How to Shoot Brilliant Fireworks Photos

As I was surfing the web today, I came across several questions (throughout the various photography forums which I like to visit) regarding "how to shoot fireworks photos." Although I came across a lot of good information, there were bits and pieces scattered about, and since I myself have had (what I consider to be) success in shooting fireworks, I thought I would share these helpful tips for those of you who will be bringing your cameras along to the Fourth of July celebrations.

First and foremost, the single most important thing you need to have when shooting fireworks is a tripod. Whether you are shooting with a point and shoot camera, or a fancy digital SLR, you simply won't be able to hold the camera steady enough by hand due to the relatively long exposure times required in fireworks photography. Tripods are a MUST! With that being said, you should also remember that if you are planning on brining a tripod to an event such as the Fourth of July (or any fireworks celebrations for that matter), there are bound to be plenty of people all trying to claim enough space to stand or sit comfortably, so you'll want to go a little early to set up your tripod before the crowds arrive.

When shooting fireworks, you'll achieve great results if you shoot with a fairly long exposure time. If you are using a point and shoot digital camera, most of them have a dedicated "fireworks" mode or setting. If you are shooting with a digital SLR, you'll want to use anywhere from a 4-5 second exposure, shooting at an aperture of f11 or even f16. One of the best tools to have with you (in addition to your tripod) would be a shutter release cable. That way, you can set up the initial framing of your shots, and control the shutter while still getting to watch those beautiful fireworks. Also, a shutter release cable would be especially userful if you want to use your camera's bulb mode to capture even longer exposures.

Another experiment you can do, is to set your aperture very small, say at f22 or even f32, and shoot with an exposure time of 20-30 seconds. You'll be able to catch several fireworks in the frame, and the results can be outstanding!

In framing your shots, it will all depend on the type of photos you are after. If you like the closeup and tight shots of the fireworks blast as in the above image, you will want to bring a zoom lens which can go to at least 200mm. That will allow your camera to get up close and personal with those fireworks. If you prefer to capture the fireworks in a landscape or "entire scene" view, bring a nice wide angle lens. Here's a look at what a wide angle lens would be likely to capture:

Whichever you choose, you'll be sure to capture amazing photos and there will be no need to fumble about switching lenses during the show. I hope these quick and easy tips will come in handy, and help you to further enjoy your Fourth of July holiday weekend by snapping some fantastic fireworks photography!

How to Take Digital Photos of July 4th Fireworks

You've seen all those spectacular photographs of fireworks. Maybe you've even tried your hand at recording your local July 4th spectacular. But it's not easy to pull off with a standard point-and-shoot digital camera.

Here's what you need:

 

• A camera that lets you control shutter speed, ISO settings, and aperture settings of your photos. You'll want to set your shutter speed slow, to between 1 and 16 seconds depending on the amount of background light. You'll want to set your aperture relatively tight (around f/8 or so) to cut down on background light noise and prevent overexposure.
• Some point-and-shoot cameras come with a built-in "fireworks" mode especially designed for this situation.  You'll have little luck if your camera is hard-wired to automatic settings for low light situations that don't include fireworks photo-taking. 
• A tripod.  Even with anti-shake technology,  the long exposures you'll need to get really effective pictures require a steady hand--one steadier than yours.  Bring a tripod, or at least a monopod, to steady your aim.
• Manual focus control is helpful. If you're using a digital SLR camera, use manual focus and set it to "infinity".
• Shoot at a wide angle, so you can get more of the sky.  That way, you don't have to be constantly trying to point your camera toward where the fireworks are.

How To Photograph Amazing Fireworks

It's summer and July 4th is fast approaching. That, of course, means some fantastic opportunities to capture stunning images of fireworks. Photographing fireworks can seem a daunting task if you've never attempted it before (or attempted without desired results). Your Photo Tips will help you capture those stunning photographs with style.

Equipment needed:

Camera (of course)
Tripod
Remote Release
Blanket (optional)

Aperture

Contrary to most low light photography, you're gonna want to use a low aperture between f/8 and f/16. The fireworks will provide lot's of light in comparison to the sky that surrounds the display and you'll want to take advantage of that. The darker the sky is, the more those colorful bursts of light will "pop" in your finished image.

ISO

You'll also want to use an ideal ISO for your camera. Most digital cameras are actually at their best at 200 ISO but you can definitely do this at ISO 100. This is so that you get the least amount of digital noise and your images will turn out cleaner.

