Fireworks Photography

This is the weekend for photographing fireworks.  A comprehensive list of local shows can be found on the WDIV site.  www.clickondetroit.com/news/19632208/detail.html

To get good shots of fireworks follow these simple guidelines:

• Choose an area with a good view. Watch out for obstructions, like poles, trees and buildings.  Get as close as your camera will allow
• Use a tripod.  A shutter speed of 1/4 to 30 seconds works best

Manual Settings

• Set your camera to ISO 200 - 800
• Use a fairly open lens setting, let the light in.  Close the aperture down 1 to 2 stops from wide open.
• Set you AF to manual, focus on infinity

Automatic Settings/Point and Shoot Camera

• There are too many different cameras and modes to describe.  Try different settings for best results

Work out the timing of the thump of the launch and the boom of the explosion.  To include the most complete firework, open the shutter just before the explosion and close it near the end, as the firework dies out.  Try leaving the shutter open for multiple fireworks for a layered effect.

Get out, have some fun, burn up some pixels