How to Photograph Fireworks
By NYIP Staff on June 22nd, 2012
Editor's Note: When we first ran "How To Shoot
Fireworks" little did we know it would become one of our "Top Ten" most
requested "How-To" Articles. Because so many people want to learn how to
handle photo opportunities that revolve around the most "photogenic"
holidays – Fourth of July, Halloween and Christmas, we're happy to rerun
this article – our fireworks photography tips on how to get the most
color in your Fourth of July
fireworks photos, regardless of what type of camera you use.
This article on fireworks photography tips is part of our special
2-part series on photographing fireworks. You can also view our other
Fireworks Photography article
Photographing Fireworks in Your Backyard.
W
hatever the season, fireworks have always been used to mark big events.
For example, both these photos won prizes in a Millennium Madness
contest we ran back in 2000. Andrezy Walter of Poland won First Prize
for his lovely photograph of Paris' Eiffel Tower lit up with New Year's
fireworks. Gary MacKey of Louisiana won Third Place for his photograph
of Japan's New Year's celebrations over Mount Fuji.
Fireworks Photography Fundamental 1 — A Slow Shutter Speed.
A skyrocket takes time from the moment it's launched until the last
burst of its color fades. As the rocket sails skyward, the crowd has
time to exclaim "Ooh!" Then as it explodes in a burst of trails of
color, the crowd has time to exclaim, "Ahh!" From launch to fadeout
takes a few seconds perhaps ending with a stirring "bang." Your
exposure, therefore, should be long enough to capture part, or all, of
this time-consuming progression.
Shooting with a digital camera is somewhat like shooting slide film.
If you're not careful, you can overexpose and lose detail and color in
the highlights. Since fireworks are, by definition, highlights, using a
digital camera to capture them can be tricky.
How long should your exposures for fireworks photos be? At least one
second, sometimes two seconds, and some even longer. Shorter exposures
don't always capture the full burst and longer exposures tend to
produce washed-out results. For example, if you were to set your
exposure for, say, 1/500th, not only will the lens be open for only a
fraction of the rocket's progression, but the exposure may also be too
brief to record any image at all! If you have a B (Bulb) shutter speed
setting you can use it to control exactly how long your shutter is open.
This is a great option. The trick is to open the shutter right at the
beginning of the burst and close it when it reaches its peak.
Anticipating the explosion can be difficult, but not impossible. If you
don't have a B setting you can choose a fixed setting, such as 1 second.
The best way to tackle a long exposure will depend primarily on what
kind of camera you're using. Let's examine how this works with different
types of cameras.
DSLR Cameras
It's easy for you to select a long exposure time using a DSLR
(digital single lens reflex) camera. If you're using a manual mode, you
can select a long exposure time by setting the shutter for one-to-thirty
seconds or by using the B (or bulb) setting. You can also use the
shutter priority mode to control the shutter speed. For the bulb
setting you will need a cable release.
Digital Point-and-Shoot Models
You've got to hand it to camera designers — they've dreamed up a
number of exotic modes that appear on some camera models. What exactly
is "party mode?" That's outside the scope of this article, but there are
a few cameras which feature a "fireworks mode" that will give a long
exposure. Don't worry if your camera doesn't feature a whole host of
"modes." Most of them are baby steps for inexperienced photographers. If
your camera has manual settings — which most digital point-and-shoot
models have, just figure it out using the manual or trial-and-error
going through the menus.
Fireworks Photography Fundamental 2 — Choosing the right aperture.
What aperture should you use? Your f-stop will be based on the ISO you select.
You might think that because the sky is so dark you need a wide
aperture. Just the opposite is true. Remember, your objective is not to
record the dark sky except as background. You want to record the
intensely bright streaks of color. Were you to use a wide open aperture
during your time-exposure, you would probably overexpose the colors.
Result: They would "burn out" and lose coloration. To intensify the
color, therefore, use a smaller aperture like f/8, or f/11, or even
f/16. As with your choice of shutter speed, you will have to set your
aperture manually. Which you should use depends upon your digital
camera's ISO setting (or the speed of your film), and the intensity of
the color bursts. We suggest you bracket your shots, using different
apertures.
Using one of the suggested apertures listed below, you can use your
preview to test and then compensate the aperture accordingly.
| ISO SETTING |
APERTURE RANGE |
| ISO 100 |
ƒ/8 to 16 |
| ISO 200 |
ƒ/11 to 22 |
| ISO 400 |
ƒ/16 to 22 |
This chart will work with most digital cameras that allow you to set
shutter speed and aperture. Most of the sophisticated digital
point-and-shoot models permit the photographer to set these controls. If
you've never done this before, you'll have to figure out how to use
these controls by looking at your camera's instruction book. If you're
using a digital SLR, then try these settings too. Naturally, you'll
check your results by reviewing your initial photos on your camera's LCD
panel, until you get the exposure that looks best.
