Get there early
As with anything in photography, it is important to get there early so you have time to setup and get all your gear organized. Make sure to have your tripod, a camp chair, and all your lenses out and ready to be used when the show starts. You shouldn't be fighting with your equipment once the first "boom" hits. Firework shows go quickly so setup time is really important here.
Many different ways
The best firework photo results come from the simultaneous use of a slow aperture and a long exposure. Fireworks are really neat in that you don't need expensive fast glass to be able to get good photos like you do with sports. Experiment with different styles and see how they work!
Use a Tripod
The most important thing about photographing fireworks is that the camera is still so that you don't get motion blur in your photos. Fireworks photos must be clear and with a longer exposure time, it is important to have a steady way of securing your camera.
Watch your Framing
Fireworks shows are always centered in a certain location in the sky (even though some blasts may go higher than others). It is important to setup the shot before you hit the shutter button. Be sure you know where to point your camera so you can increase your chances of getting the best shot possible.
Focus on the Shot
Some photographers say to focus your lens to "infinity" but what I like to do is set it on manual focus, focus after the firework has exploded so that it is clear, and then leave it on that focus setting the rest of the show and roll with that. Photos of fireworks are useless if you can't clearly see the bright colors.
ISO
The lower the ISO, the better. I would stick with 100 ISO.
Aperture
I would personally stick with an aperture between the range f/8-f/14. It is going to depend on how close you are to the show and how bright the fireworks appear to your camera's sensor.
Shutter Speed
I would go with a shutter speed around a few seconds. Use the bulb function on your camera and hold down the shutter button for however long you would like to expose the photo. If you have a remote, USE IT! This will prevent any unwanted shake when your press the shutter button and move your hand off the camera. To use this technique, hit the shutter as the firework is about to explode and hold it down until it’s finished exploding (generally a few seconds).
Turn off your flash
You're not going to need it and it does nothing at all!
Practice Makes Perfect!
Keep shooting and keep improving your skills. Every bad photo you take is one less photo you are to becoming a better photographer.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July everyone!
-Patrick Canler
Use a Tripod
The most important thing about photographing fireworks is that the camera is still so that you don't get motion blur in your photos. Fireworks photos must be clear and with a longer exposure time, it is important to have a steady way of securing your camera.
Fireworks shows are always centered in a certain location in the sky (even though some blasts may go higher than others). It is important to setup the shot before you hit the shutter button. Be sure you know where to point your camera so you can increase your chances of getting the best shot possible.
Focus on the Shot
Some photographers say to focus your lens to "infinity" but what I like to do is set it on manual focus, focus after the firework has exploded so that it is clear, and then leave it on that focus setting the rest of the show and roll with that. Photos of fireworks are useless if you can't clearly see the bright colors.
ISO
The lower the ISO, the better. I would stick with 100 ISO.
Aperture
Shutter Speed
I would go with a shutter speed around a few seconds. Use the bulb function on your camera and hold down the shutter button for however long you would like to expose the photo. If you have a remote, USE IT! This will prevent any unwanted shake when your press the shutter button and move your hand off the camera. To use this technique, hit the shutter as the firework is about to explode and hold it down until it’s finished exploding (generally a few seconds).Turn off your flash
You're not going to need it and it does nothing at all!
Practice Makes Perfect!
Keep shooting and keep improving your skills. Every bad photo you take is one less photo you are to becoming a better photographer.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July everyone!
-Patrick Canler
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