Shutter Speed

Here is your most important factor in getting great fireworks photographs. My preference is shooting in bulb setting and using the remote release. You'll want to open the shutter right before the firework explodes and hold it open as the explosion occurs giving you long trailing light. If you are wanting to capture multiple bursts you can use a black card to place in front of the lens between bursts. If you go this route know that too many bursts will overexpose the image if the fireworks overlap too much and cause your finished image to look overcrowded or cluttered.

Manual Focus

Cameras can have a hard time focusing in the dark so be sure to use manual focus and set it to infinity. If your camera won't do infinity then use the landscape mode which is essentially the same thing. Another good tip if your using a point and shoot is to set your focus either before the show starts (if you have a reference point) or on the first set of explosions.

Focal Length

Using a wide focal length will help you capture the fireworks' explosions in their entirety. This will help prevent the fireworks themselves from running off your frame. You can of course try some tighter crops by zooming in and get some really great abstract type imagery, but that can be hit or miss as it's hard to tell exactly where the fireworks will actually burst and which direction they will head.

Framing

Vertical or Horizontal? It depends. Most often vertical is going to work best as fireworks are shot up into the air and fall back down. Often times, however, there will be shorter wider series of fireworks that would do good to capture horizontally. Experiment with both so your options are open.

Be Extraordinary

At this time of year, there will undoubtebly be tons of fireworks photographs being uploaded around the Internet (and of course flickr). If you're looking to stand out from the crowd here are a few things to consider.

Know where the wind is headed. If you're downwind you'll get all of the smoke from the fireworks in your pictures and they'll come out hazy.

The first sets of fireworks will have less smoke as an obstacle.

Using a reference point like a building or other structure will add to the magnitude of the fireworks display and add interest in the image.

Try to capture as many different frames as possible. It's really hard to tell which ones are going to look best while your shooting.

Take a few images of the people watching the fireworks as well. The light from the fireworks themselves will create interesting light casts on the observers.

If you're near water use the reflection of the fireworks in the image to create some truly magical pictures.

Advice for taking bang-up fireworks photos

With a little planning, photographing fireworks on the Fourth of July can result in pictures you can be proud to hang on the wall. Here are some tips for shooting fireworks from Observer photographers Todd Sumlin and Gary O'Brien:

Take some time to scout out the best location before dark. If you want to photograph the fireworks bursting over buildings, bridges or houses, find an unobstructed area with a broad view of the sky to set up your camera.

Avoid power lines, streetlights and tree limbs that could block your view, and stand away from the crowd so people don't stand in the way of your shots.

As you set up your shot, keep the horizon level and think about how high the big rockets will go. If you're close to the launching area, a vertical shot will help keep the bursts of color in the picture.

If you have them, use a tripod and a remote release to keep the camera steady during the exposure. If not, place the camera on something solid and use its self-timer to open the shutter.

If you are shooting with a point-and-shoot camera, keep the camera steady and use the night mode setting. Many of the newer point-and-shoots have a "fireworks mode" that automatically adjusts the exposure.

If your camera has manual settings, try using them. We usually shoot at a sensitivity of ISO 200 or lower and set the exposure to about 4 seconds with the lens set at f/11. Longer exposures will capture more bursts, but the lights of the city may brighten the sky. If the bursts appear washed out, set the lens at f/16.

Depending on streetlights and the overall glow of the city, the correct exposure is sometimes a guess. Use the screen on the back of your camera to check the exposure and adjust your settings.

A small flashlight or headlamp is very useful. A red filter will preserve your night vision. Take extra batteries, because long exposures will quickly drain a partially depleted battery.

For safety's sake, don't leave your tripod - people won't see it in the dark and may trip over it.

Finally, don't get so wrapped up in making a picture that you forget to enjoy the show!

Charlotte Observer File Photo - GARY O'BRIEN

Fourth of July fireworks light the sky above the uptown Charlotte skyline Monday evening. Charlotte Observer File Photo - GARY O'BRIEN

Where to find royalty-free fireworks pictures

There are many resources available online at your fingertips to search for and locate royalty-free fireworks photographs.  One very popular website is Fotosearch (www.fotosearch.com) that offers a database of searchable images that are entirely royalty-free.  Another great tool for those searching online is Public Domain Pictures (www.publicdomainpictures.net), where these royalty-free stock photos are free for private and commercial usage.  Expect images on these websites to be common among publishers as they are free of cost and not exclusive to any specific source.

