Locations and Tips for Fireworks Photography
Fourth of July is just around the corner. This means celebrations of all sorts with family and friends. It also means FIREWORKS! Whether you plan to photograph fireworks this year, or just kick back and enjoy the show, it might be helpful to have a fireworks display to check out. A good place to start for locations is THIS LIST compiled by the Kansas City on the Cheap blog.
Now, if you plan to try your hand at photographing fireworks, here are eight tips to help you capture awesome images.
1) Steady!
A tripod is important to keep your camera steady since you will be using slow shutter speeds. You will most likely be pointing your camera upward, so using a random surface to steady your camera will not work well.
When you press the shutter release, even while your camera is on a tripod, you move the camera ever-so-slightly which can cause blur. It is best to use a cable release designed to trigger your camera without having to touch the camera itself. Check your camera manual or with your camera shop to find one that will work with your specific camera.
If you don’t have access to a cable release, another option is to use the self-timer function on your camera. (Though this will not work if you are using the “bulb” setting.) You will not have precise control over when your shutter opens and closes, but this can work in a pinch. Set your exposure for between 10 and 20 seconds as a starting point. Set your timer, and then press the shutter release. You camera will count down, open the shutter, make the exposure, and then close the shutter. Keep your hands off the camera until the shutter closes. Experiment with this set up in order to get your timing right.
If your camera has a “mirror lock up” function, consider using it to help reduce vibration and blur. Each camera is a little different, so check your user manual for specific instructions.
2) It’s Not Just About The Fireworks.
You can create beautiful photos which contain only fireworks and the dark sky. You might also try including something in the shot along with the fireworks. Examples of this might be people silhouetted in the foreground, or a skyline in the background. Elements such as these will add context and interest to your fireworks photographs.
3) Shoot. Shoot. Shoot.
Given the variables of shooting fireworks, be prepared to take numerous shots. Don’t be surprised if only a few turn out as you planned. The more frames you shoot, the better chances you have of getting a few “perfect” shots. You will also learn what works and what doesn’t in any given location. Be sure to bring enough memory cards so that you can shoot for the entire duration of longer displays.
4) Enjoy The Show.
Determine before you head out if your goal is fireworks photography, or to enjoy fireworks with family and friends. This will determine what you focus your energy on.
If you wish to enjoy the show and photograph it as well, get there early and plan ahead. Set up your gear next to where you plan to watch the show with your family. Dial in your settings. Use a long exposure and a wide-angle view. When the show starts do a few quick test shots. Then sit back and enjoy. Trigger your camera with your shutter release as you watch the show.
You may want to turn off the “beeps” on your camera if possible. Sometimes they can be distracting to those around you trying to enjoy the show.
5) Use Your Bulb Setting.
If your camera has a “bulb” setting, you can determine how long the shutter stays open rather than having it expose based on a fixed amount of time. You can press and hold the shutter open when a series of fireworks are launched, and then release to close the shutter after the series ends. Repeat for each photo.
6) Cover The Lens Between Bursts.
If you are only shooting fireworks against a black sky, you may wish to cover up your lens between the individual firework bursts in order to prevent stray light from effecting your shot. Your lens cap or a dark non-reflective card or cloth can work for this.
7) Be Creative with Your Light Source.
You can make some amazing images by using fireworks as your light source. For example catch the crowd illuminated by the large bursts in the sky. Or consider using “sparklers” or flashlights to write words with light in the foreground as you shoot the fireworks display in the distance. Remember, safety is priority number one. Be sure to follow all safety precautions and local ordinances when working with fireworks.
8) Use Ideal Camera Settings.
I am often asked what camera settings to use when shooting fireworks. Here are a few suggestions.
ISO: The lower the better. Ideally ISO 100. The higher the ISO, the more noise your camera will introduce into the image. This becomes more of an issue with long exposures in the heat of summer. Digital camera sensors are sensitive to the heat.
Aperture: If you’re shooting only fireworks, I would suggest something in the range of f/8 – f/22. This will ensure all of the fireworks will be in focus due to the larger depth-of-field. If you are photographing people with the fireworks, something in the range of f/5 – f/2.8 will blur the fireworks in the background and keep your main subject in focus. Experiment to find the right aperture for your specific lens and composition.
Shutter Speed: It depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. If you use a relatively fast shutter speed, you will “freeze” more of the individual elements of a firework burst. A slower shutter speed will allow the elements to drag out and create light trails. I tend to find the longer the shutter is open, the better the result. Try various shutter speeds to determine your preference.
Focus: The fireworks are far away and you want them all to be in focus. I suggest using manual focus and focus on infinity to begin (unless you want the foreground items to be in focus). Your camera’s autofocus will struggle to find correct focus.
Focal Length: Generally, a wider view is better to start with so you do not have to constantly move your camera and recompose the shot. You can zoom in a bit if you are getting too much empty sky around the fireworks. You can also crop some of the black sky out during post-production or printing to improve the composition.
Modes: Shooting with your camera in auto mode will result in frustration. Your camera will be confused by the changing exposures and the high contrast of the bright fireworks against the dark sky. Switch to manual to be in total control of your exposure. This will also make it easier to maintain a consistent exposure across all of your shots.
The bottom line? Play around and experiment. You will have fun learning a new skill and catching some fun shots.
Have a HAPPY and SAFE Fourth of July!
Nathan Choate
Lead Photographer/Owner
