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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  • 66 Posted by jessimshepp on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    I am fortunate enough to have a digital camera with a fireworks setting. Alot of the newer higher end models have this.

  • 67 Posted by mottobedismit on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:26PM EDT Report Abuse

    The Tripod is a must!!! My camera has a setting for fireworks, and does great with them, but without the pod, blur blur blur...

  • 68 Posted by doubledog2u on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    I once heard about holding the lens open on the B setting and deliberately moving the camera around while the fireworks were displayed, creating a kind of "lights painting." Something to try just for fun.

  • 69 Posted by jbjcgd on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    get a cam corder that also takes pictures from your video clip. that way u can just video the fireworks, then at home, still frame and create a pic out of that. sounds like more work but so much fun

  • 70 Posted by payge09cutie on Sun Jul 2, 2006 2:23AM EDT Report Abuse

    what if you only have a digital cam without lens adjustments?what would be the solution in that case?

  • 71 Posted by cwolfcop2 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    yes but just think of this it only come once a year and we all love fireworks and they are so pretty

  • 72 Posted by akloveit2 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've taken lots of good fireworks shots and I use 800 speed film on auto because I don't know what shot will be the one I want to take .But I'm ready for anything with 800 at night

  • 73 Posted by cwolfcop2 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    i know i was just at york fireworks and they were great

  • 74 Posted by erickmccarthy on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:55PM EDT Report Abuse

    #80, Doesn't 800 film give you alot of grain in the darker areas of the picture? Extended exposures at higher ISO settings tend to do that.

  • 75 Posted by rohanpoddar on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    hey, what about the shutter speed. Should we keep it automatic or change it accordingly.

  • 76 Posted by sexy1forwales on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:14PM EDT Report Abuse

    I am a photographer for over 10 years and i found that you get a way better photo from a digital camerea verse a film and 35mm slr digitals are awesome so if you have some extra money i recommend the Cannon SLR Digital Rebal or D20 or D30 there made for movement etc. i have found they do way better then the 110 or old 35mm camereas so please if any questions my emails is (photosbykellimay@aol.com)

  • 77 Posted by pink_beebumble@rogers.com on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:12PM EDT Report Abuse

    I don't knkow what half of the things you are saying mean. It would be better if you told us as if we dont know about cameras. we are just people at home with no experience trying to capture a family moment. Anyways, thanks, and I will ask someone how to do all these things.

  • 79 Posted by mindsnare on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    If you have a digital camera with a timed exposure I would try that. Many of the digitals have a timed and/or manual expose setting. I would start out around two or three seconds and go from there. Keep the shutter open for longer and you will get interesting effects. Some on the smaller cams allow you really long exposures. It can be difficult to keep the camera steady even when using a tripod since you need to keep the shutter button depressed. (no cable output) One tip - Try and learn the button combination to press before you go - I know sounds stupid. It never is any fun trying to figure what buttons to press while the action passes. As another user mentioned the silhouetted effect can leave you with great images. Don't be afraid to burn up an entire memory card when you shoot. I usually find that out of the 100's of pictures I take that only a few of them are really turn out good worthy of a portfolio. But that is only me. Last sodium lights are not your friend for the most part on long night exposures - they leave a horrible yellow glare. For a really interesting effect wave the camera around while taking a long exposure - all sorts of trails. Have fun and enjoy - that is the main tip. You never know, you may soon end up taking all sorts night photograhs after you learn your cameras features and the limits of your camera.

  • 80 Posted by shahbaz_makouei on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:16PM EDT Report Abuse

    hi As half professional photographer in Iran . i found it very very useful for my self i would be very happy to see more about photography technique in my or yahoo. have good day

  • 81 Posted by natalie_rivera03 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    it doesnt say what "Set aperture between f/8 and f/16 and use ISO 100" i dont know what is. can someone tell me? and how do i figure out if my digital camera can do that? i know it has a shutter. my camera is a Canon PowerShot A610 Ai Af. 5.0Mega pixel.

  • 83 Posted by pinarersen on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:12PM EDT Report Abuse

    In 2005 summer I was in America.In 4th of July I went to watch fireworks from Navy Pier in Chicago.But I got dissapointed!Because the fireworks were not gorgeous as I was expecting.But besides all of this I took the photos with my digital camera.In 1994 summer I was in Houston and that fireworks much more better.Happy 4th July!

  • 84 Posted by gr8teach1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:12PM EDT Report Abuse

    natalie_rivera03: For your camera, you can set the following using the "Func./Set" Button: Sensitivity: ISO 100 White Balance: Daylight Flash: Off Resolution: Large Shooting Mode: M

  • 85 Posted by neb41287 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:35PM EDT Report Abuse

    i have a vivitar all manual SLR with a 200mm zoom lens and a 50mm lens how would i be able to use that to get some good fireworks pictures?

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