Fireworks Photography Fundamental 3 — Setting the ISO
Typically, noise/grain is not a problem in this type of image. We
recommend that you use ISO 200, or 400. The important point is that you
don't need a very fast ISO; in fact super-fast ISOs may overexpose the
firework display. Very slow ISOs - for example, ISO 100 - may not be
sensitive enough to capture the display. (Remember, while your shutter
will be open for a second or two or more, the actual appearance of the
"rockets red glare" will last only a fraction of a second in any one
place.)
Since many of today's digital SLRs offer good results at high ISOs
such as 800, 1600 and 3200, why not use a faster ISO? The answer is
simple - you don't need to. You want a long exposure time, and as we've
mentioned elsewhere, the bursts of the exploding fireworks are bright
enough to etch themselves onto low ISO sensor settings such as 200 or
400, even with a medium-size aperture setting. A higher ISO would just
run the risk of overexposed washed out colors. We also suggest, because
of the brightness of the fireworks vs. the dark night sky, that you
avoid using the "Auto ISO" setting, one that we don't use much anyway.
Fireworks Photography Fundamental 4 — A Solid Platform.
Regardless of your camera, once you've worked out the shutter
speed/aperture/ISO combination, the key to success is a solid platform
to hold the camera motionless during the time the shutter is open. This
is pretty much a requirement for all time-exposures or shutter speeds
slower than 1/30 of a second. Obviously, the best platform of all is a
tripod. It provides a solid, easy-to-carry base on which to hold the
camera motionless during the exposure. It also allows you to easily
position the camera at the proper elevation. All DSLRs and almost all
point-and-shoots have a threaded opening on the bottom that permits you
to attach the camera to a tripod.
A tripod is just the beginning. You also want the camera to be as
vibrationless as possible during the time-exposure. Since pressing the
shutter button can cause the camera to vibrate, you can avoid this by
also using a cable release. The cable release enables you to press the
shutter button without touching the camera directly. Result: It helps
minimize camera shake.
Advanced Hint: For the ultimate in steadiness, on some
professional DSLRs you can lock the mirror in an up position. Why do
this for fireworks photos? Because when you take a normal picture with
an DSLR, the mirror snaps up during the moment of exposure, then snaps
back so you can set up the next shot in the viewfinder. When the mirror
snaps up, it causes the camera to vibrate for a moment. While this
vibration is usually tiny, if you're a purist and want the steadiest
possible time-exposure, you can eliminate this vibration totally by
locking the mirror in its "up" position. Of course, you can't frame the
next shot in the viewfinder if the mirror is locked up. But this may not
be so big a problem as it seems. After all, typically, fireworks appear
in only one specific segment of the sky, so once you've aimed your
camera-on-tripod in that direction and framed the shooting area, you can
lock the mirror up unless you have to reframe for different shots.
Back to basics:If you don't have a tripod handy (or you're
using a camera that doesn't have a tripod thread), don't give up. Try
placing your camera on a makeshift solid platform, such as a fence post,
a railing, or a wall. None of them is as steady or convenient as a
tripod, but they're infinitely better than hand-holding.
A word of warning: If, by any chance, you are on a rocking boat when
trying to capture fireworks photos, your tripod or the ship's rail or
whatever you use as a "platform" will rock along with the boat. Result:
In your time-exposure the firework color-streaks will come out rocking
and wavy instead of straight. This may be interesting modern art -
though we doubt it! - but it's definitely not good firework photography.
It won't look right! Our advice: If you are on a rocking boat, don't
bother to photograph the fireworks. It's a waste of time.
Don't forget the cable release.
Another way to increase camera stability is to use a cable release. A
cable release ensures that you won't have to physically touch the
shutter release thus eliminating the possibility of camera shake. Many
digital cameras won't accept a standard cable release. Some require a
specific electronic remote triggering device. Check with the camera
manufacturer.
Bring a small flashlight or smart phone.
Since you are going to be shooting in the dark bring a small
flashlight so you are not fumbling with your camera's controls and
settings, not to mention changing memory cards etc. In a pinch you can
even use the light from your smart phone.
Bring extra batteries.
You'll want to take lots of pictures, so have a backup battery in the event that your primary battery gives out during the show.
