Light Em Up!! Photographing Fireworks Guide

Living in A Powder Keg and Giving Off Sparks!


What is it about fireworks that draws us close, cause us to emit uncontrollable ooohs and ahhhhs, and brings a group experience unlike any other? That shared , almost primal feeling of amazement at seeing those colored explosives, bursting in air, and the crescendo of the finale, is an experience like no other.

Here are some tips on creating your own iconic images. And some more. Here too.

Want the basics?

1. Shoot with a tripod or monopod
2. No Flash
3. ISO 100 is sufficient
4. Photograph peoples reactions too. You may want to get those ooohhs and ahhhhsss on record. Mass happy reactions! Remember-no flash!
5. Experiment with focal lengths for a new look at the same patterns.
6. Set your focus to infinity
7. Shutter speed should be set to “bulb” or shoot 1-4 secs. Experiment!
OR
Set your consumer camera to “Fireworks” mode and shoot away. You may not get the best , but you’ll have a memory.

And have a happy and safe 4th!
For all of our friends around the world, keep these tips handy for your country’s celebrations.
Hmmmm…maybe July 14th for our French photographers.

999506_10151508893642549_33200282_n

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: There is no connected account for the user 17841400329220025.

Upcoming Events

Is there an event we should know about?
Let us know on twitter.

Current Exhibitions

  • MOMA
  • Life Dances On-Robert Frank In Dialogue
  • Through Jan 11th,2025
  • 11 West 53rd St
  • , New York, NY 10019
  • Tel: 212.857.0000
  • Howard Greenberg Gallery
  • A RESPONSE TO WONDER:
    CHARLES JONES, KARL BLOSSFELDT, AND EDWARD WESTON
  • DECEMBER 5, 2024 – JANUARY 18, 2025
  • 41 East 57th Street, Suite 801
  • New York,NY 10022
  • Tel: 212-334-0100
  • Peter Fetterman Gallery
  • Her: The Great Women Photographers
  • Aug 17th – Nov 24th, 2024
  • 2525 Michigan Avenue Gallery A1
  • Santa Monica, CA
  • 90404
  • Phone: 310.453.6463

Is there an exhibition we’re missing? Let us know on twitter.

Like what we’re posting?
Join us on Flickr.