Fireworks ~ Photography

Some tips for getting interesting photographs of the holiday firework displays

Preparation  ~ Photographing ~ Light Painting

the info below is geared to the Macy's fireworks display but should be applicable to local fireworks displays as well.  

Please be aware of safety - especially if the fireworks are on land.

Event preparation

• Scout area day or two before to pick a good spot.
• arrive early to site where you will view fireworks
• always be conscious of safety !
• Fireworks will begin about  20 ~ 30 minutes after sunset (they will wait till sky is dark)
• Bring
  • water for hydration
  • restrooms may be difficult to get to, once you’re in position
  • Bring  small flashlight
• Be prepared for crowds and traffic  (cars or trains)

For Macy's Fireworks

• try to get close to South or North side of Brooklyn Bridge
• I believe most barges will be at Brooklyn Bridge
• a few barges will be between Brooklyn Bridge and East 23rd St

Camera Tips
Preparing Camera

1. Set ISO to lowest setting, i.e. 50 or 100 or 200
2. use a lens that is approximately the equivalent of 24mm ~ 70mm  in length
3. if possible use a zoom lens to adjust position of fireworks
4. You can get fireworks with tail if you use wide angle setting (~ 24 mm)
5. I think it is more fun to get close up of fireworks display (between 50mm ~ 70 mm)
6. Lens longer than 70mm may crop too close, so you will not get the full firework pattern
7. Use camera in manual mode
   1. Manual Exposure
      1. Use an f stop of f 8 or f 11
      1. f stop is the width of the opening of the lens - fireworks are bright so a setting of f 8 - f 11 is a medium to small opening
      2. Shutter on Bulb setting
      1. Bulb setting allows the shutter to remain open as long as you are pressing the shutter button - this will allow the camera to gather the developing image of the  fireworks
      2. Remember to release the shutter (close the shutter) as soon as the fireworks starts to decay or you will get smoke of the decaying fireworks.
   2. Manual Focus
      1. Prefocus (manually) on spot where fireworks will be (probably close to the infinity mark on your lens)
      2. disable auto focus - 
      1. otherwise your camera will continuously hunt for focus in the dark and you will get an out-of-focus image.
      2. Remember, the firework images disappear very quickly. You will not have the time to hunt for focus with your lens.
8. Use a monopod with an adjustable head. (up and down movement should be sufficient)
1. most articles on fireworks recommend using a tripod for fireworks photography, which is okay.
2. I do, however, find a monopod braced by our body to work very well 
1. to stabilize the camera. 
2. Yet provide flexibility in positioning the camera to get the best framing for each firework display.
3. Also it is easier to use in a crowd, without presenting an obstacle or danger to others
3. Band H Photo has Mefoto monopods that are pretty good for approx $60.00
4. make sure that you have plate to mount your camera or phone on.
9. if possible use shutter release so you don’t touch  camera and induce shake  during exposure
10. If you must use the shutter button to open and close the exposure, carefully synchronize the press of the button with your breath to avoid jarring the camera.
11. Use live view so you can place camera lens in best position and best zoom setting
12. Make sure you have a fresh (fully charged battery in camera) and a spare battery
13. Make sure you have a prepared memory card (that is formatted and empty)
14. If you use your phone’s camera make sure phone is fully charged 
15. If using a point and shoot camera, they may have a fireworks setting for a scene mode. Just dial in the fireworks position on the scene dial and you should be fine.
16. Keep your photo bag secured
17. Disable flash if possible - it will not help with exposure

When photographing

1. Brace camera with monopod and your body
2. As soon as fireworks begin to light up, 
1. press the shutter to open your shutter,
2. hold exposure open and 
3. start recording the fireworks display 
3. As you see the fireworks starting to decay,
1. release shutter. Otherwise you may get smoke from exhausted fireworks.
2. Continue as each fireworks display unfolds
4. If possible check screen after 1st exposure to see how image comes out and make any adjustments necessary (e.g. f8 to f11 to f16)
   1. It is more important to continuously  take photos
   2. don’t waste time looking at the results of each photo
   3. You don’t want to miss the next display

If you want to light paint

1. You may get interesting abstract images of color by
1. moving camera as you are exposing the fireworks display, (with shutter open)
2. Adjust focus as you expose the fireworks display (with shutter open)

Have fun and enjoy ~ 

it should be quite a spectacle.

Most camera will work to capture the fireworks display.

I will be using a Pentax Camera (K-1) and lens (24-70) to capture the event. I am a recent convert to Pentaxian Photography. I love their philosophy and quality when they create their cameras. The Pentax crew are truly in touch with  photographers desires.