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Capturing FIREWORKS with your Camera!

Posted by on June 26, 2012

Can you believe it’s going to be the 4th of July next week already?? And with that, the first thought that comes to my mind are fireworks!

How many of you have already begun hearing them go off around your neighborhoods?

Well, how many of you have tried capturing fireworks with your camera, but the shots didn’t come out, or they were blurry?  Well, I’m going to give you a few tips on how to turn this 4th of July around and leave yourself with some lasting memories.

1) Use a Tripod

The tripod will balance out the movement of your camera making for a clearer shot especially since fireworks take place during the night.

2) Have a cable release or self timer

This way it gives your camera absolutely zero movement when it takes it shot of the fireworks going off! If you don’t have the cable release, set your camera up so there is an automatic timer to go off with your shot, that way you give yourself enough time to hit the camera button and move away so the camera has zero motion when that shutter goes off.

3) Position Yourself Wisely and Arrive Early

Stake out your spot wisely.  Be cautious of people who could be in your way or objects such as trees, power lines that could ruin the shot.

4) Were you aware of FIREWORKS mode?

Some cameras today have a fireworks mode built into their camera.  This is really nice for beginner photographers, has all the settings you need right there!

5) Know the ISO to use!

If you’re using a tripod because fireworks are so bright you’re okay with keeping your camera at ISO 100 as long as you use a F-stop of F8-F16.  If you up your ISO to 200, make sure to also up your F-stop.  However, if you forgot the tripod at home, make sure to also up your iso.

6) Be aware of the weather

Mist, or clouds will affect your exposure in your pictures, you will have to make adequate adjustments to fit accordingly.

7) Put other objects to use! 

Have you ever noticed the firework pictures that have other objects along with them?  They make for some great photos.  So, get out there, and get creative.  Scour out the area you’re at, and think of how you can place an object into your photograph.

8) Give yourself a longer exposure

This is a huge reason why there is a need for a tripod so you can set your camera up for a longer exposure.  Anywhere between 1-4 second delay is recommended!

Other great articles found on capturing fireworks can be found below:

http://www.samsung.com/us/article/snap–share-capture-amazing-fireworks

http://www.nyip.com/ezine/holidays/digfirewks.html

http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-fireworks

Get out there and have fun! I’m hoping for far better results this year than past years, and I look forward to sharing them all with you =)

Happy Shooting!

 

 

 

 

 

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