Fourth of July is right around the corner. For all shutterbugs of all levels, that means we are all thinking about capturing that most quintessential of Fourth of July image – fireworks.
Beginner or seasoned pro, here are some tips I offer to help you in your quest for superb fireworks images.
Out of all of these helpful hints, I’ll give you an important pointer up front: do some research! See what various people are recommending on the net. Don’t just read this article–read a bunch! Think of these tips as a recipe; there are a hundred different ways to make the perfect meatloaf. Pick and choose which recipes you follow. Bon Appetite!
Ready for my recipe? Here we go…
First, and most important, let’s all put down our camera(s). Come on…. I can wait all day… did you put it down? Good.
Location, Location, Location
This first tip is 100 percent unrelated to your camera. In fact it’s more important than your gear. My first tip is to scout your location in advance.
A good fireworks photo starts with a good location. The old landscape rule of a strong foreground is important here. Look for items/people/things, which will give your fireworks shot some perspective and some context. Silhouettes are great! Keep in mind that foreground objects do not always need to be right next to you.
The idea here is to avoid making a photo of just the fireworks. We’ve all seen ‘em. Heck, many of us have shot ‘em! You want to capture something unique, don’t ya? First part of the unique formula is perspective. Include some trees, people, boat, a dog with a Frisbee, and so on.
Also, check the wind for the evening. If you can, you want to shoot upwind. (Less smoke in your image!)
Keep your hands off those cameras… I see you in the back there. We’ll get to your equipment in a second - I PROMISE.
The Early Photographer Gets The Best Spot
Second tip… get there early. One of my favorite fireworks shooting spots here in Colorado is also very popular with spectators. Our show usually starts at 9:00 p.m so we usually arrive around 4:00 p.m. Get there early, make your claim to the best spot (watch your foreground, stay away from any street lights, etc.), and enjoy the afternoon.
Oh and PS, don’t get your gear out right away when you arrive early! I know more people who have lost good equipment to an errant football or that Frisbee-catching dog than I care to share. Keep your gear in the car. Dusk is when you set up.
OK, OK, OK! On to the camera itself. Yes… you can pick up your camera now and embrace it as you read on. Feel better? Moving on…
Tripod, Tripod, Tripod! (and a remote trigger)
There is no way of getting around this issue. You will need a tripod to get those iconic fireworks shots. Equally important is a cable release for your camera. Don’t have a cable release? Use your camera’s self timer.
Fireworks shots are all about the long shutter speed. Hand holding, even with Image Stabilization, usually will not get you the results you want.
Use a Long Shutter
The name of the game when you shoot fireworks is a long shutter speed. This gives you the long, spider-like light trails. If you are new to fireworks photography, I would say start at ISO 200, F8-10, and a Shutter Speed of ~4 seconds. Check your histogram and adjust as needed.
It will be dark so knowing your camera is important. A hiker’s headlamp is helpful here.
Also, if you have in-camera noise reduction, use it. A warning though. This will prolong the writing of your images to your memory card. Still worth it in most cases.
Manual Focus
Set your focus to Manual and focus out to infinity. If you don’t, your camera will be wasting precious moments trying to autofocus. This is one time where you will kindly say: “Yes, thank you Mr./Ms. Camera. I know you are usually very good at finding focus points, and usually I appreciate it. However, in this rare case, I know what I want and you will only get confused. No, I promise, I will turn the AF back on during the car ride home. There… that’s a good camera.”
Shoot in Manual Mode
You want and you need to be in control of each and every element that makes a good photograph. Shooting in Manual will give you that freedom.
If you don’t usually shoot in manual, it’s ok. Take a deep breath and step outside your comfort zone.
If you live in an area with fireworks displays before the Fourth, or have some fireworks for your back yard, go and practice shooting in manual. Don’t fear the Manual. The Manual is good.
Change Your Orientation
Simple. Shoot both in Portrait and Landscape mode for a variety of images.
Leave The Flash At Home
It won’t help you. Yes, there are edge cases. But, nine times out of ten, flash will not help you. Leave it at home. You’ll thank me later.
Use Your Lens Hood
Yes, I know… some of you think I am crazy… Using your lens hood for fireworks is highly recommended. This will help keep a lot of the unwanted light away from your lens. You never know when the person next to you will pull out their camera phone or turn on a flashlight to find their dog and Frisbee. Do what you can to protect your lens from stuff like this.
RAW Rules!
Perhaps I am stating the obvious here, but you have more control and you are capturing more data if you capture your fireworks in RAW. I have heard every counter-argument in the book when it comes to RAW vs Jpeg.
Shoot in RAW. When you bring something back in Raw Conversion and you get that impressive shot, you can thank me.
Consider Under Exposing
Under Exposing will make your colors pop a little more. This is not for everyone, but I tend to underexpose with my fireworks. I find it gives me more flexibility in the digital dark room.
Bring LOTS of Formatted Memory Cards
Be prepared. Have them ready. Trust me, if you don’t, your card will fill up at the worst possible time, and you’ill spend an entire year regretting it.
Be Safe
Do not put your safety in jeopardy to get your fireworks shot. Use some common sense. Stay clear. Watch out for that dog.
Learn From your Experience
Take mental notes and write them down later. Observe what worked and what didn’t work. You may have to make changes on the fly,so know your camera. Don’t have regrets. You know what? Fourth of July is not going to be canceled so even if you didn’t get your money shot. There’s always next year.
Learn and grow. Strive to have this year’s fireworks photos be better than last year’s.
Don’t Forget To Enjoy The Show
Too many times, we as photographers get so wrapped up in the moment that we miss the event going on. Remember this is a HOLIDAY. Enjoy the fireworks show. If you do, it will be way more enjoyable when you get into the digital darkroom.
Extra Credit:
Ok 2 extra credit ideas…
If you are a seasoned pro at fireworks try to shoot them in HDR. That should spice things up!
Also, if you want less light trails and more explosion, cover the lens with a black sheet, cardboard, etc. while the fireworks climb and then remove the sheet to just get the explosion. Bulb mode is highly recommended for this!
OK that’s all. Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July. Pet the nice dog. Throw the Frisbee. Go make some photographs!
I’m looking forward to seeing your images on the Outdoor Photo Gear Flickr Group.
Check out Ted’s work on his website, and follow him on Twitter.
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