Tips For Better Fireworks Photography

Three or four good bursts usually yield decent results – By parapente 1

All around the U.S. people will be heading out this evening to watch fireworks displays, so this seems like a good time to review the basics of taking fireworks pictures.
First, when scouting out locations to set up, keep in mind that closer is not always better. In fact, some of the best shots are taken from far enough away to get both the fireworks and surrounding countryside in the picture.
You’ll need some gear to do this right:
- Tripod
- Remote shutter release
- A small flashlight
- A camera with a “B” or “Bulb” setting
- Your external flash
A note for Nikon owners that your top dial may not have a “B” setting. With many cameras of that brand you first put the camera in “S” or Shutter Priority mode and then spin the shutter speed dial until the display says Bulb. On most Canon’s there is a “B” on the top dial.
Leveling a camera in the dark is always a trick. If your tripod doesn’t have built-in bubble levels, you can purchase one that mounts on the hotshoe for less than $10.
Arrive early enough to find a good location and level your camera. Then you’ll want to take a couple test shots, even if there’s nothing to see.
Start out at f/11 and leave the shutter open for 30 to 45 seconds. Tweak the f-stop and shutter speed until you’re getting pictures where you can make out countryside and lights but the sky is still black. You may have to tweak those settings after the display begins as some displays can be quite bright.
Once the display starts, leave the shutter open long enough to get three or four good bursts, then check the results. If you’re up close with a really bright display, you may need to go as high as f/22 or start shortening up the shutter times. Normally I get good results at either f/11 or f/16, depending on the lens.
After you have a couple good shots, you can experiment with getting some subjects in the foreground, either as silhouettes or you can manually fire your external flash to fill them in.
The main thing is, don’t forget to enjoy the display because you’re taking pictures. Leave the camera for a couple minutes and just enjoy the show. If you’re like me, you get so absorbed in your work that you lose track of everything else and, before you know it, the show’s over.