Fireworks photography

New Years 2002 at Seaport Village

Fireworks photography is the process of taking photographs of fireworks at night during any occasion. Unlike night photography, available light is used for fireworks photography instead of artificial light. Instead of using the flash on the camera, which can be either a digital or a film camera, the photographer exposes the image for a period of time, known as long exposure. The exposure time can be as much or as little as the photographer wants, but is recommend to be between half a second and four seconds

Events

There are multiple events where a photographer can set up their equipment and take photos of fireworks

• New Years Eve Celebration
• 4^th of July Celebrations
• Disney World during IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
• Disneyland
• Special Occasions, such as parades and sports games

Recommended equipment

• Digital or Film camera with manual control
• Tripod due to long exposure times
• Remote Shutter Release to prevent the camera from shaking when the shutter is open
• A lens that will give the required perspective, does not have to be fast
• Memory card if shooting digitally
• Low ISO Film

Tips

• Use a tripod to secure the camera so that it does not move during the exposure of the fireworks. The reason behind this is that the camera will not only capture the fireworks, but also the camera movement itself.
• Utilize a remote release device for the camera, which allows the photographer to take pictures without touching the camera. Another, less recommended way, is to use the self timer function of the camera. This method works, but is regarded as hit and miss
• Frame the shot correctly. This is considered one of the most difficult parts of photographing fireworks. There are some strategies a photographer can use to get the correct framing. These strategies include: scope out the location early, watch the horizons, and decide between vertical and horizontal framing.
• To capture fireworks, one does not need a fast lens, as aperture values between f8 and f11 should work for photographing fireworks.
• A long exposure is best to capture photos of fireworks. Photographers should experiment with shutter speeds and see what works best for them. A recommended technique is using the 'bulb' mode of the camera, which keeps the shutter open for as long as the photographer wants.
• Shoot at a low ISO speed, such as 100 or use low ISO film.
• Switch off the flash on the camera
• Shoot in manual mode for full control over aperture and shutter speed

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Examples

• 
  The World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot in Walt Disney World during IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth (the nightly fireworks show).
• 
  4th of July fireworks in Portland, Oregon.
• 
  4th of July Fireworks in San Jose, California

External Links

• [1] How to Photograph Fireworks Displays
• [2] Fireworks Photography - BobAtkins.com
• [3] Top Tips for Photographing Fireworks
• [4] Digital Fireworks Photography

Help and Tips

• [5] Smithsonian Photographers Shoot Fireworks