How to Share Your Fireworks Photos Online

With technology taking over the world, it is no surprise that you can share just about anything with just about anyone online. Your fireworks pictures are no different.  Times have changed from emailing your photos to your friends and family.  There are now free digital photo sharing websites that allow users to post albums of their photos and share with specific people, or the entire world if they so choose.  The most popular sharing community is Flickr.  By accessing www.flickr.com, you can select the "sign up" option, complete the application, and voila, you are a user.  Once your account is set up, you can upload photos and create albums organizing certain special occasions.  Once your albums are completed, you can make them public or select who you would like to access your images by sharing your photos with friends and family.  Not only is online photo sharing free and simple, it is a great tool to view others photographers work as well.

How to Make Money Selling Fireworks Pictures

If taking fireworks pictures has just been a hobby, you may want to consider making some extra cash by selling your artwork.  There are many different ways to turn a profit from your art from stock photography to publishing your images in books and magazines.  Stock photography is images for sale licensed for specific uses.  There are two types of stock photography, royalty-free or those that provide royalties.  With royalty-free stock photography there is a licensing agreement negotiated for each use.  The buyer can use your photography in numerous uses for one single fee.  There is no option for exclusive rights to the image.  With those agreements that do provide royalties, the photographer will receive payments each time the photograph is used and they have exclusive rights to the image involved in the agreement.  There are several online stock photography centers available to display your photos, one popular site being www.shutterpoint.com.  Here you can upload your images and have prospective buyers view them directly from their own computer.  You can even negotiate agreements for Full Royalty-free or standard royalty-free agreements.  Aside from stock photography, you can also sell your images for publications such as magazines, books, calendars, etc.  If you are looking to do this, you will have to research manufacturers and publishers that will be receptive to your work.  Once you have contacted them, you can start submitting fireworks pictures for their approval.

Best Cameras for Fireworks Pictures

To capture a photograph of fireworks you will need to find a camera with some specific features.  For dramatic and colorful images, you will need a camera that has a low shutter speed option. There are digital cameras available on the market that offer the convenience of a 'fireworks mode', which automatically adjusts the settings necessary for taking fireworks pictures. Canon's EOS Rebel Series offer this function; along with their 5D Mark II. For those who do not have this feature make sure to set your camera to manual and adjust the ISO lower to 100. Another important feature is setting the camera's focus to infinity, so that it will not search for an image in the dark.

How To Take Fireworks Pictures

There is nothing like observing a great fireworks display.  These displays can provoke all types of emotion and capturing these images through your camera can prove to be very difficult.  One of the most important steps is to make sure your photography equipment is set up and functioning before the firework display begins.  Set up by attaching your camera to a tripod.  A tripod avoids the shakes and keeps your camera still.  Use of a remote release device specifically for your camera to avoid interference with the shot is also handy.  Perhaps the most difficult venture is framing your shot.  Make sure to scope the location out early so that you can gain an unobstructed vantage point.  Watch your horizons to make sure you will have the fireworks in your shot as well as the background and foreground to add an interesting flare to your shot.  For a successful shot, you will need to experiment with the correct shutter speed settings.  It is recommended to shoot in 'bulb' mode, which allows the shutter to stay open for as long as needed, capturing the photo immediately when the fireworks explode.  Make sure to also shoot with your flash off and in manual modes as well for prevent images from having a distracting glare.

Top 10 Fireworks Photo Tips

Do your fireworks photos disappoint? Do you wonder why those light shows never look as good in print as they do in person? Try the below tips this Fourth Of July, and turn your photo disappointment into photo success!

(Image by Mike G in Newfields)

1. Extra Memory Cards – the more photos you can take, the better chance you have of walking away with some great shots

2. Keep your finger on the button – prevent 'camera shake' by not releasing the shutter button right away

3. Focus faraway - fireworks explode far away from you. To record them clearly, set your digital camera focus to infinity. If your digital camera has preset focus modes, look for the mountain icon either on a camera switch or in a menu

4. Tripod is a must - tripods are key in making your fireworks photos crisp. If you can't bring a tripod, make sure you brace your camera, or your hands (holding the camera) on something solid

5. Location location location – location also plays an important role. Avoid streetlights that may outshine the brightness of the fireworks. Also choose a spot that's not highly trafficked, in order to avoid people walking in front of your shot

6. No flash - using flash won't do a thing for you

(Image by MariaK287)

7. Higher ISO - try increasing your digital camera's ISO setting from 100 to 200 (check your manual for details) in order to shorten exposure time. Your photo might look a little grainy, but this shouldn't be too noticeable.

