With the New Year only one or two days off you have the perfect opportunity to catch all those miraculous fireworks display on camera. But do you know the simplest way to make it work? Do you have the skills to capture all those monumental moments on camera? While plenty of folks are not sure if they can do it properly, you need to know that snapping fireworks isn't as complicated as the majority think it is. It's really quite simple "if you know the tricks!
So , what do you need to do if you're planning to photograph fireworks? Here are some tips you could need to consider:
Bring the right equipment.
When shooting firework displays and night photography, it is always advisable to utilise a tripod. Since you will be using longer shutter speeds to capture all those sharpened pictures, you want to be sure that your camera remains as rock solid as it possibly can. And depending on your hands to do the job can be a terribly challenging one, to say the least. Just how long do you actually think you can keep your hands steady? It just can't work. Period. My advise "get a tripod.
Another necessary equipment you will need to take along with you on location is a remote release device "whether it's a wire or an RC unit. This is going to help make sure that there'll be no nonessential shakes as you release the shutter.
And please don't forget to bring a flashlight with you. It's really tough to fumble in the dark when you are trying to adjust your camera settings, right?
Lastly, don't forget to pack in some spare batteries and memory cards. You will be shooting a lot of pictures so it's better to be prepared for any situations.
Get the finest possible view.
To do this, you might need to go to the area at daytime so you can plan well ahead of time. Scout for areas that provide a clear view of the sight that is preparing to occur. Consider sites that satisfy the following criteria:
- Free from all possible obstructions like buildings, trees, wires or other people's heads. A high view point such as the top of a roof or a hill will be excellent for such purposes.
- Includes a famous historic landmark that will help enhance your shots.
- Has a vast body of water. The fireworks ' reflection in the water can add drama to your photos!
Don't put yourself in smoke's way.
All fireworks produce smoke and this can get between you and that perfect shot you're aiming towards. Hence find out where the wind is blowing and pick a location that isn't against it. This way, the smoke won't affect the quality of your pictures and you will get sharper, more vivid photographs.
Know the ideal settings.
To capture the best fireworks display photographs, you might need to consider the following camera settings:
- Don't use your flash. It will take the focus out of the bursts.
- Keep your ISO low (preferably at 100) to boost your chances of getting sharper photographs.
- If your camera has a fireworks mode, use it. If it doesn't, remember to keep your aperture at f/8 to f/16.
- Set your shutter speed between 1 to 15 seconds. But if you want to capture some really good photographs, use the bulb mode.
- You can use the infinity focus or the manual focus mode. Different gurus have different views on this one so go ahead and see what works best for you.
Some more handy tips in snapping fireworks:
- Keep shooting. It's good to take a large amount of photographs to enhance your prospects of getting that perfect shot.
- Track your results from time to time. Check you are not shooting a batch of duds.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. Are you wanting to shoot from a wider viewpoint? Are you wanting to include silhouettes in the foreground? You can do these and more! Be at liberty to do whatsoever you want. Keep experimenting!
So , there you have it "the secrets to shooting perfect fireworks stills. Now, are you feeling confident that you can shoot some pretty good photos this New Year's eve? Go for it!
So , what do you need to do if you're planning to photograph fireworks? Here are some tips you could need to consider:
Bring the right equipment.
When shooting firework displays and night photography, it is always advisable to utilise a tripod. Since you will be using longer shutter speeds to capture all those sharpened pictures, you want to be sure that your camera remains as rock solid as it possibly can. And depending on your hands to do the job can be a terribly challenging one, to say the least. Just how long do you actually think you can keep your hands steady? It just can't work. Period. My advise "get a tripod.
Another necessary equipment you will need to take along with you on location is a remote release device "whether it's a wire or an RC unit. This is going to help make sure that there'll be no nonessential shakes as you release the shutter.
And please don't forget to bring a flashlight with you. It's really tough to fumble in the dark when you are trying to adjust your camera settings, right?
Lastly, don't forget to pack in some spare batteries and memory cards. You will be shooting a lot of pictures so it's better to be prepared for any situations.
Get the finest possible view.
To do this, you might need to go to the area at daytime so you can plan well ahead of time. Scout for areas that provide a clear view of the sight that is preparing to occur. Consider sites that satisfy the following criteria:
- Free from all possible obstructions like buildings, trees, wires or other people's heads. A high view point such as the top of a roof or a hill will be excellent for such purposes.
- Includes a famous historic landmark that will help enhance your shots.
- Has a vast body of water. The fireworks ' reflection in the water can add drama to your photos!
Don't put yourself in smoke's way.
All fireworks produce smoke and this can get between you and that perfect shot you're aiming towards. Hence find out where the wind is blowing and pick a location that isn't against it. This way, the smoke won't affect the quality of your pictures and you will get sharper, more vivid photographs.
Know the ideal settings.
To capture the best fireworks display photographs, you might need to consider the following camera settings:
- Don't use your flash. It will take the focus out of the bursts.
- Keep your ISO low (preferably at 100) to boost your chances of getting sharper photographs.
- If your camera has a fireworks mode, use it. If it doesn't, remember to keep your aperture at f/8 to f/16.
- Set your shutter speed between 1 to 15 seconds. But if you want to capture some really good photographs, use the bulb mode.
- You can use the infinity focus or the manual focus mode. Different gurus have different views on this one so go ahead and see what works best for you.
Some more handy tips in snapping fireworks:
- Keep shooting. It's good to take a large amount of photographs to enhance your prospects of getting that perfect shot.
- Track your results from time to time. Check you are not shooting a batch of duds.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. Are you wanting to shoot from a wider viewpoint? Are you wanting to include silhouettes in the foreground? You can do these and more! Be at liberty to do whatsoever you want. Keep experimenting!
So , there you have it "the secrets to shooting perfect fireworks stills. Now, are you feeling confident that you can shoot some pretty good photos this New Year's eve? Go for it!
About the Author:
Roy Barker provides insights and tips on photography methodologies, composition, ceative input and the way to start a lucrative photography business.
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