There are some simple tips that can eliminate some of the guesswork from photographing fireworks and make it stress-free and predictable.
First. use a tripod. The best way to photograph fireworks is to use a slow shutter-speed or long exposure. That makes getting a sharp images by hand-holding your camera more challenging.
Second, ideally use a camera that allows you to set your exposure manually. That allows you to hold the shutter open for a length of time to let the light from the fireworks build up on your sensor if you are shooting digitally or on your film if you are doing it the old-fashioned way.
Now, if you have a camera with a manual option and a tripod. you're ready to shoot. Aim the lens where the fireworks will be in the sky. Set your aperture at something that will give you some depth of field like f/8. If you have a cable release use it and set your shutter speed to B or bulb. This lets you hold the shutter open as long as you wish. If you don't have the option to set your camera on bulb then choose a long shutter speed like1/2 to 1 second. Choose a focus that is a good distance away. The infinity setting on some lenses is a good option.
When the fireworks start to launch, hold open the shutter. Let fireworks burst in the air and release the shutter to let it close. If you are using a digital camera, check your results and adjust if you need to.
If you are using a camera with automatic settings, check to see if your camera has a night or a nighttime city light's setting. Again, a tripod will yield the best results.
If your camera is fully automatic then, one step you can do to help your camera pick the right settings is to turn off your flash. That will put your camera in the right mode to expose with the light available. Be sure and hold your camera very steady.
If you have a tripod for your smartphone, there are apps that allow your camera to emulate slow shutter speeds. These can be fun to experiment with for night photography and fireworks. Search for 'slow shutter' in the app store.
Once you've managed the technical end of things, you can think about your composition. You may choose to shoot tight shots of the fireworks themselves. Another option is to shoot wider and include compelling elements in the foreground like a building or a crowd of people. Thoughts about composition and framing can take your photos to the next level.
Learn all about area fireworks and Fourth of July events in tomorrow's Weekend edition. Follow Tulsa World Photo on Twitter.
PHOTO & VIDEO: View photography, videos and visual journalism from the Tulsa World staff.
Fireworks launched from ONEOK Freedom Fest line the Tulsa skyline and are reflected in the Arkansas River on July 4, 2011. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
Fireworks in Duck Creek on Sunday during the Grand Lake blue green algae scare on July 4th weekend, 2011. JOEY JOHNSON/ For the Tulsa World
Fireworks explode over the Arkansas river during the ONEOK Freedom Fest on the west bank of the Arkansas river on July 4, 2012. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World
Fireworks after the Tulsa Drillers defeated the Midland RockHounds May 27, 2012. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Fireworks explode over the Arkansas river during the ONEOK Freedom Fest on the west bank of the Arkansas river on July 4, 2012. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World
