Fireworks Make an Excellent Photo Opportunity
Photographing fireworks can be fun and exciting. To help guide you through the process, I have created a list that will help you create some awesome photos.
1. Check camera batteries and recording card, (CF, SD…). Ensure you have good batteries and enough cards. Keep cards handy for quick changes. A small flashlight is good to take along with you. Using film no problem, ensure you have you film ready to load.
2. A remote trigger will really help.
3. Turn off all flashes. Flashes and fireworks just do not go together.
4. Use a tripod! Some people may think they can hold a camera still on a long exposure to only find out they cannot do so. A cheap one works just fine. You can usually find a cheap tripod and your local department store.
5. Find a good spot to observe from. The spot should be free of trees, light poles, buildings and anything else that will obstruct your view.
6. I prefer to use an ISO of 100; the quality of the color is better, in my opinion.
7. My shutter speed is usually 2 seconds. However, in some cases I use the bulb setting to lock my shutter open until I am ready to release it. Simply place the camera in the bulb position, push the trigger to lock the shutter open and then push a second time to close the shutter when your image is captured. A lockable remote will do the same thing.
8. Pre-focus. Use manual focus to focus on the first firework that goes up. Do not turn of the autofocus after you set your focus.
9. The lens is your choice. I use a general purpose lens, 24 – 105mm so I can go wide or zoom in. If I go wide (24mm) I try to capture several fireworks at once, hint a good time for the bulb setting. If I zoom in then I usually will only get one firework at a time.
10. Timing is everything. If your shutter is opening to quickly then wait a second longer on the next one. The same is true with the shutter closing too quickly. If you are quick enough you can check the image on your rear screen so you will know if you are aiming in the correct spot. Get you targeting done on the first few so you can capture the rest. Timing is everything!
Ok you got this, but when do I push the shutter button? Generally you will hear a quick pop just before the exploding firework. The pop is your key to push the shutter button. I like to wait for two seconds after hearing the pop before pushing the shutter button. Experiment some. For some wow awesome photos, leave the shutter open to capture two of the fireworks on one frame.
Happy shooting,
Darren