How to Photograph Fireworks | Photography Tips

Independence Day is this Friday! Most of us (if you live in America, that is) will probably watch a firework show, and many of us will photograph, video, instagram, snapchat, tweet, tumble and stumble those photos. So, here are a few tips for getting the firework pictures you want.

1) Use a tripod. Unless you want some crazy-blurry-artsy photos (which sometimes I do on occasion), prop up your camera on a tripod, a box, a rock, or a box of rocks. Really just something to prevent the camera from moving.

2) If you have a DSLR or a camera that allows you to change the settings, I suggest the following:
            -set your camera to manual setting (usually marked as "M").
           -set your shutter to "Bulb", or "B" setting. If your camera does not have a bulb setting, then start with a long shutter speed, such as 20 seconds.
           -place your ISO at a low number like 100.
           -set the aperture to f/5.6.

3) Take some shots and experiment with the settings to create the shot you want. The number of fireworks that go off during your exposure will affect how your photo comes out. If your exposure is too long or there are too many fireworks within the time of your exposure, the shot will be too bright and overexposed. To correct this, you can either shorten your exposure or use a smaller aperture (increasing the f-stop number). If your shot is too dark, do the opposite (lengthen the exposure time or use a larger aperture).

Did any of that make sense? If you have any tips for shooting firework displays please share them in the comments! I'd love to see your shots if you try any of these suggestions.