How To Photograph Fireworks

Taking photos of fireworks can be tricky so plan in advance. Arrive before the show begins to find an unobstructed view of where the fireworks display will appear.

Make sure you’re in a place where people will not constantly walk in front of you. However for some shots, it’s perfectly acceptable to have people as part of the scene.

Extraneous lighting can interfere with getting a properly exposed photo of fireworks. Stay as far away as possible from illuminated signs, street lamps and parking lots with artificial lighting.

Position your digital camera where the fireworks will explode.

Take a few practice shots early in the show. Check focus and exposure on the LCD. Adjust settings as necessary.

Once the show begins, take lots of shots! Shoot holding the camera vertically as well as horizontally.

What to bring:

• A tripod or monopod to steady your camera and prevent camera shake.


• A small to mid-sized flashlight to use when you must adjust camera settings in the dark.


• Extra batteries and memory cards.

Getting your camera ready:

• Set your camera’s focal length to the equivalent of 50mm or wider. Using a wide focal length is generally more effective than zooming in when photographing fireworks.


• Set the camera to it’s highest quality settings.


• Use a tripod or other steady support


• To avoid blur, use the self-timer or a camera remote to trigger the shutter.


• Turn off the flash (if you can’t turn it off, tape a piece of cardboard over it).

Other camera settings:

If your digital camera’s settings can not be changed, the automatic settings may keep the shutter open long enough for a proper exposure. You can also set your camera to landscape or fireworks mode.

If your camera has manual settings:

• Set focus to infinity.


• Use an aperture of F5.6 or smaller (higher number).


• Set the shutter to bulb.


• Exposure: try between 1/2 and 4 seconds; although one to two seconds can also work well.


• If possible, use an ISO of 100.

source: digicamhelp.com