Bring plenty of memory cards.
How many frames should you shoot? Expect to shoot lots! Every burst
is beautiful — and you can't predict which one will be the "most
beautiful." So your tendency if you're like the rest of us, will be to
shoot lots of fireworks photos. Make sure to have a large memory card
in your camera.
Don't get so excited in the beginning that you fill your card before
the grand finale. That's when the pyrotechnic pros get to show-off their
most impressive aerial displays. A good finale will produce peak light,
color, and excitement. So make sure you have ample storage space
available when the "big guns" go off. Also make sure that you have
enough battery power to photograph the finale. You don't want to be
fumbling with a battery when the final bursts are headed skyward.
Now to a few specifics:
Fireworks Photography Fundamental 5 — Composition
Which way should you hold the camera? Typically, you'll be better off
with a vertical format rather than horizontal. After all, the trail of a
skyrocket is usually upward and not very wide. However, a final
decision about the frame you use will also depend on the size of the
crowd viewing the event, your position in that crowd, and the number of
spots from which the fireworks will be deployed. For example, in New
York City, Macy's Department Store has sponsored the Fourth of July
fireworks display. The shells are launched from a string of barges in
either the East River or Hudson River that's almost a mile long. That
means you might be able to fill a horizontal frame with six or more
bursts at one time, so it would probably be a better choice than a
vertical one.
Position yourself wisely.
Take a little time before the show to scout the location. If it's a
smaller show, you may be able to chat with the pyrotechnic crew
beforehand. To get the best fireworks photos with a digital camera,
point-and-shoot or DSLR, try to determine where the fireworks will be
launched and then try to find a clear, unobstructed view that meets your
compositional requirements based on the terrain, the height at which
the fireworks will explode, and your lens choices. You don't want to be
in the middle of a crowd, with people wandering in front of the camera,
or worse, bumping into your tripod mid-exposure. Steer clear of
artificial light sources such as streetlights to avoid the possibility
of light flare. Watch out for tree branches that can sneak into your
composition too.
Focal Length.
What focal-length should you use? If you're close to the display, and
if you have a choice, go for a "normal" or slightly wide-angle lens.
Since your position relative to the rocket bursts will determine the
exact focal length, use this as your guide: You want the frame of your
image to extend so that it includes a good bit of the foreground in the
bottom (more on this in a moment) and a "head-room" above the topmost
firework trails. Chances are you'll need at least your normal and
possibly a wide-angle setting for this. If, on the other hand, it's a
world-class display that draws a "world-class" crowd, you may be further
away from this display and need to use a longer focal length.
Foreground Subjects with Fireworks
Now, there's an additional step to consider that can take your
fireworks photos out of the ordinary and make them extra-special. The
burst of a skyrocket, by itself, is pretty. But it's not particularly
interesting. What can you do to add interest? Try this: Don't just shoot
the burst by itself, but shoot it in conjunction with something else.
For example, look how much more interesting this picture is because the
paths of fireworks are incidental to this picture of the Capitol
Building. Since you may not have the Capitol in your area — or even its
equivalent — what can you use to add similar interest?
Consider including a statue in the foreground, with the fireworks
framing it. Or silhouettes of the onlookers to give a sense of location
to your picture. Or a tree, a building, a bridge, a skyline. Or...you
fill in the blanks. The important thing is that your image include some
interesting foreground objects — perhaps, framed within the fireworks
display.
Fireworks Photography Fundamental 6 — Use the highest Quality-setting.
By choosing a high Quality-setting you will reduce the amount of
compression applied to your images. JPEG compression degrades image
quality and can even introduce artifacts into your image. This is a
particular problem for this subject matter because compression artifacts
are typically found in areas of high tonal and color contrast, like the
bright colored light of fireworks bursting against an inky black sky.
Less compression means fewer image artifacts and ultimately better image
quality. Unless you have a top-of-the-line pro DSLR, don't expect to be
able to take photos of fireworks with a digital camera in RAW. Your
camera will likely take too much time to write the image to the card and
you'll miss getting some pictures.
Talk about Flash
Should you use flash? No. Not ordinarily. (In a moment, we'll discuss
when you might want to use flash.) Ordinarily, turn off your flash. The
fireworks themselves provide all the light you want. If your camera
cannot be controlled and the flash goes off whether you like it or not,
try covering the flash with your hand or a piece of tape so that the
camera doesn't "see" it.
Advanced tip: One trick you may want to try is to use flash
to light the foreground object. Now, we realize we just told you NOT to
use flash, but here's the special case we warned you was coming.
