Canon Rebel XT – ISO 100 – f/16 – 4 seconds
With Independence Day just around the corner, many photographers—both beginners and pros—are gearing up to capture the dazzling fireworks displays across the country. But what if you don’t have a tripod? No worries! Here are some essential tips to help you get sharp, vibrant fireworks shots, even when shooting handheld.
1. Use a Slow Shutter Speed
Sony A700 – ISO 100 – f/14 – 4 seconds
Fireworks look their best when captured with long exposures, which create those beautiful light trails. A 4-second exposure (like in the sample image) lets you capture multiple bursts in a single frame.
Going longer than 4 seconds can be tricky without a tripod—tiny movements (like breathing or shifting your grip) can introduce blur. If you do have a tripod, try longer exposures (8-15 seconds) for even more dramatic shots. Just remember: if there’s a delay between bursts, cover your lens with a dark cloth to avoid overexposing the scene.
Want to master shutter speed? Check out this guide: [Photography Basics: Shutter Speed](http://www.photographybay.com/2010/01/27/photography-basics-shutter-speed/)
2. Choose a Narrow Aperture
A smaller aperture (between f/8 and f/16) helps retain the rich colors of the fireworks. If your aperture is too wide, the bright explosions may appear washed out, and nearby light sources (like street lamps) could overexpose your shot.
Learn more about aperture here: [Photography Basics: Lens Speed and Aperture](http://www.photographybay.com/2010/01/02/photography-basics-lens-speed-and-aperture/)
3. Keep ISO at 100
A low ISO minimizes noise, keeping your images clean and vibrant. Sticking to ISO 100 ensures your exposure stays balanced with your chosen shutter speed and aperture. If your shots look too dark or lack color, reset to ISO 100, f/16, 4 seconds as a baseline and adjust from there.
4. Go Wide Angle
Most great fireworks photos are taken with a wide-angle lens. This lets you capture the full trajectory—from the launch to the explosion—and reduces the impact of minor camera shake.
Scout your location early to ensure an unobstructed view. If you’re feeling creative, try zooming in for abstract close-ups (though you’ll need extra stability for those).
5. Pre-Focus Before the Show Starts
Sony A700 – ISO 100 – f/14 – 4 seconds
Before the fireworks begin, use autofocus on a distant object (or set focus to infinity), then switch to manual focus to lock it in. This prevents your camera from hunting for focus mid-show.
If your scene includes foreground elements, use the [hyperfocal distance technique](http://www.dofmaster.com/hyperfocal.html#focusing) to keep everything sharp.
6. Stabilize Your Camera
Sony A700 – ISO 100 – f/14 – 4 seconds
Since you’re using long exposures, any movement will blur your shot. No tripod? No problem—but you’ll need to improvise.
7. Brace Against a Solid Surface
None of the sample images here were taken with a tripod—instead, they were shot handheld while braced against a railing, wall, or post. Here’s how:
- Find a sturdy surface (avoid wobbly railings).
- Press your camera firmly against it, using your hands and face for extra support.
- If your camera has a viewfinder, use your eye as a third contact point for stability.
You won’t nail every shot, but with practice, you’ll get some keepers.
More on reducing camera shake: [4 Principles of Photography Marksmanship](http://www.photographybay.com/2009/12/07/4-principles-of-photography-marksmanship/)
8. Use a Remote Shutter (If You Have a Tripod)
A remote shutter release eliminates camera shake by letting you trigger the shot without touching the camera. Affordable options (around $20) are available for most DSLRs:
- Canon users: [Canon RC-1 Remote](http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12935-REG/Canon_2465A001_RC_1_Remote_Controller.html)
- Nikon users: [Nikon ML-L3 Remote](http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/207373-USA/Nikon_4730.html)
9. Shoot in Burst Mode
Timing is everything—fireworks are unpredictable! Once you get a feel for the rhythm, fire away in continuous mode. Even with perfect settings, you’ll need plenty of shots to capture that one magical frame.