| This is a perfect time to discuss the techniques... 10 days after a major number of fireworks displays around the world. Many attempts. Some of them good, some not so good, some of them Great! |
Thomas Russ Arnestad, FeaturePics Contributor asked the following question to FeaturePics and apStockPhoto contributors;
"I didn't realize how bad my skills were at photographing fireworks until now:) Does anyone have a few pointers on how to get better at this? Some thumb rules, general adjustments or do know of any good books or online tutorials on the subject? I'm pretty sure there are more like me who could need a brush up on the subject. Hope someone can contribute with their knowledge!" |
| We are publishing answers from FeaturePics.com and http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/apstockphoto Contributors. |
I take many photos to get just a few decent ones - it all depends on the intensity of the fireworks and the amount of smoke they generate.
Roughly speaking, using ISO 50 and aperture f3.5, an exposure time between 1/4 and 1 second is adequate for most fireworks.
A larger exposure time may get a much brighter image though, getting more bursts in the same frame. As it's difficult to predict where fireworks will explode, I don't zoom much and crop the final iamge as required. This one for instance, now a 2MPix, was originally a 7Mpix, f6.3, 1sec.
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Put your iso at the smallest value. Turn off all long exposure and other noise reductions on camera. Do not use "night" scene mode - use MANUAL (M) set White Balance (regarding what you want to shoot - at first place I mean if there is going to be only fireworks, or on example street or urban scenics with fireworks).
Set "middle" aperture (about 8), meter the light (if you will shoot "city" with firework). Put the camera on the tripod. "Frame" your future picture (I do not know if I wrote this correctly) put on "small continuous" speed of shooting (for exampe, 1 photo per second). Put focus on...hm...what is the word.... (this number eight ( 8) laying down :) ) - and turn off autofocus. Wait for "these firework guys" to start - and it's time to fill up your memory card.
Regards from Belgrade - Serbia Sasha - dr Bouz |
 I don't have much experience with fireworks. I can only tell you to use a larger f number, tripod, and exposure at about 1-2 sec. Photographing fireworks and thunder is like a fishing for me :) , and with good comoposition too :)
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 Definitely use a tripod The most difficult part is getting your focus. Autofocus is ineffective most of the time What I have done is while the first few fireworks are going off, manually focus without worrying about shooting. Then preview (if digital), make adjustments, and try again. Once your images are in focus, you should be able to leave focus alone and get some good shots. It's fun to play around with f-stop and exposure time. I've gotten some great ones at 5-10 seconds. That's about all I know. Hope this helps!
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 use the tripod, long time of exposure 6 second, focus manual, aperture f:8-11, focal length 50-100 mm ISO 100-400.
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Thomas, do not be upset that you missed something. There are a lot of things ahead of you , trust me. Especially, fireworks. As to techniques, well here is what I use.
First of all tripod and I'm sure you do use it too. :) Depending on location I use different focal length lenses. If I'm not too far from the place where fire is working :) I use my zoom lens 17-55mm Nikon or any similar lens would work. I chose focal length that would work the best in this case. If I'm standing further from the place where cannons are firing I would use 70-200mm zoom lens and again set focal length that would work the best. It is all depending on how much of the frame you want to fill with fireworks.
Then, I set aperture between F8 and F11, or if I'm too close I would set to F13 - F16 because of a lot of light. In addition, I set the shutter speed to BULB or 30 seconds, or less, depending on the intensity of the fireworks. If I use BULB then I use cable release and keep open shutter for as long as I want. I think BULB is one of the best options.
In addition try to feel (guess) when the next cannon would fire, remember the intervals, and try to release the shutter right before firing. So you would catch the whole length of a single firework stream.
I think with digital cameras it has become very easy to capture fireworks (and not only them) - you can see the result and adjust everything that needs to be adjusted. And of course, it takes some time to try and learn. You can look at my photos of fireworks at Acclaim Images. Let me know if you have any questions.
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For practical tips on taking pictures at night (fireworks included) check out http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com/night-time-photography-tips. html.
They cover the technical and practical matters of preparing to shoot fireworks, even the types of things we usually forget to take with us before you leave the house. |
| "Taking photos of fireworks is not an exact science for most people. It will take some experimentation and a little luck at first to learn how, but this guide should help you come home with some great photos on your first try." For the rest of the article, go to: How to Take Great Fireworks Photos |