One of the most frequently asked questions in photography is the tip in photographing the fireworks display, how to capture the beauty of the colorful fireworks in a dark night. This is understandable since photographing the fireworks involves the techniques in capturing both dark and bright elements of the objects. It’s like a combination of the darkness of the night sky and the brightness of the fireworks and the other bright foreground such as the buildings.

A commonly simple advice is to have a shoot whenever there is a firework display in the sky around you. A simple advice to always have your camera with you all the time will help in capturing the moments.

The following tips can be used to get started.

Have Appropriate Planning

The most important parts in photographing firework display that most people tend to ignore is about the planning. Get to the location early where the firework will be setup and find a convenience place to get your gears prepared. Find some information if possible what they plan with the fireworks shows. Look around the location, understand the lights and the surroundings to help you decide which camera and lens to use. Remember that planning and appropriate anticipations can be the first and foremost things to do.

Composing and Framing

Another difficult part in photographing firework display is simple question where to aim your camera? Most of you normally aim the camera before the end of the fireworks going off. Spend your time by looking at the sky with your camera ready to aim, do not mostly spend your time in the viewfinder display. This will help you understand what’s happening around you and get ready in anticipating the moment to come by having some shots in the right time.

Focusing

Setting up the camera to auto focus would not be possible in low light or dark sky, therefore make sure that you setup the camera to manual or put it in infinity. So set your focusing in advanced and fix your focal lengths but remember to adjust your focusing if you happen to change your focal lengths.

Shutter Speed

Knowing that you will shoot the dark sky with bright firework doesn’t mean you need to setup the exposure to low speed. Very low shutter speed will open your shutter for long time while the firework display is very bright, this will result an over expose (OE) and smoky photos. See also basic exposure techniques here.

Aperture

You might think that opening the aperture widely would result a good fireworks photos. Unfortunately the fireworks emit bright light. So, it’s a good idea to set the aperture to middle or smaller f stop. But you should also consider your shutter speed selection.

ISO Speed

ISO speed would be great if you select using as low as ISO speed. This will result beautiful firework display.

Capturing the Mood and Surroundings

Remember that fireworks are often relates to celebrations and occasions. Therefore make sure to add a feel in your photos by including the surroundings, foreground and background. Add a feel that tells when, where and what celebrations the fireworks relate to. Assure to include the people if possible, landmark and other perspective to make your photograph more meaningful and the Fireworks Display looking more spectacular.

Take as Many Shots as Possible and Track Results

Keep taking as many shots as possible and do a quick check occasionally. But remember….. don’t check after every shot or you may end up missing the action!!! You might not have enough time. If you are using Digital Camera take advantage of it and keep on taking.

About the Author:

I am a professional photographer for all occasions specialized in weddings, corporate or private events, special occasions and family holiday photography.
I was born in 1963 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; I am now based in this beautiful island of Langkawi. Visit my photography website to view my photography portfolio: Affendy.Com

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