Help! How to take firework pictures?

[mommi97]

No, do NOT use the sports setting. It will use higher ISO setting (more noise) and faster shutter speed (something you do NOT want for fireworks).

If your camera has Night Mode, use that, but DON'T FORGET to DISABLE the flash.

Also, use a tripod.

What ISO setting should you have for fireworks, I have mine set to 400, should I lower it?

 

[Kelly Grannell]

For digital camera, I set it to the lowest possible ISO setting. Depending on the camera, it may be ISO 50, ISO 80 or ISO 100.

Another rule of thumb, the higher the ISO, the grainier the picture will look (especially when enlarged, even moreso if the background is mostly black).

 

[cseca]

Hi Kelly,
Just curious, with your fav settings do you have to use a tripod?
Thanks for your suggestions...

 

[mommi97]

For digital camera, I set it to the lowest possible ISO setting. Depending on the camera, it may be ISO 50, ISO 80 or ISO 100.

Another rule of thumb, the higher the ISO, the grainier the picture will look (especially when enlarged, even moreso if the background is mostly black).

Ok just call me stupid, then what is the purpose for the higher ISO? I always thought the higher the ISO the better the picture, now I just bought 800 speed film for my regular camera thinking it would be best, should I return it? And during the day should I just keep my camera on ISO 64 all the time (that is the lowest on my digital)

 

[deedeew80]

Thanks for the info. I will definately try taking the pics with the flash off. I use 800speed film, is this ok to use??

 

[WeLubDeeDub]

A higher ISO, whether on film or on digital, allows more light to be applied to the picture during the time that the shutter is open. For film, it means that the film itself is more sensitive to light. On digital cameras, it means that the sensor (CCD) captures light more quickly than the other settings. A higher ISO generally allows you to use faster shutter speeds for low light shots (for example an indoor shot that you don't want to use the flash on...say blowing out birthday candles). For well lit/daytime pictures, the lowest ISO is always recommended for best picture quality.

As far as a higher (digital) ISO being grainy, that depends on the camera. My Digital Rebel XT at ISO1600 is a little less grainy than my Powershot G3 at ISO400. But overall, Kelly's rule of thumb is correct. Just how much though, depends on the camera.

 

[Jackie H.]

I did not read all the replies, so forgive me if this is a repeat.

Leave the flash on, but cover it up with your hand. This way you get the regular shutter speed but the actual flash doesn't mess up your pictures. It is a simple fix that won't require you to sit your camera on something for steadiness and you can get some really good pictures. At least I have in the past.

 

[lpizzuro123]

I have a Kodak Digital Easyshare 4 mp. I do not have a fireworks setting but I do have a burst feature. When you put this on and hold the button down it take a series of six pictures in rapid succession. I usually get some good pictures with this feature and since it is digital I just print the best ones.
Linda

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Hi Kelly,
Just curious, with your fav settings do you have to use a tripod?
Thanks for your suggestions...

Yes, I tripod should always be used for shutter speed lower than 1/60 sec (in general). I personally can go as low as 1/30 sec handheld and some people can go as low as 1/10 sec handheld. However, 1 sec exposure is a definite need for a tripod.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Leave the flash on, but cover it up with your hand. This way you get the regular shutter speed but the actual flash doesn't mess up your pictures. It is a simple fix that won't require you to sit your camera on something for steadiness and you can get some really good pictures. At least I have in the past.

By doing this, you will still use a shutter speed of anywhere between 1/60 sec to 1/90 sec. Not enough to make a willow-tree-like fireworks pics.