Community Corner

How to Photograph Fireworks this Fourth of July

A photographer gives advice on capturing the sparkle in the sky for point-and-shoots and professionals.

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By Sarah Flagg

Capturing photos of fireworks is a challenge that can be mastered easily with the right equipment and settings on your camera. Click through the photos above to read a short tutorial to help you capture the rockets' red glare on the Fourth of July.  

Equipment needed:

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  • Camera: Either a point-and-shoot or a SLR (single lens reflex).
  • Tripod: To keep the camera steady and prevent motion blur.
  • Flashlight: To see the camera settings in the dark.
  • Wireless Trigger or cable release: Not vital, but it helps prevent camera shake if you have one.
Steps to take (follow with the photos above): 

  • Mount camera on a tripod, keeping it low to the ground and making sure nothing obstructing your view of the fireworks. 
  • Set camera to fireworks or scene mode and make sure the flash is off. 
  • Set the focus to infinity.
  • To reduce noise, set the ISO to 100, and then arrange your shutter speed and aperture. 
  • Most fireworks only last a few seconds, so set the shutter speed for 2 seconds and adjust if necessary. Keep aperture around F/8.
  • When the rockets start flaring, press the shutter or your wireless remote. Watch the beautiful photos appear before you.

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