Fireworks Photography Tips
Many people now use their phones to capture fireworks, but if you really want to use a camera with a slow shutter to capture images, you might feel overwhelmed and frantic. Based on my many years of photography experience, I've compiled 5 tips for shooting fireworks to share with you all.
1. Confirm Where the Fireworks Are
Preparation is quite important. Confirming where the fireworks will be is fundamental. Is there traffic control in that area? Which way is the wind blowing? What about image composition? Preparing these in advance is better than asking around on-site, saving you time and ensuring you get a good position. If you don't want to scout the location beforehand, using Google Street View is a good alternative.
2. Selecting the Lens
Choosing the right lens depends on your familiarity with the fireworks. For example, I've been shooting the Taipei 101 fireworks for several years and know where they will be launched from and their approximate range. I can use ultra-wide or ultra-telephoto lenses. If you're not familiar with the fireworks you're shooting, I suggest carrying a wide-angle lens to ensure you capture the scene without cutting off parts of the fireworks. You can crop the image later if needed, which is better than missing the shot entirely.
3. Choosing the Tripod
Don't opt for a lightweight travel tripod out of convenience. Since the shutter speeds for shooting fireworks are typically slow, ranging from 3 to 30 seconds, a sturdier tripod is better. This prevents accidental bumps from causing your camera to fall. Additionally, a taller tripod is more versatile, as a short tripod cannot be extended in height. If you arrive early and get a front-row spot, it's not as crucial. But if you're late, a tall tripod is very useful, allowing you to shoot over people's heads without obstructions.
4. Camera Settings
Important! Turn off your camera's long exposure noise reduction to avoid issues with the shutter not releasing because the camera is busy processing the image.
Shutter Speed: This depends on the size of the fireworks. Larger fireworks require longer exposure (10-30 sec), while smaller ones need shorter exposures (2-8 sec). Since a fireworks show includes both large and small fireworks, it's best to use the B (Bulb) mode and adjust the exposure duration based on the fireworks' size.
Aperture: The aperture size depends on the thickness of the fireworks. Smaller apertures (F16, F22) make the fireworks appear thicker, while larger apertures (F8, F10) make them appear thinner. Adjust based on the light conditions and the richness of the fireworks to avoid overexposure.
ISO: Based on my experience, ISO 100 or lower is preferable to avoid overexposure. The camera's dynamic range is widest at the lowest ISO, which is crucial due to the high contrast between the fireworks and the environment. Use the lowest ISO possible, but avoid using extended ISO settings.
Focusing: Set the focus to manual and check it at maximum magnification on your screen. Focus on your main subject (like a building or bridge). Check the focus again about 10 minutes before the fireworks to ensure it hasn't been accidentally changed.
Filters: If you're shooting buildings or water reflections, use a CPL (polarizing) filter, which also reduces light by about 1 stop. For large fireworks requiring long exposures, use 1-3 stop ND filters to prevent the scene from looking like a nuclear explosion.
5. Adaptability
The fun in photography lies in the unexpected. Unlike filming a movie, where you can control all factors, adaptability is crucial. If your composition is set and the fireworks appear outside the frame, adjust quickly. The same goes for exposure. You need to check and adjust your composition and exposure within the first 10 seconds of the fireworks. If you take too long, you'll miss more shots. To adjust exposure, close the aperture, as there's no time to add or remove filters once the fireworks start. Solve issues immediately rather than continuing to shoot without checking, only to find later that you left the lens cap on.
Conclusion
There's no right or wrong in the photos you capture—it's about whether you like them. Don't hesitate to ask other photographers on-site; most are happy to share tips. Have fun shooting, take lots of photos, and you'll be able to capture the images you envision!
If you have more questions, feel free to ask me. I'm happy to help!
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