Photographing Fireworks

As a photographer, I think about photographing fireworks each year.  In going back through slides that we took 30-40 years ago I found fireworks photos.

The first year I took digital firework shots, I researched on the internet and got some ideas. The nice thing about digital is that you can shoot a test shot early in the evening to make sure you aren't over exposing.  You can make adjustments that will last until the time for the Grand Finale.  

From 2004, here are some of my firework images along with their settings.

2 sec, f/16, ISO 100, Canon 10D

2 sec, f/16, ISO 100, Canon 10D

In 2010, we were in Breckenridge and I tried to get shots that showed the fireworks over the sweet town.  

3.2 sec f/13, ISO 400, Canon 5D

I had tried the same thing back in 2005 when I was visiting Debra in Malibu, California.  The fireworks were launched from barges in the ocean.  This one captures the ocean, beach and an observer.

From professional Kathy Adams Clark's blog is another new way to photograph fireworks.  Since I happen to love motion blurs, I am going to try this tonight.  Have the focus sharp at the beginning of the burst and then change the focus during the exposure.  Click here to see some examples.  The article with more information is at PopPhoto.com, Make Unique Fireworks Photos Using Focus Blur.  

When the end is near, that great crescendo of fireworks is a challenge. It is very important to reduce your exposure significantly when it starts.  In the excitement of the moment, I've never gotten it quite right. The finale happens so quickly so you don't have much time to make adjustments as you shoot.

Don't forget to enjoy the fireworks themselves.  Step away from the camera every now and then to appreciate the beautiful show.

I'm finishing this blog with photos from other years and other cameras.  

I wish for you a Happy Fourth of July!  

1 sec, f/13, ISO 400, Canon 5D

4 sec, f/16, ISO 100, Canon 5D

2 sec, f/13ISO 200 Canon 5D MKII

Photographing Fireworks

I always enjoy the fireworks on the fourth of July. We've been many places on the fourth of July so I've got many good memories.



I did not get to Old Settler's Park early because Thomas is home for the weekend and naturally I wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.



I knew that it was easy to get to Round Rock's fireworks with plenty of parking. As I walked over to find my spot I enjoyed watching the families. Some were seated in lawn chairs, some on blankets on the ground. There were families with small children. There were kids and grownups throwing balls and frisbies - playing before the fireworks started.



As I set up my gear, I wanted to do some test shots. There was a momentary panic as my camera was acting funny. It would act like it was taking the shot but then there was nothing on the preview screen. I tried several things - turning the camera on and off, checking my settings, resetting the custom features, etc. I was getting disappointed since I had not gone out to do firework shots since Malibu in 2005. But I changed the camera card and all was well in the world.



I had glanced at one article about photographing fireworks, but it really didn't go into the settings. I had a pretty good idea what I wanted (which was why I was wanting to do the test shots . . . that the camera issue delayed.)

I knew I wanted to shoot manual with ISO 100 and f/stop 16 for good, crisp, clean images.

I started a f/16 at .6 sec - too dark so I adjusted to 3.2 sec



I shot some at f/16 and 4 sec.



I was using my 24-105 lens so I also played with the zoom trying to get both the distance shots and full frame shots.



When I knew the grand finale was near, I reduced the exposure more because I knew it would be very bright.



These are my favorites - hope you enjoy them and that you had a wonderful 4th of July weekend.