Last year I went to the Boomsday event here in Knoxville and had my first serious go at photographing fireworks, and thought I might share a few tips with anyone wanting to try this on July 4th!
- The key to this is long exposures (shutter stays open) and a stable camera (tripod).
- With a DSLR, I would start with these settings…ISO 200, f/16.0, set the focus to manual and infinity, and use the bulb exposure mode. Once you get everything setup and are ready to try a shot, press the shutter button and then place your hand over the lens (this blocks any light from getting to the camera). As soon as the fireworks are shot, move your hand and you should capture the launch, explosion, and the falling streamers until you cover the lens or press the shutter again. In bulb exposure mode, the shutter opens when you press the shutter button and will stay open until you press it again.
- With a point and shoot your mileage will vary. Some have a “fireworks” setting which is a long exposure, some have a manual mode where you can set a long exposure of 4 or 5 seconds. Might want to check your owner’s manual, what you are wanting is a 4 or 5 second long exposure.
- Other things to consider include being downwind will cause the firework smoke to drift towards you and will cause all sorts of problems. Streetlights are a pain, the more time you spend picking your spot the happier you will be!
Ken Rockwell has some very detailed info on photographing fireworks, and of course I’ll be happy to help anyone I can.
Here are a few from Boomsday, Thanks and Have Fun!
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