How to photgraph fireworks

[mom0299]

I have a Nikon D3000 and am still learning. What settings should I use to get good pictures of fireworks this weekend?

 

[cpbjgc]

Check out the Welcome to the Photography Board sticky, it has a number of links to "how to" threads, including shooting fireworks.

 

[mom0299]

Check out the Welcome to the Photography Board sticky, it has a number of links to "how to" threads, including shooting fireworks.

Thank you! I knew there had to be something somewhere. I'll check it out.

 

[ssanders79]

Use a tripod and if you have one a remote shutter release.

 

[mom2rtk]

1) As mentioned, you need it on a tripod.
2) ISO 100 or 200
3) As mentioned, use a remote shutter release
4) Set the shutter speed long or use "Bulb" so you can decide with each shot. I think most of my shots are 4-7 seconds
5) Aperture f/11 (give or take)
6) focus set to infinity

Have fun! "Shooting" fireworks is a lot of fun!

 

[Golf4food]

1) As mentioned, you need it on a tripod.
2) ISO 100 or 200
3) As mentioned, use a remote shutter release
4) Set the shutter speed long or use "Bulb" so you can decide with each shot. I think most of my shots are 4-7 seconds
5) Aperture f/11 (give or take)
6) focus set to infinity

Have fun! "Shooting" fireworks is a lot of fun!

Some also like using a neutral density filter in addition to all of the above rules, especially for longer bursts like the finale of Wishes, etc.

 

[mom2rtk]

Some also like using a neutral density filter in addition to all of the above rules, especially for longer bursts like the finale of Wishes, etc.

Good addition! I have one of those now and I'm thinking of trying it this weekend!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Just another thought, I have plenty of pictures of fireworks going over the castle or from back home at local parks and what not. One thing I tried to do in the last year was to take a tip from Tom Bricker (WDWFigment) and work on my People Factor (or whatever he called it )

Here's 2 different perspectives for shooting Wishes.......

 

[Ben Miller]

Great Tips!! Thanks!

 

[Nature Mom]

I'm a lurker on this board but thought I would share a link that I saw on FB today from Smithsonian Institute covering just this topic. http://blog.photography.si.edu/2011/06/28/tips-from-smithsonian-photographing-fireworks/

 

[kshark]

Some tips from one of my all time favorite photographers:

http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/2011/06/13/shooting-fireworks/

 

[Shutterbug]

6) focus set to infinity

I want to add a note concerning this. Check your lens before automatically just putting in on infinity. During the day focus on something far away and then make a note of it on the lens.

Last summer I took a ton of shots of the Milky Way. I had put my lens (Tamron 17-50) on infinity. After getting home from my trip and looking at the pics, all the shots were slightly out of focus

When I tested my lens and focusing on something far away. I found the best focused shot was just to the left of infinity.