For the 4th: How to Photograph Fireworks

Wed Jun 28, 2006 6:00PM EDT

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I'm not sure why, but every time I'm around fireworks I have the uncontrollable urge to take a picture of them, as if this might be the last time I ever see something colorfully blowing up in the sky. Yet whenever I do snap these shots, I end up with a blurry splotch of red on a black background. Looking at the pictures later, they might as well be shots of a squashed bug.

Well, fireworks time is just a few days away, and the cameras will be pointed skyward once again. So how to you get a shot of something that looks like a work of art rather than a deceased insect? The website Digital Photography School has the secrets, with some impressive photographic proof to back it up.

If you're planning to photograph some airborne festivities, please check out the full story. But if you just want the quick tips, here's the Cliff's Notes:

  • Use a tripod and a remote shutter release, if you can.
  • Carefully frame the shot so that the horizon is straight and you don't get a bunch of heads in the picture.
  • Set aperture between f/8 and f/16 and use ISO 100.
  • Keep the shutter open for a couple of seconds, starting before the explosion. (Manual mode is your friend.)
  • Turn off the flash.
  • Experiment and have fun!

Good luck, and send me your shots next week!

 

Comments on For the 4th: How to Photograph Fireworks

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  • 266 Posted by littledancinflames on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:54PM EDT Report Abuse

    Tripod is your best friend as well...don't want camera shake! I love my 35mm manual camera! I got a pretty good phone camera...I just wi----- had more shutter speeds to work with!

  • 267 Posted by jawahirk on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:29PM EDT Report Abuse

    i bought a digital camera Canon 540 and it has fireworks function....i got great pictures..much easier too. JD

  • 268 Posted by slyskier on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've made several hundred fireworks photos over 20+ plus years and I'm no expert but have learned a few things that are somewhat discussed here but I'll emphasize: Shooting at ISO 100 at about f8 or f9.5 works the best, using the bulb shutter setting, a cable or remote shutter release, and a tripod of course.I usually keep the shutter open 3-4 seconds to allow the trails of the fireworks to be recorded. The black cardboard or foam technique mentioned several times on this blog works well also. I use a Canon 30D SLR, with a wired shutter release and a 28-200mm zoom lens. Make sure you're battery is charged and you have enough shots left on your digital card. If using film, consider having two cameras loaded and set on tow tripods and switch from one to the next, better yet, have a knowledgeable friend re-load one camera while you're using the other one-overkill perhaps but with film re-loading during the grand finale has cost me some good shot. That's why digital is so great for fireworks-you can get a 1 or 2 gig card and you're set. Manual focus is the only way to be assured of a correct focus, auto focus will "hunt" for a focus point and will almost always be out of focus if the camera allows the shutter to fire at all.This is especially true when the smoke from several shells accumulates in the sky and the auto focus becomes useless. Digital slrs work best. Use a medium length zoom such as 28-200 or 35-135. Zooming into the middle or at least close to the middle of the bursts will create an almost three dimension effect. However, you'll have to see where the shells are exploding in the sky and keep your zoom extended in that area-filling the frame with fireworks really helps-you'll obtain very unusual and interesting photos. Don't be afraid to experiment zooming in and out between bursts. Also, with a zoom, be careful not to overexpose. With digital that's not a great problem because as the display begins you can take a few shots and assess your exposure, composition and focus and adjust if necessary. Finally two thoughts: read your camera manual on how best to use bulb and some manuals also mention fireworks. However, in my experience, you really need to use a tripod even if using a point and shoot digital camera and setting it on night mode. But experiment and see what your camera does best. Also, even the "pros" must shoot dozens of fireworks shots to get a really good one-don't let anyone tell you differently-I know two local pros and they'll readily admit that fact. So, experiment, take all types of shots zooming in and out, different shutter times, etc. It will be hit and miss on locating the bursts, getting in focus, right exposure and good composition, but it's doable, fun and when you get a shot that's cool they make great enlargements. Hope my two cents worth helps.

  • 270 Posted by hrutledge721 on Thu Jul 5, 2007 4:19AM EDT Report Abuse

    This was my first fourth of july taking picture of the fireworks. Had to take a good bundle but I got one shot that I am getting printed and framed. Thanks for the pointers! They helped out alot

  • 271 Posted by tigergirl422003 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:09PM EDT Report Abuse

    lol,as funny as this sounds. I have been using a new digital camera that wasn't mine. I don't know just yet how to turn the flash off,so i got desperate and pulled out my samsung camera phone. I got some pretty good fire work pics with it. It's wierd because camera phones don't have flash,yet they also usually don't work when it is dark out,but i guess with all the lighting from the fire works,it worked just fine.

  • 272 Posted by aznaturehawk on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:00PM EDT Report Abuse

    Here are my shots from the Gilbert Display, they are not fantastic, but some nice effects. Gilbert, AZ 4th of July 2007 http://community.webshots.com/album/559788876DRnAPu

  • 273 Posted by doggiecaveman on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:46PM EDT Report Abuse

    I shot some a few weeks ago, before I read this. This really works

  • 274 Posted by madmike858 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:03PM EDT Report Abuse

    OK the guideline says "keep the shutter open for about 2 seconds but how long after the explosion to you continue to keep the shutter open?

  • 275 Posted by wdbrad52 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    I use a Canon Powershot A610 on the Fireworks mode. With the camera attached to a sturdy tripod, I time the explosion to send up the fireworks display. When I hear the boost explosion, I depress the shutter button. The fireworks mode will keep the lens open for about 3-4 seconds for some beautiful shots. One of my shots taken last year was an award winner and made it into our county calendar for 2008.

  • 276 Posted by aklamb1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    what film speed would be suitable for fire works?

  • 277 Posted by sherbetlover168 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:19PM EDT Report Abuse

    I totally agree with you.There is no time I actually enjoy fireworks because I need to photograph it.I think if you get your camara ready & focus it right you'll get a great picture.I just video tape the grand finale instead of taking still pictures because then they might turn into the squashed bugs.HAVE A GREAT 4TH OF JULY AND GOOD LUCK TAKING PICTURES! :)

  • 278 Posted by airport_feelings on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    I want to go watch the fireworks now just to try these things out. thanks for the great advice. screw #47, be an amature, have fun and take some cool shots. luck or not who cares.

  • 279 Posted by tisblogging on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:11PM EDT Report Abuse

    Of course, these tips only really apply to people with real cameras (I refer to SLRs and DSLRs.) Good tips, though sometimes a low aperture and a faster shutter speed, coupled with good timing can create good shots.

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