How to Take Pictures of Fireworks

Amaze everyone with your fireworks pictures. This is the how to for taking great pictures of fireworks without having a fancy camera. Most digital cameras are easy to use to take good pictures of colorful fireworks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A digital camera
• A tripod
• Good Timing
• Persistence

1. 
   Click to see enlarged

   First, turn the flash off on your digital camera. Then set the shutter speed to the slowest you can do. Most cameras have a night mode. Use this. Then check to see if you have a timer function on your camera. Practice and be ready to use the timer. Now you are ready to go to the fireworks show.

2. 
   This is what can happen when you zoom too much.

   Set your camera on your tripod and get your camera aimed in the general area of the fireworks show. Zoom out all the way at first until you have taken your first picture. You can always zoom in more later.

3. 
   Great timing allowed more fireworks to be seen in this picture

   If you have a timer setting, then you will activate the timer when you hear the "Boom!" The fireworks usually explode soon after the sound reaches your ears. This will be dependent on how far you are from the fireworks. The reason you want to use the timer is that there will be no vibration of the camera at the time the picture is taken. Even the vibration of your finger pressing the button can be too much.

4. 
   Click to see enlarged

   Try modifying when you activate the timer in order to get the best full explosion. If the camera is taking pictures late, then you should predict when the next firework will explode and try a little earlier. If your pictures are early you can easily add a second or two to the time you press the button. The trick is to take a ton of pictures in order to get several great pictures.

5. 
   This is an adjusted picture of the first picture. Notice the background is darker.

   Choose your best pictures and enhance them with Photoshop if you want. If the background of the pictures is black you can easily change the colors of the fireworks by messing with the color balance.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare for your fireworks show by experimenting a little with a flashlight in a dark room. Set the camera just as you would for the fireworks show on a tripod and same camera settings. Activate your timer and turn the flashlight on and move it for a few seconds. See how well your camera picks us a small light source in darkness.
• Don't get frustrated if you don't get great pictures right away. You may have to adjust your aim and timing. Expect to get 2 or 3 great pictures for each 10 you take.

Resources

• See Larger Versions of the Fireworks Pictures Here

[trvlarrngr]

on 7/13/2009 great tips. wish I had these before the 4th. thanks

[Mindee94]

on 6/24/2009 Practicing with a flashlight is an excellent idea. This fourth of July going to try this out, Thanks! ~Mindee