10 Tips for Fourth Of July Fireworks Photography

10 Tips for Fourth Of July Fireworks Photography
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fireworksIn a few days it will be July 4th. In the United States, it is a very important day for Americans. Either way, you’re most likely reading this article because you want some tips for photographing fireworks. Here you go, six short, sweet, simple and straight to the point tips.

  • Find your spot: You don’t want people in front of you, especially if you’re on the ground.
  • Use a Tripod: You will likely have long exposures, so using a tripod will keep the blur away (unless you want it of course)
  • Manual Focus: Your camera would have a difficult time searching for focus on something like fireworks.
  • Use a Remote Release: Use a remote release to reduce the camera shake.
  • ISO: Keep your ISO around 200 to reduce noise from the long exposures
  • Aperture: A mid-range aperture is ideal, f/8 or so.
  • Slow Your Shutter: Long exposures work best for fireworks. Remember, they’re explosions…light. So you’re exposing for them, not the sky.
  • Burst: Using continuous can be beneficial and help save some time in between exposures.
  • Forget the Flash: You don’t need it. Seriously.
  • Experiment: Fill the frame, get the entire scene, play with different apertures and shutter speeds. Play with your camera to find your favorite setting and style, then visit a second fireworks display to keep the fun going!

Have your own tip for fireworks photography? Comment below to share.

Thanks for reading and happy shooting,

Scott

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This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. Scott Frederick

    30 Jun 2011 Reply

    Thanks for the Tips dude! Now if I can only stay up late! Any tips for that? :)

  2. Steve Beal

    30 Jun 2011 Reply

    Great tips Scott – yeah, I was planning to try for some fireworks, still trying for lightning after reading the Olbinski Lightning Tutorial, but I haven’t had any luck. Seems like fireworks will be more of a sure thing :)

  3. Scott Webb

    30 Jun 2011 Reply

    Great tips for this coming weekend! Appreciate the manual focus note!

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