Have you ever wondered how to capture amazing, unique fireworks photos? You may have tried snapping a picture or two with your smart phone, or you’ve seen fellow fireworks-watchers trying to capture fireworks using the flash on their camera. I’m guessing that most of those pictures fell flat.
I came upon this method on accident, simply by experimenting with different techniques over the years. Now, Independence Day is one of my favorite photo-taking holidays because I can not only capture the essence of the fireworks display, but I feel like I’m creating art. I love it…and I hope you do too!
I know that the holiday is over and everyone is probably sick of seeing fireworks photos after being barraged last night on Instagram and Facebook, but I couldn’t help but post a few of my favorite shots from last night’s fireworks show:
The 4th of July (and specifically 4th of July Fireworks) really is one of my all-time favorite days of the year for taking pictures. I discovered quite by accident a technique for capturing fireworks shots that look more like Spirograph pictures. I call it painting with fireworks.
How to create unique & stunning fireworks photos
If you’d like to try this technique, it really is simple. You just need a camera that has a manual mode.
Here’s what I do: Set the camera to manual mode. Last night I set my shutter speed to one second (1″) and my aperture to 10. I keep my ISO at a low 250. {Click any of the links in this paragraph for tutorials I’ve written to explain the technical terms.}
And here’s the fun part. When fireworks go off, point your lens in the direction of the fireworks, click your shutter button and wave your camera around to make different designs to create spirograph-type designs OR hold your camera still to create images that show the motion of the fireworks.
Play around with different settings and get creative! You’ll get hooked on painting with fireworks.
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The lens that I usually use is my Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens (for Canon). I like zooming in and out while the shutter is open. It creates another fun effect!
What lens do you use for the firework shots?
Thanks!
Well there is New Year’s coming up in a few months :D
Now you just have to wait another year to try it out. ;)
I personally think that the 60D is the way to go. You will NOT be disappointed, I promise! I’ve had four different Canons and loved them all, but the 60D is my favorite (even more than the more expensive 7D).
Your photos are always so great. I think I am going to get the 60D since I have been going back and forth between it and the t4i (of course I am going to read up a little more just in case, I hate buyers remorse haha) but totally going to start following your tutorials because I never really took the time to learn a whole bunch. Love the fire works shot.
While taking photos last night I was wondering how to do this! pretty cool. thanks.