Firework Lighting
Capturing low lighting situations combined with bursts of bright colored light create a challenge behind the camera. Understanding camera settings, accessories needed, and capturing the bursts helps achieve nice images. Read below about information on being able to photograph firework lighting and some examples with exif data that may be helpful as learning about capturing fireworks begins.
Firework photography Settings
Firework photography requires understanding settings and timing. For the settings, turn the camera mode to Manual Mode (M). Manual mode will give more control. Next, place the Shutter Speed in Bulb Mode (B). Bulb Mode will allow the photographer to choose how long to keep the shutter open. Then, turn the Focus to the infinity symbol (looks like the sideways 8 on the lens). The infinity focus on the lens allows the camera and lens to focus to infinity and this allows for better focus of the frame. Aperture can be set between f/11-22 (depending on camera) and Iso to 100-200. This provides the long streaks of bright colored lights amongst the subject.
See our guide below with reminders for capturing fireworks!
Nikon 300s/Nikkor 18-200mm f/22.0 | 58s | 200 iso
First Friday Summer Event for The City of Aledo, Texas
Nikon DF/Nikkor 28-300mm f/5.6 | 1/125s| 5000 iso
July 4th Evening in Corpus Christi, Texas
FIreworks accessories
Tripod: Low light situations often require the use of a tripod. A tripod that will hold the camera and lens will be needed. A tripod that will not support the weight of the camera and lens will allow for the camera to move while trying to capture an image. Movement causes blur visible in the image.
Release Cable: A shutter release cable is helpful in being able to capture slower shutter speeds without touching the camera and causing any shake to the camera. The shutter release cables allow for the photographer to also enjoy the firework show while still capturing images.
Filter: ND (Neutral Density) filters help with capturing bright lights such as fireworks. The filter reduces the amount of light that enters the camera lens, helps prevent images becoming overexposed, and assists in retaining color and detail in bright areas.
Hat: A hat can be used after the first large section of fireworks where smoke is beginning to fill part of the frame. Between the large sections of bursts while music is playing, a dark hat can be placed in front of the lens and the shutter released a couple times. Then, the hat can be put away in time to capture the next large section of bursts. This is optional, but helpful when capturing fireworks.
See below for our guide with reminders for using accessories to capture fireworks!
Nikon D300s/Nikkor 18-200mm f/22.0 | 25s | 200 iso
Memorial Day at Sea World San Antonio, Texas
Nikon D80/Nikkor 35mm f/22.0 | 7.8s | 100 iso
Wishes at Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida
The two images below are composite images where three images were combined into one. All images were shot on camera at the time of the fireworks, but were combined using blending modes due to needing to capture each part separately.
Nikon DF/Nikkor 50mm/1.8 | 1/125s| 1600 iso
Summer Fireworks in North Texas
Nikon DF/Nikkor 50mm /1.8 | 1/40s | 1600 iso
Wishes at Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida
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