4 Tips For Firework Photography – 2024 Updated

Who doesn’t love fireworks? They’re all about celebration and joy. Capturing fireworks in a photo helps preserve those festive moments, bringing back fond memories every time you look at them. Whether using a professional camera or just your phone, taking a great picture of fireworks is a goal many people share.

If you’re a photographer or simply a fan of fireworks photography, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to discover essential fireworks photography tips that will help you capture stunning images.

Preparing Your Backpack

First things first: You need a camera to photograph fireworks. SLR, DSLR, or mirrorless cameras are ideal for this task. However, other cameras can also capture great fireworks shots, including smartphones.

Photographing fireworks at night is quite similar to night photography. Just like with night and low-light photography, having the right tools will ensure you achieve stunning results.

Keep these essential tools with you:

• Tripod: Essential for keeping your camera steady during long exposures.
• Spare Battery: A fully charged battery should last through the night, but having an extra is always a good idea.
• Memory Cards: Always carry spare memory cards to ensure you have enough storage for all your shots.
• Black Cardboard or Plastic: Ideal for capturing multiple burst shots of vibrant fireworks without unwanted reflections.
• Flashlight: Useful for illuminating your camera’s dials and controls and for finding items in your bag in the dark.

If you’re looking to expand your gear collection, Golden Camera offers a wide range of photography equipment in Pakistan. You can find everything from tripods and spare batteries to flashlights and more. Explore their selection to find the perfect additions for your photography kit!

Ideal Camera Settings For Fireworks Photography

When photographing fireworks, it’s essential to get technical. Each venue and shoot is unique. Set up your camera and experiment with various settings to discover what works best for your situation.

Take note of these best camera settings for fireworks. They will be incredibly useful for capturing stunning shots:

ISO

• Keep it as low as you can
• The ideal ISO should be around 100, which will minimize noise.

Shutter Speed

• Try exposures between 2–10 seconds.
• Take your start with 4 seconds and then adjust from there.
• Each set of fireworks will require a different shutter speed.
• Control the timer as per your preferences so that you click the fireworks while they’re going up.
• If you have a wired cable release, use Bulb mode to control the shutter. Also, if you want to know how to capture multiple fireworks in one shot, you can use the Bulb mode.

If you don’t have it, don’t worry. You can adapt by testing out different speeds. This will help you gauge the length of the bursts and find the right speed as you shoot. Mastering this is one of the essential fireworks photography techniques to remember!

Aperture

• Keep in the mid-range to ensure sharp results from the bursts.
• You can start with f/8 and go up to f/11 or f/16 for a good DOF.
• You can use the shutter priority mode on your camera (Tv or S mode)
• If you are using S mode, always check that your f-stop is not flashing, as it warns of an over- or under-exposed picture.
• If the f-number is too high or low, adjust the shutter speed to bring it back to mid-range.

Focus

If you want to know how to take sharp firework photos, focus settings are crucial. To achieve sharp, clear pictures, you need to be precise with your focus. Although your camera’s autofocus can help, firework photography can be unpredictable, so you don’t want to miss the moment due to focus issues.

To ensure sharp images, ‘lock’ the focus before the show starts. Autofocus on a bright building or light source before the fireworks begin, then switch to Manual Focus to lock it once the first bursts appear.

File Format

• Shoot in RAW for maximum flexibility during post-processing.
• This format allows you to adjust contrast, highlights, and white balance to enhance the firework bursts and colors.
• For iPhone users shooting in ProRes, apply the same tips for iPhone fireworks photography for the best camera settings to achieve optimal results!

Keeping A Check On Your Location

Before the event, it’s crucial to visit the site in advance to scout out the best vantage points. Look for elevated positions or locations that offer unobstructed views of the fireworks. Pay attention to potential obstacles, such as trees or buildings, that might interfere with your shots. If an in-person visit isn’t feasible, thoroughly review any available photographs or videos of the venue online to get a sense of the layout and potential shooting angles.

On the day of the event, arrive at the venue well ahead of time to secure your ideal spot and set up your equipment. Public displays often attract large crowds, so it’s advisable to arrive at least 2–3 hours before the event starts to avoid the rush and to get comfortable with your setup. Early arrival also gives you time to adjust your camera settings and to ensure everything is ready for the main event.

Keeping Up With The Local Regulations

Before you start taking photographs, research the local area thoroughly. Some places may have restrictions on using tripods or accessing specific viewing spots. Always respect local regulations and obtain any necessary permits to ensure a smooth shooting experience.

Final Thoughts

Take note of these tips from the fireworks’ photography guide in your smartphone’s notes to prepare you for every firework show in town. Ensure you capture stunning shots and utilize top-notch color grading to achieve the best results!