I’ll admit it I’ve always loved fireworks. Fighting the crowds staking out the perfect spot, waiting in anticipation for the show to start. It always starts out slowly then it starts to build. Faster and faster they start to come one set barely explodes in brilliant color and then the next is coming all, leading up to the grand finale. I even loved the sound, getting louder and louder and the fireworks come faster and faster I couldn’t wait to see what was coming next. I’ve never lost that love for tor a great fireworks display and as a photographer of course I want to capture it in gorgeous photos. I will admit that photographing fireworks can be a challenge, as often the photos simply do not do them justice. I’m still getting better at it even though I’ve got a ways to go. With the 4thof July fast approaching I’d like to share a few tips that I’ve learned along the way that that helped me.
- Use a tripod. I have a great tripod, that’s compact and light and easy to carry and I freely admit I rarely use it, but it is almost a requirement for good firework photography. It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive just a stable and able to hold your camera.
- These days I use a DSLR almost all of the time, but I usually have a pocket camera with me and if necessary I will use it. Often the smaller cameras have a fireworks mode that can help get better photos.
- A remote trigger. This one is optional but can be very useful when you need to be sure that your camera is steady. You’ll often use a slow shutter speed to capture the beauty of the display and you need the camera to be as steady as possible. The remote coupled with the tripod can make a big difference.
Get there early and find a good spot. I often will practice my focus with the early smaller bursts and then lock my focus so I’m all set for the later displays.
I’m still working hard to improve my fireworks photography but I love them just as much as always so I’ll love every opportunity to keep practicing.
I hope that you find these tips helpful.
-Trina