Fireworks are always fun to capture but you definitely want to start with these tips so you are ready to capture the magic with all those bursts of light and beautiful colors in the sky!
Photography Gear
Tripod - Fireworks usually demand slow shutter speeds, so a sturdy tripod is great for capturing a sharper image. I don't always have a tripod with me, so it is doable without one! You can rest your camera on a fence or your knee for example.
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera - While compact cameras can work, a DSLR or mirrorless camera offers more control over settings and I definitely recommend shooting in manual mode.
What Camera Settings to Use
Be sure to set your camera in Manual mode so you have complete control over your exposure.
For the Aperture - Start off with your F-Stop at f/8 and you can adjust it based on brightness. A smaller aperture (higher f-number) increases depth of field and makes a wider range sharper.
For the Shutter Speed - This is where the magic takes place. Experiment with slower shutter speeds (around 1 second) to capture the trails and use Bulb mode (if available) for exposures lasting the entire firework burst.
For the ISO - This can range honestly. If you don't like noise (grain), then you can set your ISO 100-200. I tend to have my ISO at 400 and don't deal with noise really at that setting still and because of this I don't have to start incredibly low with the shutter speed (especially if I don't have a tripod on hand).
**Remember with a very high ISO, you'll get more noise in your photo.
For the Focus: Manually focus on the area where the fireworks will explode. Again, as a reminder...the higher number your F/stop is at, the more you'll get in focus.
A Few More Photo Tips
Compose Your Shot Well and Don't Forget to Experiment with Angles. Don't be afraid to get creative! Try low-angle shots or reflections in water.
Finish it Off with Post-Processing and fine-tune your photos in Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to adjust color balance and contrast.
Just Remember - These are tips to help you get started, so adjust your settings as needed and keep practicing! With a little trial and error, you'll be capturing breathtaking firework displays in no time.
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