Welcome to Tutorial Tuesday! Ashley of Ramblings and Photos and I will be bringing you a new challenge every week, to stretch your shooting and editing skills. This week I am sharing Fireworks Photography Tips. Just in time for the 4th of July. So get your cameras out and take some photos. I will leave this linky open until July 10th so you all have plenty of time to get those fireworks shots. If you already took some last year share some of those. I added some new ones on this post using the tips below and shared a bunch here.
1. Use a tripod!
You are going to have long exposures, and the easiest way is to use a sturdy tripod. If you were not prepared or couldn’t bring a tripod try and lean on a fence or car or something.
2. Be prepared!
Bring a small flashlight since it will be dark in case you drop something or need to change settings. Also be sure to bring lots of memory cards because you will be taking a lot of continuous photos.
3. Get to the location early to find the best spot!
Look for a place with an unobstructed view. Watch out for buildings, and trees that could block your view. Stay away from street lamps and other lighting that will mess up your exposure. Get close to the water so you can see the reflection on the water too.
4. Find Out the Direction of the Wind
You do not want a bunch of smoke being between you and the fireworks or your photos will turn our really hazy.
5. Go Flash Less!
You will not want your flash going off. It won’t reach the sky anyways.
6. Have a very low ISO!
When you are shooting longer exposures high ISO can introduce a lot of noise to your photograph. ISO of 100 is a good starting point.
7. Check to see if your camera has a fireworks preset.
Try this scene mode. You may find you like it better or you may not.
8. Focus into the sky and use a small aperture.
You will want to manual focus into the sky where you think the fireworks will be. This may need to be adjusted after the first couple. Use an aperture between f/8 to f/16.
9. Use long shutter speeds or your Bulb setting.
You will want at least 1 second, if not more. If you use your remote with your bulb setting it is even better. Less shake and you can control how long you want to hold it. You could even get several fireworks on the same photo.
10. Take a TON of pictures and have fun!
You can always delete later. The more photos you take the better chances you have to get an awesome photo.
Ready to join in the fun? Here’s how to do it:
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