How To Photograph Fireworks
FStopLounge.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.
At no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through our affiliate link(s). Please use your own judgment to determine if any program, product or service presented here is appropriate for you.
Photographing fireworks can be so rewarding as colourful shapes spill into the frame electrifying the scene.
After I was questioned by a friend on how to photograph these amazing lights I decided I would create a tutorial in the form of a recipe. So here goes…
SHOOT A BANG
1 Digital SLR, Compact Pro or Bridging Camera
1 Large Memory Card
1 Sturdy Tripod
1 Cable Release or Remote
1 Beer or 1 Wine is optional
Preparation
Go to place were you will see fireworks
Charge your battery
Empty your memory card
Pre heat your imagination
Method
Prepare your camera by sitting it on the tripod. Fry off any dust sitting on the lens whilst wiping smoothly until the surface is clear and glossy. Position your lens to the widest setting. Add your focus to the mix by focusing on the horizon…remember your shutter button should be firm to touch to gain auto focus.
At this point once your focus has matured continue by switching the focus mode to manual.
Combine your camera and cable release; mix in the following settings: ISO 400; f/5.6 or f/8 throw in a Bulb setting and sift out noise reduction in the main settings. Be sure that you have pre heated high ISO noise reduction in your main settings if you are baking on a Canon.
To make the image tilt the camera up on an angle so it faces the sky. Proceed to press the cable release, hold it firmly until the button is resting in the lock position, this will open the camera’s shutter. While the shutter is open and the image bakes do not under any circumstances add pecans to the mix! Wait the desired time until the light above is golden and has risen to the occasion. You may hear a few loud bangs followed by a stream of smoke at this point don’t worry this is normal. Following these events be sure to close the shutter by unlocking the remote cable.
Put your screen aside to cool as serving the image for presentation may take some time due to the high ISO noise reduction.
Season with Photoshop and dodge and burn to taste.
Garnish with the beer or wine in a celebration. You just baked the perfect firework image!
Serves millions when shared properly
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting
Do you enjoy F Stop Lounge? We would love to hear from you, so be sure to follow us on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
It’s our hope to continually share our imaging knowledge and experience for free. To support us in this effort please consider making your next purchase through our partner Amazon. The price will stay the same for you, but a small commission is attributed back to all of the contributors at F Stop Lounge.
Thanks in advance for showing your support and we wish you all the best in your photographic journey.
