I LOVE firework displays! In Pittsburgh, they are a multisensory experience. One of the local radio stations plays the “soundtrack” while the art show is displayed in the sky. It’s spectacular!

In anticipation of the Fourth of July fireworks display this year, I’m refreshing my memory about the best ways to shoot fireworks. While there was nothing I didn’t already know in the articles I read, a refresher is never a bad idea.

The most important things are to:

1. Show up early, figure out the best angle, set your focus, ISO, shutter, and aperture while you can still see.

2. Use a tripod

3. Set your focus manually, preferably before the show begins.

4. Set your aperture between f8 and f16. I usually stick with f8 or f11.

5. Set your shutter on bulb. Hold it down while the firework is open, then release. A remote release is best so that your images are not ruined by your shaky hand.

6. It’s nice to include other things in the photo, like buildings or statues.Whether or not this is really a good idea depends on where you are shooting from.

7. Take tons of photos. It’s digital, so it will cost you nothing to take more than you think you need.

 Click here to see the rest of the fireworks I shot in Clifton Heights, PA. 

Here are a few useful links that might help you get your best fireworks photos:

1. http://digital-photography-school.com/15-tips-for-successful-fireworks-photography

2. http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-tips/photographing-fireworks/

3. http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Photography-Tips/Fireworks.aspx