Framework

Capturing the world through photography, video and multimedia

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

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Darren Hauck / Getty Images North America

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

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Photographing fireworks on July 4th

The Fourth of July is a great time to dust off the camera and snap some great photographs. Shooting fireworks certainly does have its technical issues, but with today’s cameras with instant digital screens, it’s a piece of cake to achieve some great results.

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 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 pyrotechnical 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 flash light 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 which 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.

Read more reviews and photography tips by Robert Lachman

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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