Fireworks

10 Tips to Better Fireworks Photos
 

#1 Use a tripod, its a must! We as photographers forget how much a tripod can change our images. Forget steady hands and concentration let the tripod do all the work. And for a dramatic feel sit on the ground and bring you tripod lower and point your lens up at the night sky. This can change your perspective dramatically! And don’t forget, turn off your flash.

#2 Use a remote release. This may seem obvious but you would not believe how many shooters forget this small and simple gadget. There are many different types of releases, wireless, corded ones (these allow you to do exposures of 30 seconds or longer) and even digital corded releases. Also don’t forget that even the mirror swinging up and down in your camera can cause the tiniest blur. Try using the mirror lock up option!

#3 ISO. What ISO should you use? Well when doing these types of shots digital noise can be very distracting. The lower ISOs will make your blacks inky black and your colors truly vivid. So start at 100 and try to keep your shutter speeds at a reasonable length( 3-30 seconds). If you find that your shutter is open far too long try a higher ISO till you get the desired effect.

#4 Shutter Speeds. This is where intuition and knowledge come together. Every 4th of July display is different. This is where the bulb option comes in. You can listen for the explosion then hold down the shutter button on your corded remote the release 3-8 seconds later. If this is too loose experiment with different shutter speeds till you get your desired effect. Be care full as shutter speeds too long will quickly get overexposed.

#5 Aperture. All photographers will intuitively reach for their fast lenses so they can fire of shots at f/2.8. Let’s not forget that we have a tripod and some of these explosions are GIANT and have serious depth of field. So a smaller aperture is more rewarding, try a f/8 to f/16. Get ALL of the display in focus at the same time.

#6 Manual Mode. Don’t be scared! Full manual will give you all the tools to change the outcome of your photos! Don’t hesitate to try different shutter speeds and apertures to make a truly dynamic photo.

#7 Lens Selection. I would always suggest you use your favorite lens. That way you are familiar (it will be dark while you are taking your photos). Remember longer focal lengths are going to make it harder to focus and frame. Wider angles may give the image context as to the surroundings of the area.

#8 Framing and Composition. Scope out your location early. You don’t want to be setting up your tripod in the dark! Look at how you may want to frame your images. Do you prefer verticals? Do you love wider angles? Do you have folks sitting in front of you creating a nice silhouette? Don’t forget that the reactions around you may be a portion of why the 4th is so fun!

#9 Experiment! Try new things, like zooming your lens while the shutter is up. Play with blur. If you are shooting digital you will get to see right away if you got something you like. Remember what you did to get certain effects. (I have a small pencil, notepad, and flashlight combo in my camera bag to write down interesting discoveries. )

#10 Grand Finale. All displays have a grand finale. If you are not getting what you want stop, slow down, regroup, and prep for the grand finale.

Lighthaus Camera has all the tools you need to get the best photos this Independence Day Celebration. We have a great selection of tripods, remotes, and lenses. As always we are passionate about photography and want to help you get the best shot!