Shooting Fireworks – Some Tips Other Than “Don’t Hold Them In Your Hand”
(This is a previously published article, but the fireworks haven’t changed, so it should all still hold true.)
What is it about fireworks that draws us close, cause us to emit uncontrollable ooohs and ahhhhs, and brings a group experience unlike any other? That shared , almost primal feeling of amazement at seeing those colored explosives, bursting in air, and the crescendo of the finale, is an experience like no other.
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Here are some tips on creating your own iconic images. And some more.
Want the basics?
1. Shoot with a tripod
2. No Flash
3. ISO 100 is sufficient
4. Photograph peoples reactions too. You may want to get those ooohhs and ahhhhsss on record. Mass happy reactions! Remember-no flash!
5. Experiment with focal lengths for a new look at the same patterns.
6. Set your focus to infinity
7. Shutter speed should be set to “bulb” or shoot 1-4 secs. Experiment!
OR
Set your point and shoot to “Fireworks” and shoot away. You may not get the best , but you’ll have a memory.
And have a happy and safe 4th!
All part of a good stay-cation.
For all of our friends around the world, keep these tips handy for your country’s celebrations.
Hmmmm…maybe July 14th for our French photographers.
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July 3rd, 2009 at 9:36 am
one thing I do is use a cable release and then hold the shutter open for ten or so fireworks bursts and then let go. That tends to expose pretty well.
July 26th, 2009 at 6:39 am
Years ago i proved to a disbeliever that you don’t need fast film or a tripod or long exposures to shoot the fireworks themselves. After all, these things are very bright light sources. You can easily handhold even with ISO 100. Admittedly, capturing land details requires a longer exposure, but you can always combine images in computer,,,of course I used to sandwich slides and negs in the darkroom back before digital.