Photographing Fireworks

[steve@thaib]

We have some sort of major fireworks competition here at the moment, every Friday through September.

Anyone any experience of taking firework pictures? I'm guessing that bright spots of light in a dark background might be tricky to expose for?

[Tyfon]

You have to determine in advance what area of sky the fireworks are detonating in and point your camera there. Also observe how long between some characteristic event like the initial fizz or appearance above the horizon and the maximum intensity or size of the explosion. When you see or hear a firework rising toward that area hit a long exposure (enough to cut off around the time the explosion maxes out) with an aperture for a good deep focus. Pref. cable release, tripod and (unless digital) autowinder.

More specific, technical advice here (once you get past the pseudo-patriotic b*ll*cks):

Fireworks Photography: Fireworks Photography Tips from New York Institute of Photography

[steve@thaib]

Thanks Ken, that looks like a great article. I will study it further when there is no cold beer waiting for me....

[steve@thaib]

...they came out.

I shot loads and these are not the best, but they're not bad either I think.

Following the advice I got, I focused manually on the area I thought would be of interest and used a shutter speed of one second.

It meant that I blew loads of shots, out of focus etc., but it also meant that I got a few genuine 'keepers'.

[dawsey]

Nice shots Steve. Particularily like No 2 and 4. Great detail and very clear. Well done.

[steve@thaib]

I like the first one particularly, I think the building gives it some perspective and the framing is spot on. I learned a bit from this, and am pleased with the pics.