Photographing Fireworks... Tips?

[0iD]

As title, some tips for us DSLR n00bs on capturing the wonder of fireworks from you photography pro's

[Terbinator]

Safety first! Make sure you have your gloves and wellies on

[Workaholic]

If your camera has a fireworks mode switch the shoot mode to that from Auto or Night.
Secondly and most importantly, make sure you're warm and cosy so there's no shake on the camera otherwise your photos will all be a burr. If you can/have one take a tripod/monopod to help.

[KidChameleon]

Experiment is the short answer. It's not too hard once you find out what settings work.

Use full manual.

Generally, an exposure of about 1 to 2 seconds works well. It depends when you start the exposure - do you want some fizz with the bang? Or just a puff ball? That's when timing comes into it. Start the shot as the rocket goes up for a stem, or start it as it explodes for a ball of colour. Setting the exposure to "bulb" and using a remote and your own judgement could be usefeul.

Aperture isn't too important because you won't really notice any depth of field. Just keep it open, or up to a few stops closed.

ISO200 should be ok.

Manual focus and set it to infinity/long distance.

Try to stand back and maybe get some scenery in the shot. Silhouettes of the surrounding objects can look good, such as a line of people if you're at a show. But that depends how well lit they are.

[Blastuk]

Shooting with a DSLR?

Extra layers of clothing and then some more (if you intend to stay still for hours you will need it)+ gloves
Tripod is a must.

Approx settings: ISO 100/200 2-4 sec exposure F5.6-F11
That's quite a big range in settings, but it really depends on your needs.

I just got home shooting my town's fireworks (literally at the top of a high up place looking down) and found out a few things:
I had a tshirt+thick jacket+windproofcoat+2 hoods from both jacket and coat and I was freezing after an hour.
My feet felt like ice too -.-

There's no point trying to photograph small fireworks unless you are right there.. they're tiny.

A bit of zoom is useful if you're not at a big display and just shooting off into the distance.

Some fireworks take longer to go up and explode so vary the shutter time if you're expecting it.

It was windy and shaking my camera lots

(I'm posting here because I got cold and bored so I decided to go home.)

[Ruggerbugger]

thanks for this topic, was going to post the same question myself. My problem is height - do I try and be precise with a zoom and risk missing the bloom, or do I go with the 10mm wide angle for safety?

[Blastuk]

Originally Posted by Ruggerbugger

thanks for this topic, was going to post the same question myself. My problem is height - do I try and be precise with a zoom and risk missing the bloom, or do I go with the 10mm wide angle for safety?

That's completely a personal choice of composition is it not?

If you're not directly under it you could find an interesting foreground(lol it's dark) and zoom in a bit.. I imagine a 10mm would be useful if you're at a big show and you're right under it.

[Bobster]

ISO200 F10 1sec should do the trick

[Ruggerbugger]

well, it's raining now, so pffff

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