skip to main content

Tips for Shooting Fireworks

14 years ago

This was in my newsletter from a local camera shop yesterday...in case anyone would find it helpful.

Tips for Shooting Fireworks:

* Bring a tripod and flashlight to the fireworks display. It's dark and you'll need longer exposures, so use the tripod to avoid blurry pictures. The flashlight will help you adjust your camera settings in the dark.

* Set your camera to Fireworks mode (if you have that feature), which will automatically take care of the settings. If you don't have Fireworks mode, set your camera to Manual mode: ISO 200, aperture f/8, and shutter speed between 5 and 15 seconds. After you take a few pictures, take a look at how they are turning out, and adjust the shutter speed accordingly (leave the ISO and f-stop alone).

* Include a landmark in the photo, such as a statue, stadium, park, lake, or whatever the surrounding area includes. As the fireworks explode, they will light up the landmark beautifully.

* Take a lot of pictures! You can take over 100 pictures and only keep 2 great ones. The more pictures you take, the greater chance you have of capturing the perfect shot. Be a ruthless editor; you only need one or a few photos to frame andshare!

* Remember that fireworks come fast and furious during the finale of the show. Therefore, you may need to decrease your shutter speed. 15 seconds will likely be overexposed during the finale. Try 5 seconds instead.

Comments (9)

rcnaylor
14 years ago
Good timely advice Pam.

Thanks for sharing it.

One of my problems is being patient enough. I want to swing over to the next big burst too soon.
kentuck_8b
14 years ago

Kt
Related Discussions
Help with stunted bamboo shoot tips
Q
Comments (3)
Interesting. Can you post a picture? I've never had any bamboo abort shoots from lack of energy/food that I know of. I have had some die from too much or too little water during new shoot growth. Too much water will kill of most if not all, new shoots if it is persistent and lengthy, and also, severe drought will cause them to die. The bamboo grove or clump, should normally be producing food constantly, in addition to using stored food for new growth, so it is strange that the new shoots are stopping before they reach their mature height, and then leafing out. Maybe there is some kind of damage to the new shoots which is stopping their growth? Kt
...See More
B. 'Fireworks' and Summer Heat
Q
Comments (5)
My Rexes were all grown in the kitchen, but the room was getting very hot by late afternoon. I don't put Rexes outside as we have quick rain storms occasionally or even strong wind and I don't think those thin leaves could handle high temps. My larger canes are in a push cart, I can move it under the pine trees as things warm up; Other canes and shrubby types, as well as most of my tuberous are in the shady areas, my tuberous species are on wicking or they would be long gone. The news reported some reaction to the 'polar vortex' which would create a very hot area in the northern U.S. with temps in the 90's, they, the weather channel, showed a map with the areas supposedly being affected and it is very close to us. I haven't heard anymore about that, people living in Minnesota or other northern areas must be wondering about that too.
...See More
New shoot tips eaten by dog...
Q
Comments (6)
if he removed HALF of the new bud growth .. that is bud pruning.. and it should set new buds for next year ... if he removed the entire new growth... that might be the end of that branch part.. back to the prior fork ... but you never know ... regardless.. it isnt going to hurt the plant.. unless he selectively removed every single bud on the plant.. which i doubt... three small stakes ... with some string.. ought to keep him far enough away ... dont blame the dog.. you are the trainer .... also .. bitter apple spray .... let him smell the bottle.. one shot in the mouth ... then a little on the plants.. he will associate the smell with the taste.. and stay many miles away ... ken
...See More
Oriental Lillies - I accidently broke the tip off the first shoot
Q
Comments (1)
Generally, lilies (lilium) only shoot up one stem per year so unless it's a double nose bulb, don't expect anything this year. However, you didn't kill the bulb and it will come back up next Spring. It will be a little smaller, but it will still live and be back to normal the year after next. Sometimes they'll shoot up a small 'side offset' too, and if it does, let it grow. Many lilies fall victim to garden hoes, big feet and curious trowels this time of year.
...See More
alisande
14 years ago
Guess you must have read the instructions, KT. Fabulous shots!!
kentuck_8b
14 years ago
Thanks. Pam gave some very helpful advice.

Kt
rcnaylor
14 years ago
Very nice shots KT!

I was trying a different camera, and didn't follow Pam's advice well enough. Got a couple of decent ones but many weren't too hot. Oh, well, one of the conveniences of the digital age is photogs are like doctors and bury their mistakes.
pfmastin
Original Author
14 years ago
Great pictures, kt!

This my first time photographing fireworks...Oh my gosh, it was SO much fun! I learned some lessons. I was almost too close for my lens length and got a lot of "partials". I changed my shutter opening time back and forth depending on how fast they were launching them. I'm looking forward to next year!

I'll post a few more when I get them converted.

{{!gwi}}
kentuck_8b
14 years ago
Thanks, RC and Pam. Very nice shot Pam!

I prefer 2 or 4 second exposures, but sometimes will use a 1 second or even an 8 second exposure time depending on the particular fireworks and how fast that firework is.

I use 100 ISO and usually set the aperture to AUTO.

Kt
pfmastin
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you kentuck,I ended up going with ISO 200 and f11.

Here are a few more..
(sorry for the size)
{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}
kentuck_8b
14 years ago
Excellent!! I particularly like the last one! However, they are all great!

Thanks for posting them.

Kt

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 10 Spectacular Spots for Watching Fireworks

Fourth of July fireworks are a U.S. tradition — and the viewing is even better from a private balcony, rooftop or lawn

HOLIDAYS 7 Ways to Shoot a Great Holiday Card Photo at Home

Make this year's holiday card stand out from the crowd with your home as the backdrop and these tips from the pros

HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR HOUSE Take Great Home Photos the Easy Way — 5 Tips From a Pro

By David Duncan Livingston

Improve your for-sale ad or just make beautiful memories with these simple strategies anyone can use

HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR HOUSE 7 Pro Lighting Tips for Budding Home Photographers

By David Duncan Livingston

Learn how to control daylight and artificial light to get high-quality home photos even if you're just starting out

CONTRACTOR TIPS Contractor Tips: How to Shop for Your Remodel

By Buckminster Green LLC

Small mistakes in buying remodeling materials can add up to huge cost overruns. Here's how to get things right the first time

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: Advice for Laundry Room Design

By Buckminster Green LLC

Thinking ahead when installing or moving a washer and dryer can prevent frustration and damage down the road

SELLING YOUR HOUSE Sell Your Home Fast: 21 Staging Tips

By Laura Gaskill

Successful staging is key to selling your home quickly and at the best price. From cleaning to styling, these tips can help

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor's Tips: 10 Things Your Contractor Might Not Tell You

By Buckminster Green LLC

Climbing through your closets and fielding design issues galore, your contractor might stay mum. Here's what you're missing

HEALTHY HOME 6 Tips From a Nearly Zero-Waste Home

By Melanie Loftus

Lower your trash output and increase your quality of life with these ideas from a mom who did it to the max

ENTERTAINING 10 Tips for a Magical Party on the Patio

By Laura Gaskill

Get a handle on outdoor entertaining with fun ideas for staying comfy, toting treats and lighting the night

Sponsored

WhislerHome Improvement

9 Reviews

Franklin County's Committed Home Improvement Professionals