While shooting these displays aren't exactly rocket science, there are a few tips and techniques to be aware of to ensure getting the most successful results. This type of shooting is similar to most others in the sense that it pays to do your research ahead of time and be flexible once on site as circumstances and conditions may change.
Here are some guidelines to help you get those "WOW" shots;
REAL WORLD SHOOTING TIPS - FIREWORKS
- Research the event promoters website/info and if possible visit the location several days before the event to know what areas are off limits, and to select the strongest viewpoint to shoot from. It's important to know where the fireworks will be shot from so you can position yourself for the best composition.
- Arrive early enough on the day of the event to secure your spot, but realize these events draw large crowds and by "showtime" the area will likely be very crowded. Be respectful of the people around you - they're there for the show. If in the midst of a crowd, keep your tripod set down low. I'm usually on my knees to avoid blocking the views of the people sitting around me.
- Equipment needed is simple but important. Camera, lens (I use an 18-200mm), tripod, and cable release. A piece of black construction paper is easily stuffed in your pocket and can be used to block any nearby light sources ie, (streetlamp) if need be that may cause lens flare.
- Set your camera to Manual mode. ISO in the 100-200 range. Shoot RAW and Large Fine JPEG if your camera allows. White balance set to Daylight. F-stop set to f11. Shutter speed set to Bulb. In Bulb, the shutter remains open as long as you keep it depressed. Manual focus, set to infinity. Be sure to check the focus throughout shooting so it doesn't get moved or creep out of focus. Turn off your in-camera noise reduction - otherwise these long exposures slow down your shooting as the camera processes each image for noise before allowing another shot to be taken.
- Frame up your composition. Watch the first series of fireworks burst to get a feel for how your framing is working just by looking through your viewfinder. Adjust the composition accordingly. At the start of the next burst depress and hold the cable release open and release it as the burst starts to fade. Review your LCD. This is a very intuitive process. Each burst is different in length and intensity. Exposures generally range from 5 seconds to 15 seconds. Vary the length of time you hold the shutter open for different looks and exposure values. Shoot a lot of exposures at different speeds and monitor the results as you go. Throughout the show you'll be varying the focal length, which is why a zoom lens is ideal, to capture everything from wide shots that include the crowd and landmarks to close-up shots of the bursts.
- Later, if you'd like to combine several of the bursts together into a single photo this can be easily and realistically done using layers and blending modes in Photoshop.
- Bring along a small penlight-it can be invaluable to adjust/confirm settings in the dark. Just don't spotlight your neighbors-not a good thing!
- And of course, be sure your camera battery is fully charged and that you have plenty of memory cards. Leave plenty of space on your card as the show nears the finale. You'll need all you have as this is when the bursts are at their best. You'll be shooting as fast as you can!
Happy Shooting!
Michael
