Few events rival the mesmerizing brilliance of a fireworks display so in this blog post, we wanted to explore various techniques and tips to help you capture fireworks like never before.
Tips on How to Shoot Fireworks Videos:
- Use a tripod.
- Use manual exposure settings.
- ISO – Keep it low
- Use manual focus settings.
Creative Ideas for Capturing Fireworks:
- Slow Motion
- Unfocus your DSLR to get a nice bokeh effect.
- Vary the shutter speed.
- Use Reflections
- Adjust the White Balance settings.
- Vary the focal length/field of view
- Capture the audience
Where I live, we have weekly fireworks displays so in the below video I tested some of the above ideas. However, I could not get reaction shots since I went alone and did not want to be arrested for being a creeper with a huge camera and lens directly pointed at some stranger’s cute little kid. . . Although on a side note, in the United States it is legal to film people without their permission as long as it’s in a public space. Think paparazzi and TMZ. They would cease to exist if it were illegal.
The below video is the result of my attempts at using slow motion, bokeh, and changing the shutter speed. I apologize for the blurry footage in the beginning. Remember, I’m just learning as I go and hoping to take you all along for the ride so that you can learn as well:
One final tip: Set it and forget it. At a certain point, just set the camera aside. You can keep recording the show but quit fussing with the camera and just be in the moment instead of worrying about trying to capture it. Life is short so enjoy the fireworks display right before your eyes instead of through the LCD screen. And enjoy your friends and family around you.
Random Fact: Speaking of life being short. Did you know that when you die you can have your cremated ashes made into a professional fireworks display for your loved ones to watch? One company offering such a service is Angels-Flight Another company, Heavens Above Fireworks also offers self-fired rockets and also offer services for pet ashes as well. Now that is truly going out with a bang!
