreground.
8. Camera Mode
Always shoot in manual mode because you are then prepared to adjust any setting at anytime. This will be very valuable when photographing fireworks displays because you have about 15-20 minutes to get that perfect shot and you will need to do some adjusting on the fly so just start in manual. If you are not getting any shots then you might try shutter priority and set the exposure to a few seconds.
8. Experiment and Test, Test, Test!
As you can tell by reading this there are a few ways to photograph fireworks displays. When you are out in the field remember to experiment and test. You will get some great shots if you are able to focus on the photography for 15 minutes. I always use many different techniques during a fireworks display because it allows me to get multiple different kinds of shots. Remember to check your results often to make sure you are achieving the results you want. If you find you are not do not freak just readjust and keep shooting you will get a great shot. Good luck and have a great time.
One last thing:
Please share your fireworks photography with a link below. I would love to hear how these and other techniques have helped you get great fireworks shots. What techniques did I miss? What techniques have you used that I did not mention that helped you get a great fireworks shot?
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