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.

I hope these tips will help you to achieve those awesome Fourth of July shots that you want!  If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments sections.