Celebrate The Fourth of July with Great Fireworks Photos!

Have you ever tried to take pictures of fireworks? If so, you probably love photography and are always trying to expand your reach of expertise with your hobby. I would like for you to have maximum success when attempting to capture fireworks or any moving subject you choose to photograph. Let’s face it…TAKING PHOTOS is FUN!

As always with photography there are multiple ways to capture an image. The technique I will inform you about in this post is how to photograph fireworks to look like the traditional fireworks photographs you have come to accept as the standard fireworks display images. Then it will be up to you to experiment a bit to add your personal touch to your digital captures.

Use of a tripod is truly a must when you use longer shutter speeds (1/25th of a second and slower). Having your camera secure on a tripod will eliminate your own movement from ending up being a part of your photographic result.

Having a remote release (to click your shutter) is a nice add-on to your photo gear. This device allows you to shoot photos while not touching your camera. The alternative is to use your self-timer already built into your camera.

For the proper exposure keep these important ideas in mind:

Use manual focus (for DSLR USERS) - You will find the button to choose manual focus on your lens (move the button to M). Once you choose a focus manually in the sky you can leave it set there for all photos that are directed to that composition.

Choose a low ISO (100 is a good choice), for maximum clarity in your photos.

Set your aperture between f/8 and f/22. The higher this number is the longer your shutter speed will be. Experiment with 1-10 second exposures to see what result you like best.

I hope you are now able to take great pictures of fireworks this Fourth of July! If you have more questions or would like to learn more about photography, contact me bob@briskeyphotography.com or 708-588-0100. Our website is www.briskeyphotography.com