Framework

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Newport Beach — Fireworks explode over the lagoon at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina celebrating the Fourth of July holiday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Allen J Schaben / Los Angeles Times

Washington, D.C. — Fireworks explode over Washington as the United States celebrates its 234th birthday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Cliff Owen / Associated Press

Milwaukee — Fireworks explode during a July Fourth fireworks show on the shore of Lake Michigan in 2008.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Darren Hauck / Getty Images

Pasadena — Pasadena hazardous materials specialist James Whecker keeps an eye on fireworks launched from Brookside Golf Course at the Rose Bowl in 2008.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

Dubuque, Iowa — People watch fireworks explode over the Mississippi River on July 3, 2008.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Jeremy Portje / Telegraph Herald

Huntington Beach — Surfer Mark Allen, 21, of Huntington Beach sits in the surf to watch the city's first over-the-water fireworks show in many years on the south side of the Huntington Beach on July 4, 2004.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

Washington — People watch fireworks at the National Mall on July 4, 2009.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: JEWEL SAMAD / AFP/Getty Images

Fireworks explode over the Hollywood Bowl as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by John Morris Russell performs on July 2, 2010. The fireworks display is designed by Eric Elias.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

Washington — People watch fireworks at the National Mall on July 4, 2009.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: JEWEL SAMAD / AFP/Getty Images

New York — This July 4, 2008, photo shows fireworks over the Manhattan skyline during the 32nd annual Macy's Fourth of July fireworks display.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Mary Altaffer / AP

Fireworks light up Dodger Stadium on the Fourth of July in 2007.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Las Vegas — A fireworks display during the "Red White & Boom" Independence Day festival at Desert Breeze Park on July 4, 2005.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Ethan Miller / Getty Images North America

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Photographing fireworks on July 4th

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays to take snapshots. There is so much colorful pageantry with parades, red, white and blue decorations, food and vibrant pyrotechnic displays. Fireworks can be much trickier than normal holiday lights that are fixed and give you plenty of opportunity to vary your exposures and  compositions.

Also, it’s tough to pinpoint the location where the fireworks will explode in the sky, adding to the challenge. It’s fun to experiment and see what develops, whether you’re serious with your fancy DSLR or using a simple cellphone camera.

Where to see Fourth of July fireworks

Don’t forget to include the pregame photographs, shots of your local parade, setting up with flags and streamers and the barbecue at your home.

This is a great time to include snapshots of family members and friends. Remember to clean off those cards and recharge you camera batteries; nothing is worse than losing power during the final pyrotechnic display.

Here are a few of my simple tips to achieve great photographs on the Fourth of July:

1. Use a tripod for high-quality photographs of fireworks. It is certainly possible to hand hold the camera and get some passable results but I don’t recommend it. Also, familiarize yourself with the workings of the tripod earlier in the day. Make sure you have all the parts and it’s working. I use a light tripod which is easy to carry and is convenient.

2. Use a cable release or a wireless remote to trip the shutter. This will keep the camera steady during your exposure.

3. Bring a small flashlight to check your camera’s settings at night. I can’t say how many times I forgot it and regretted it. It’s always so dark shooting fireworks and tough to see the knobs and controls on the camera. This might be the most important tip for success.

4. Manual settings are the best to shoot fireworks. Your camera is smart but this type of shooting situation can really fool it. Set your camera shutter speed to “Bulb” or the exposure speed that keeps your shutter open for an extended period to get several bursts.

Set the aperture at f/8 and the ISO at 200 as a place to start. Check the screen on the back of your camera after the first exposures and then vary your exposure to improve your photographs.

5. The most important tip I can give you is think location, location, location. Get to your venue early and scope out a spot. The position you’re shooting from is very important. Photography from the ground doesn’t always make the best photos. Moving to a higher location with buildings, boats, people or other interesting architecture in the foreground may produce a much better photograph.

6. Remember to keep a close watch on your gear. You’re usually in a crowded area where it’s very dark. Stay safe and have a great holiday.

robert.lachman@latimes.com

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2 Comments

  1. June 29, 2011, 11:59 am

    LINK

    [...] Celebrate the 4th ….And Take Some Great Snapshots [...]

    By: Celebrate the 4th | Photography And The Mac

  2. July 3, 2011, 11:09 am

    LINK

    If I get another Tweet, see another FB post or receive another photo-related email on "How To Shoot Fireworks" I'm gonna explode!

    Here's a hint NO-ONE has posted: Turn your camera around and take pictures of people's joy WATCHING the fireworks! And don't use a flash, it blows the mood.

    By: markkalan

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