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How To Take the Best Fireworks Photos

Want to capture those bright lights bursting in air? Here are some tips from Patch photographers.

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Capturing fireworks with the camera is a challenge that can be mastered with the right equipment and settings on your camera. The following images will guide you to capturing fireworks this Fourth of July.
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A tripod is essential for photographing fireworks because it keeps the camera steady while the fireworks streak across the sky.
If you are using a DSLR camera, start with setting the ISO to 100 and putting the camera in manual mode "M." Set the aperture to F8 and the shutter speed to 2 seconds.
If you have a point-and-shoot camera, put the camera in scene mode "SCN" and select the fireworks option.
Set the camera's auto focus in manual mode and set the focus to infinity. This will allow the camera to stay in focus when photographing the fireworks that are far away.
A wireless trigger will prevent camera shake. If you do not have a wireless trigger, press the shutter button as softly as possible. Another option is to put the camera in timer mode and set the timer to 2 seconds.

 

Although capturing fireworks on a camera can be difficult, if you have the right equipment and your camera is switched to the correct settings, you should be able to get some fantastic images. Here are some tips from Patch photographer Edward Maurer.

Equipment needed:

  • Camera: Either a point-and-shoot or an SLR.
  • Tripod: To keep the camera steady and prevent motion blur.
  • Flashlight: To see the camera settings in the dark.
  • Wireless Trigger: Not necessary, but it helps to prevent camera shake.

Other tips from photographer Darren Rowse's website:

  • Take pictures early in the show, before there's too much smoke.
  • If you have a digital camera, set it to bulb, so you can keep the shutter open for a longer period of time. After all, you are shooting moving light.
Related Topics: 4th of July, Fireworks, Fourth Of July, How-to Guide, Independence Day, Photography, and Taking Pictures of Fireworks
Have any tips you'd like to share? Tell us in the comments.

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