Fourth of July is just days away, and it’s a chance to get some pretty spectacular images. It can be frustrating, though, trying to figure out what setting(s) to use. It’s not hard at all; being equipped with some basic knowledge will prove to you how easy (and fun) it is.
Tips to Make Your Firework Photography Explode (using a dSLR)
- Turn off the flash.
- Use a tripod.
- Shoot in Manual (M) mode or Bulb* mode, if your camera has it.
- Set the focus to infinity.
- Use a remote release** if you can.
- Set your ISO to the lowest possible setting and keep it there.
- Use low apertures between f/8 and f/16. This will help to not over-expose your shot.
- Shutter speed is the key. You want a longer exposure, but must be careful not too leave the shutter open too long as it can over-expose easily, even in the dark.
- Switch off the auto-focus and go fully manual.
- Experiment with varying focal lengths resulting in tightly cropped shots or wide angle shots.
- Don’t forget to look for other types of shots, like silhouettes of observers, reactions to the big bursts in the sky. This allows for different and interesting perspectives.
*Bulb mode allows you to keep the shutter open for as long as you hold down the shutter.
**This is the best since you won’t be moving the camera at all. Remote releases are relatively inexpensive, too.
Point-and-Shoot Tips:
If your point-and-shoot has a fireworks setting, use that. It will turn off the flash, and adjust all your camera’s settings for long-exposure night photography. No fireworks mode? Set your dial to Manual and shoot with a long exposure, as with a dSLR.
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Any suggestions on how to set the focus to infinity on a Rebel XS with the standard lens? Its an EFS 18-55mm.
Otherwise, I know how to do everything else, LOL
Sarah: Infinity is on your lens. Look on the little window and move the focus ring until it is on the infinity symbol–looks like a sideways 8.
I’m either completely missing something or mine doesn’t have something like that.
Okay, I figured out the manual focus area, but mine doesn’t give symbols, at least that I can see anywhere.
[...] Fourth of July is just days away, and it’s a chance to get some pretty spectacular images. It can be frustrating, though, trying to figure out what setting(s) to use. It’s not hard at all; being equipped with some basic knowledge will prove to you how easy (and fun) it is. via blissfullydomestic.com [...]
Sarah: Infinity is on your lens. Look on the little window and move the focus ring until it is on the infinity symbol–looks like a sideways 8.
Hey gorgeous! These photos turned out really well! Some of them weren’t very good but I ended up with some FABULOUS photos using some of the settings you recommended and playing around a bit.
I even used the slower shutter speed to get one photo that’s a starburst effect and VERY cool. I’m uploading a couple of my favorites.
My Sony HX1 has a fireworks setting and I tried to use it last year when the kids were doing small fireworks on the back deck. I had very few pictures that were usable. However, I believe it had more to do with the kids and moving than the fireworks themselves.
Any suggestions on where I could find the remote release for my camera? Its technically not a DSLR, but it looks and acts like one with the exception of lenses and it has lots of automatic modes.