Q&A for How to Photograph Fireworks

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What settings should I use to take photos of fireworks?

Richard Engelbrecht
Professional Photographer
Richard Engelbrecht is a Professional Photographer and the Owner-Operator of Mr.E Photography of Conesus, New York. He specializes in nature photography of the Finger Lakes, Genesee Valley, and Southern-tier regions of New York State.

Richard Engelbrecht

Professional Photographer

Expert Answer

Set your camera up ahead of time with a tripod and a remote shutter release. Use bulb mode and a wide aperture, and when the fireworks go off, open your shutter and follow the fireworks up all the way up and wait for the explosion. Once it explodes, count to 1-2, then release the shutter.

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Question

What are tips for photographing fireworks?

Or Gozal
Photographer
Or Gozal has been an amateur photographer since 2007. Her work has been published in, most notably, National Geographic and Stanford University's Leland Quarterly.

Or Gozal

Photographer

Expert Answer

Getting there early and setting up is usually best, especially for big shows, like 4th of July or NYE. Otherwise, someone might be in the spot you'd ideally like to shoot from. Additionally, try to set up the camera and tripod before it gets dark and the fireworks start. It might also help to bring a blanket in case it gets cold!

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Do you photograph at the beginning or end of fireworks?

Or Gozal
Photographer
Or Gozal has been an amateur photographer since 2007. Her work has been published in, most notably, National Geographic and Stanford University's Leland Quarterly.

Or Gozal

Photographer

Expert Answer

The air will get smokier throughout the show. So, you're better off shooting at the start of the show, rather than waiting until the finale.

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Question

How do you take good pictures of fireworks with a phone?

Richard Engelbrecht
Professional Photographer
Richard Engelbrecht is a Professional Photographer and the Owner-Operator of Mr.E Photography of Conesus, New York. He specializes in nature photography of the Finger Lakes, Genesee Valley, and Southern-tier regions of New York State.

Richard Engelbrecht

Professional Photographer

Expert Answer

If you're using your phone, taking a video of the fireworks will come out better than a photo. Try filming the fireworks to see if you're happy with the result.

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Will my fireworks photos come out blurry?

Community Answer

If you have a bright light near (even behind the camera), then yes. They may also be blurry if you do not have a tripod, or the one that you do have is not a good or steady one.

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Question

How do I focus a camera?

lexi sanburg

Community Answer

With many digital cameras (but not the ones on a phone), you can focus by pressing lightly down upon the shutter button (the button that you use to take pictures), but not as hard as you would when taking a picture, until you reach the desired focus.

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What should I do if my camera won't focus?

Claus Djervad

Community Answer

Try using manual focus, and set the best focusing distance for the situation.

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