Photographing Fireworks
When photographing fireworks, timing is everything. Every setting
must be done prior to the actual image capture. The list below will help you
create some awesome photos.
1. Check camera batteries and recording cards. Ensure you
have good batteries and enough cards. Keep cards handy for quick changes. Using
film no problem, ensure you have you film ready to load.
2. A remote trigger
will really help.
3. Do not use any flash. Turn off all flashes.
4. Use a tripod! 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,
Backyard Photographer
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