How to photograph Fireworks.
When photographing fireworks, always use a tripod and remote release. If your lens has Autofocus (AF) and Image Stabilisation (IS) / Vibration Reduction (VR), turn them off.
If possible, prefocus before the fireworks start. In other words, focus manually beforehand, take a few test shots and review them in your LCD screen. You won’t have time to do this once the light show has started!
Quick Tips
1. Set your camera to manual mode. This gives you full control over the ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture.
2. Set a low ISO, for example 100. This will ensure no grainy images.
3. Pick a slow shutter speed of between 1 and 4 seconds. The slower the speed, the more you’ll capture in one frame, the longer the light trials.
4. Start with an Aperture of F/8.0. Beginners often presume they need a lower / faster aperture, however the opposite is true. This prevents overexposing the scenery.
Review the photographs after the first few shots. If the colours seem too white, change the Aperture to F/11 (up to F/16), and try again.
If on the other hand they are too dim, change the Aperture to F/5.6 or F/4.
Last tip for photographing fireworks
Try this: Set your SLR camera to bulb mode (check manual). This will allow you to leave the shutter open for as long as you hold down the shutter release (use a remote release).
When the fireworks start, press the shutter release to start the exposure. Hold the button down until the fireworks have burst into full colour, then release it!