Let's say you want to capture the statue of George Washington or some
other interesting object that's in the foreground, and that object is
in the dark. How can you add light to the statue during your exposure?
Your strobe may do the trick. Put your camera on Manual control if
possible. Set up on the tripod as already explained. But in this case,
focus on the statue instead of infinity. With a wide angle lens, if the
statue is 15 or 20 feet away, you will get infinity within your depth of
field. If the statue is closer, the fireworks may not be sharply in
focus, but this lack of sharpness is probably acceptable because the
fireworks are streaks of light and color, rather than detailed objects.
Set your strobe to go off during the exposure of fireworks photos.
The flash will light up the statue for an instant, but will not affect
your time exposure of the sky. That's the theory, at least. But there
may be some problems depending upon your specific equipment.
Will the statue be overexposed because the strobe is too powerful,
and the shutter is manually set for two seconds? Or will the strobe turn
itself off when the statue is properly exposed regardless of how long
the shutter is open? Some strobes will - some, will not.
Another possibility: Will the strobe "force" the shutter to close
prematurely, sooner than you intended? Again, the answer depends upon
the particular equipment you use.
If you are not sure (for which you are not to blame — most camera and
strobe instruction manuals don't tell you), we offer these suggestions.
First, bracket your shots. Try different exposures, and select the best
shots when you get them back. Second, consider removing the strobe from
the camera (if you can) and handhold it facing toward the statue. Press
the shutter button to start your time exposure, and immediately press
the Test button on the strobe to get it to flash. In this configuration,
the strobe is not connected to your camera so it cannot "force" the
shutter to close prematurely. If you have an assistant, you may even
have that person walk up toward the statue holding the strobe, and
setting off the flash when you give the signal.
In any event, don't forget that your flash has a limited range. It's
not going to light up those mountains on the horizon! Know its
limitations, and use it - if at all - to add a bit of light to
foreground objects.
Of course, if your subject, like the Capitol Building, is lit by
artificial light, you can let that light do the work for you. Let's say
that statue of George Washington is floodlit. You probably are better
off not using your flash. Let the floodlights light up old George during
the time exposure. How do you know if you will get enough light or too
much?
Typically, you won't. So our advice is to stand back far enough from
the lighted statue to avoid gross overexposure — and then bracket your
shots.
Noise Reduction Techniques Using Adobe Photoshop.
One way to reduce noise in a digital image is to make a
black frame
during the shoot and then sandwich it with the noisy shot. To make a
black frame, place the lens cap over the lens and make an exposure using
the same settings that you used during your shoot. We suggest that you
try to make one of these exposures before you start shooting, and then
another one at the end of the shoot. That way you won't forget to make a
black frame..
In Photoshop:
1. Open the black frame file alongside an image that has noise.
2. Shift + Drag the black frame Background layer over the noisy image
workspace to create a new layer. (Holding the Shift key ensures that
the new layer maintains perfect registration.)
3. Change the Layer Mode of the black frame layer to Difference.
The noise should be reduced significantly.
Alternatively, you can use a noise reduction program like Noise Ninja, or Neat Image.
Other Noise Reduction Techniques
Are you sensitive to loud sounds? You might consider purchasing
disposable earplugs designed to protect your delicate eardrums. You can
find them at most good pharmacies. Fireworks shows can be loud! The
noise should be reduced significantly.
Back to basics:
Whether you're advanced or not, there's one more "trick" for you to
consider. Why limit yourself to just one rocket's glare? What about
keeping your shutter open long enough to capture the glare of a few
rockets exploding in air one after the other. To accomplish this,
experiment with longer time exposures — ten seconds, 20 seconds, and
even longer. You can get some dazzling results!
To sum up our fireworks photography tips, don't let any of the
complications examined in this article discourage you. Firework pictures
are easy to take and make great photographs. Just remember the five
Fundamentals: 1) Slow Shutter speed 2) Small aperture 3) Use a lower ISO
4) A Solid Platform 5) Composition 6) Use the highest quality setting.
While shooting, be aware that most firework displays have a rhythm
that usually ends in a multiple burst of glory. If you want to limit the
amount you shoot, hold back for this Grand Finale. But be wary. It may
happen before you realize it...and then it's too late! So be sure you're
ready for it. If the fireworks have a musical accompaniment — like
Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture — you can hear it coming. But often, you
can't anticipate the Finale, so we can only admonish you to follow the
Boy Scout motto — Be Prepared!
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our nation, capturing fireworks is an awesome way to preserve
memories!
Ellen
