How to photograph fireworks
Fireworks need a tripod, a medium aperture and bulb mode. Settings and composition tips for New Year’s, fiestas and celebrations.
Fireworks light up celebrations from New Year’s Eve to patron saint fiestas. They are easy to photograph once you know the settings.
Settings
- Tripod and remote
- ISO 100 to 200
- Aperture f/8 to f/11
- Shutter 2 to 8 seconds, or bulb mode: open as the rocket launches, close after it bursts
- Manual focus at infinity or on the first burst
Position
Arrive early and find a location upwind so smoke blows away from you. Include a landmark such as a church, a plaza or the waterfront.
Composition
Leave room above the expected burst height. Shoot wide at first, then adjust once you see where the fireworks explode.
Multiple bursts
Hold the shutter open for several bursts, covering the lens with a black card between them to avoid overexposure.
Include people
Silhouettes of the crowd watching add a human story.
Video option
Fireworks also look great in video. Use manual exposure to avoid flickering brightness.
