Photographers love to capture fireworks during holidays like New Year and others that feature lots of firework displays. They are not only beautiful but also have a celebratory atmosphere which can capture a mood instantly. They’re important enough for certain holidays to make photographing them a necessity.
It can be frustrating to not get good fireworks photos in such situations. You may feel disappointed even if your photos show the party or people well.
Photographing fireworks is not difficult. It’s not necessary to be a professional to take great pictures. Even if you are a novice, you can take cool images of fireworks if you use a manual or smartphone camera.
It’s not the technical aspect that is difficult, it’s getting a clear view and then composing the image with obstacles in the way. Images and tips below will help you to plan and take cool photos no matter what your circumstances are.
Photographing Fireworks: Inspiring Photographic Ideas
There are many tutorials on how to photograph fireworks. You can, for example, read this comprehensive guide by Photography Life or check out these tips and tricks from National Geographic.
We’ll skip over the settings of your camera and jump straight to ideas on how you can take beautiful photos of fireworks in different situations. It’s worth repeating that a steady surface, such as a tripod, is essential for taking photos. You’ll be able to change your shutter speeds more easily if you stabilize your camera.
The following pictures are all from our community of amateur and professional photographers. They were submitted via Flickr or our monthly newsletter. Many of the photos in this collection were taken as part of a firework photo challenge. Hope you are as inspired as we were by these pictures!
Shoot at sunset or in the twilight.
Some events also have firework displays before darkness falls. In some places, fireworks are displayed throughout the entire day of December 31st during New Years. Use these opportunities to capture fireworks in a sunset sky. Your images will be more colorful and detailed, with a gorgeous sky.
Eva Kristensen FireworksTroy Marcy – Fourth of July on Lake PetersburgBeau Hause Big City Fireworks- 61 second exposure!
Raymond’s Glass Eye Explosive
Fotis Mavroudakis, Kavala Air Show 2013,
Consider using a slower shutter speed.
Try increasing your shutter speed if you aren’t getting the color burst you want. Start with a shutter speed around 3 seconds to get the bright colors.
But don’t limit yourself to 3 seconds. Try experimenting with longer shutter speeds. Increase your aperture if the fireworks appear too bright or blown out. This will reduce the amount of light that hits your sensor.
Greg Waddell – Fireworks display in Zurich, Switzerland
ImagesbyAB: Australian Fireworks
Tony Bent Fireworks
Don Higgins – Lake Isabella, Ca
Christopher – A Saturday Night Story
Smoke is a must in any composition.
You may see smoke drifting from fireworks in the image if you use a long exposure. Smoke isn’t always a negative thing. It can even add atmosphere to your photograph. Just keep this in mind as you compose your photo.
When there are many fireworks going off, sometimes the smoke is so thick it can block the colors of the fireworks. It can be frustrating, but this heavy smoke is also a great opportunity for unique shots. Try to make the most of it instead of leaving your photo shoot due to smoke. Make it the focal point of your photographs. Smoke is also part of the performance!
Mariano Colombotto – Viva la Patria! Ben Roffelsen Fire In The Sky
Jerry Burkard, Epcot Walt Disney World
Joanne Reid – Butchart Gardens, Victoria B.C.
Leander Urmy – Multicolored Bursts
Take a picture of a reflection.
If you photograph fireworks from afar, they can appear small. Photographing fireworks above the water is another way to make them appear larger. Water will then reflect the colors and light of your subject, giving you a more vibrant image.
The fireworks can be used as a backdrop.
Fireworks can make excellent background or secondary subjects. When you don’t have a great view or the environment around is very interesting, using fireworks as background subjects is an excellent tactic. This is a great idea for home shoots using sparklers or small fireworks.
Janette Anderson – Happy New Year
Use silhouettes to create your own designs.
Even if you are not in the best location, a silhouette against dazzling fireworks will produce stunning photos. You can get great photos even if the firework display is partially blocked.
Erik F – Thunder over Louisville 2012
Photo of city lights
You can get amazing firework pictures even from a distance by using a beautiful city skyline. You can also be more creative with timing and composition because the city lights will provide more light. Your photo will still be attractive no matter how far or smokey the fireworks may be.
Fill in the Frame
Fill your entire frame if you wish to take a photo of the fireworks. The fireworks will appear small and unimportant if you contrast them with the dark background. A close-up photo that takes up the entire frame will not only make the fireworks appear larger, but it can also give the shot a mysterious beauty similar to abstract photographs.