Fireworks Photography

How do we get clear and sharp fireworks?  Wonder how those photographers get these wonderfully taken photos? In this blog, I will introduce the basics to get a decent fireworks photo.

Here is the checklist you need before basic firework photography.

1) Camera: you need to have a camera that can control the shutter speed so that you can capture the "lines" of the fireworks bursting in the sky; I would strongly recommend a DSLR than prosumer camera for it is more versatile with lenses, better image sensor, ISO control and shutter speed control. I use Nikon D-90.

2) Tripod: You need a tripod that can take the weight of your camera and strong enough to withstand the external influences like wind.

3) Lens: You need a wide lens. Depending on how close you are to the fireworks, it is highly recommended that you have a wide lens to catch the burst of the fireworks. You would not want to have the fireworks sliced off the top of your photograph. A typical kit lens of 18mm at widest should be enough for you to take fireworks with a standoff of approximate 500 metres. The closer you are, the wider lens you would need. I personally use 10mm at widest.

4) Remote Shutter Release: Do you know how long the burst of each firework will last? No, I would not know. A remote for DSLR will come in handy to control how long you want to keep the shutter open when the DSLR camera is in "bulb" mode. This will avoid unwanted camera shake when you press the shutter on the camera.

Camera Settings:  Different settings produce varying effects of the fireworks and it is up to you to start experimenting. Before you start experimenting, here are the basics settings for a decent photo;

1) Put your camera to manual mode: This will give you control over the camera's aperture and shutter settings, thus disallowing the camera to "work out" the preferred settings for your photo.

2) Set your focus to manual and infinity: Manual mode - you just do not want the camera to waste time doing auto-focusing; and by the time it gets done, the fireworks is over. Putting it to infinity will give focus to all object in the photo for you would not be able to tell the exact distance of the fireworks, the radius of burst and it will affect the overall composition of your photo.

3) Aperture: F9 - F11. Basically, the aperture controls on the "thickness" of the fireworks or some would argue the "sharpness" of the fireworks.

4) ISO: ISO 50 - ISO 200. The ISO is about how sensitivity your sensor is to the light. It generally control the overall brightness of your photos, which will be important if you are trying to compose your fireworks with landscape.

5) Shutter: Set it to "Bulb" mode. This would allow you to control the total time you want the shutter to be opened. How to choose it? scroll your shutter time towards longer exposure time until the camera indicate "bulb".  The longer the exposure, the brighter your photo will be as well.

Photo taking time. Now with the gears and basic settings, you are now ready to go and start your very first fireworks photo. Before you get excited over your very first fireworks photo, you might want to take note a few little things before you start.

1) Get tripod positioned with little chance of "disturbance". I tend to place 2 legs to the front and stabilise it with the railings, walls or, whatever object available. Then, I will place the third pod between my legs to prevent accidental "kicks" by neighbours. You know, when it comes to fireworks, everyone is excited about it.

2) Weigh your Tripod down with a weight. It is simple science of gravity and CG. The lower the CG is, the lower the chances of tripod shakes during photo taking.

3) Composition and Pre-shots. Imagine the position of the fireworks based on the firing point and start composing your photo. The 1/3 rule is a pretty good gauge to start with. Play with the settings as I had explained earlier to make sure that you do not dim out the surroundings, if you are composing with landscape. Remember, use your remote to take the pre-shots with approximate 3 -5 secs exposure. This is approximate the length of time the fireworks burst before it dim out.

4) Wait for the moment. Every single fireworks display is anticipated by all spectators. If you can, get the time schedule of the fireworks or get your sensing from the crowd. Keep your fingers on the remote all the time so that you will not miss any unexpected burst. Open your shutter just before the burst and close it just as it starting to dim out.

5) Keep taking, keep taking. Follow the basic rules and keep taking. Your photo will grow with every experience you gain.

Experiment Time.  Once you think you are taking decent photos, you may even want to try some experiments. Blur your focus, multiple exposures, white balance, black card and more.