To photograph fireworks, mount the camera on a tripod, use a long exposure of a few seconds, and choose a spot upwind of the smoke with a clear view. The bursts are quick but repeat, so you get many chances as the show goes on.
Safety and Courtesy First
Fireworks involve fire, noise and crowds. Watch only from the area set aside for spectators, obey staff and local rules, and keep a safe distance from launch sites. Protect your hearing if the show is loud, keep children and pets in mind, and never touch fallen debris. Be considerate of neighbours when setting up a tripod, and do not block exits or walkways.
Choose Your Spot
- Arrive early so you can scout a view with sky above the launch area.
- Stand upwind, so smoke drifts away from the scene.
- Look for a foreground such as water, a skyline or a bridge to add depth.
- Leave room in the frame, since bursts can climb higher than expected.
Settings and Steps
- Fix the camera to a tripod and turn off image stabilisation if the maker’s guide advises it for tripod use.
- Use manual mode, with a low ISO such as 100 to 200.
- Set the aperture to a middle value, around f/8 to f/11.
- Choose a shutter of about 2 to 6 seconds, or use the bulb setting with a remote release.
- Switch to manual focus and set it to infinity, then check on a distant light before the show.
- Press the shutter as a rocket rises and release after the burst fades.
- Check the screen, then adjust the time if the light looks too bright or too thin.
What Different Exposures Do
| Shutter time | Typical look |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 seconds | Small, crisp bursts |
| 3 to 6 seconds | Full trails and blossoms |
| Longer | Layered bursts, but a risk of blown highlights |
If the sky turns white, shorten the exposure or close the aperture. If bursts look dull, lengthen the time slightly.
Using a Phone
Rest the phone on a stable ledge or small tripod, turn off flash and use night mode if available. Fireworks move fast, so try video and pull a frame out later, or take many shots in a row.
FAQ
Do I need a remote release?
It helps, because pressing the button can shake the camera. A two-second timer works too, but a remote gives better timing.
Why is my focus soft?
Automatic focus often fails in the dark. Set manual focus to infinity and check it on a distant light.
The Short Version
Use a tripod, a low ISO, a mid aperture and exposures of a few seconds. Choose an upwind spot, set manual focus, and follow all safety rules and instructions from staff.