8. Filler – to fill the empty space of the night sky, try incorporating a landmark into your photo – a building, statue, etc…

9. Angle it – try tilting your camera to add more variety/interest to your photo

10. High Exposure – to capture the full effect of those fireworks, set your camera's exposure time (shutter speed) to between .5 and 4 seconds

Amazing FireWorks photos

Fireworks were invented in ancient China in the 12th century to scare away evil spirits, as a natural extension of the Chinese invention of gunpowder. Such important events and festivities as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival were and still are times when fireworks are guaranteed sights. China is the largest manufacturer and exporter of fireworks in the world.

FireWorks used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. most people now use fireworks in their celebrations and happy occasions. and are the focal point of many cultural and religious celebrations. beautiful and has a special charm. are burn with colored flames and sparks including different colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and silver as you see in this photos.

Make Unique Fireworks Photos Using Focus Blur

An interesting technique to help liven up your images from this summer's fireworks displays.

By Allyeska Posted June 29, 2010

For Americans, July 4th is the night for dazzling displays of roman candles and Catherine wheels. We Australians have a similar opportunity every January 26, Australia Day. I've always been thrilled at the holiday's fireworks, but my pictures of the displays? Not so much.

Then I started playing with focus blur, an awesome technique that's perfect for capturing fireworks as well as other after-dark extravaganzas such as holiday lights.

Similar to the shooting technique of zoom blur—opening the shutter and zooming through the focal length settings of your lens for a kaleidoscopic effect—focus blur requires rotating your focusing ring during long exposures. The result: Part of the firework's arc or shape is sharp, and part morphs into a puff of defocused light and color.

By altering the speed, amount, and direction of the focus shift (from sharp to soft and back, or vice versa), you can produce a stunning and almost unlimited variety of visual effects.

Not all your focus blurs will be keepers.

Lets Party

Lets Party
Description: Finalist - Better Photo Contest

 

Celebrating !

Celebrating !
Description: Dusk by the charles river

like feathers in the sky!

like feathers in the sky!
Description: Fireworks, taken during 4th of July weekend in Athens, GA

Malta Feast

Malta Feast
Description:
Msida Church situated exactly opposite the seafront in Malta's leading port. A typical maltese celebration.

A Special dedication to a new friend and last month's Grand Prize Winner - Milan Banik.

The Big Bang

The Big Bang
Description: Its Celebration time in a Maltese Festa. Taken during the Santa Maria festivities in August.

Fourth of July

Fireworks 2

Fireworks
Description: Downtown Portland, OR 7/4/2006. Minor adjustments in Photoshop

Happy New year !

Happy New year !

New Year at Seattle Center (#1)

New Year at Seattle Center (#1)
Description: New Year 2007 at Seattle Center and the Space Needle, as seen from Kerry Park

 

Bringing In The New Year

Bringing In The New Year
Description:
Taken in Las Vegas at midnight on New Year's eve - ISO 200 - f20 - SS 2.5 seconds on manual, mounted on a tripod - focal length 70mm - The wind was blowing, giving it the feathery look.

Fireworks Show

Fireworks Show
Description: Taken at a pyrotechnic show on 13 Jan 2007 at the Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Philippines.

Fire Flowers

Fire Flowers
Description:

This is a six shot merge of some images taken during the 2005 Portland, Oregon fireworks display.

The pyrotechnics are launched from a barge located in the center of the Columbia river between Oregon and Washington. I was sitting on the south bank, right on the water with a tripod and a remote shutter release.

A July 2007 Editors First Pick and a BetterPhoto Members Favorite. Also listed in the Fireworks Pictures area of BetterPhoto.

Fireworks

Fireworks
Description: Lens: FA 45mm f/2.8

*the great ship 2*

*the great ship 2*
Description: the enclosed shot is of the great ship "queen mary" here in long beach california ,during the new year fireworks display.

Happy 10th Anniversary BP

Happy 10th Anniversary BP
Description: Thank you Maria Sacha for the suggestion take the Text out I still keep the other one since it was creted special for BP but Entering this one with out .this was comp 10 shot of my last yr fireworks.

Golden gate's golden night.

Golden gate's golden night.
Description: San Francisco, CA, USA.

Fireworks Celebration Over The Space Needle

Fireworks Celebration Over The Space Needle
Description: Taken from Queen Anne of the Space Needle in Seattle
Keywords: fireworks, seattle, space needle, city, night, celebration, washington, cityscape, queen anne, red, firework, nighttime, pink, purple, gold, horizontal, lights, black, blue, brown, celebrate, white, skyline, skyscrapers,