How to Photograph Fireworks

You may think taking photographs of fireworks is as easy as point and shoot. Well, think again. Without the proper technique and equipment, you'll wind up with nothing more than a big, black blur.

Difficulty:

Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 3 Rolls Of Film
• Camera Tripod
• Cameras

1. Make certain you have the proper equipment. For best results, you will need a manual 35mm camera with a telephoto lens, a tripod and several rolls of slow speed (50 or 100 speed) film.

2. Use the top, trunk or hood of a car to steady your camera if you don't have a tripod. Almost anything will work, as long as it keeps your view unobstructed and remains perfectly still.

3. Scout out the perfect location. The best vantage points are spots where your line of sight will not be blocked by trees, power lines or other obstructions.

4. Set the shutter speed of your camera and adjust the aperture. For 100-speed film, you typically want a 7- to 8-second exposure and the most user-friendly aperture setting, f8.

5. Focus your lens on the first fireworks that appear and use that setting for all following photos. By the time you refocus for each shot, the bursts will have disappeared.

6. Hold open your camera's shutter for a few seconds before the burst. Wait for the burst to fully bloom and release the shutter.

7. Use a black cloth or the lens cap to cover the lens between takes. This will help you avoid letting in too much of the ambient lighting and overexposing your shot.

8. Have fun and enjoy the show.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a cable release to keep from jiggling your camera during your photo shoot.

• Find a spot where some background can be included. Buildings in a city skyline, reflections of the fireworks on water, statues, silhouettes of spectators or any other interesting architectural element usually work best.

• Vary the exposure time on your shots slightly if you don't have much experience with manual cameras. This should ensure you at least a couple of outstanding shots.

• Be careful not to overexpose your shot or your photograph will be too light and the fireworks will not show up. As a general rule, never expose your film for longer than 10 seconds on each shot.

• Don't jiggle your camera or attempt to change its position during the shoot. Not only will you lose valuable photo opportunities, but you may blur the ones you actually take.