Fireworks Photography Done Differently

Last year around this time, I was stoked about the 4th of July. I’d gotten a new lens for my camera and was ready to shoot some awesome fireworks. I had my tripod and cable release, I had my focus set on infinity and was prepared for long shutter speeds.

The next day I realized that I’d taken over 200 photos of fireworks and only a handful of shots that included my family and friends. A friend of mine had taken his camera along and had only snapped a few photos. One shot he’d taken was of his son holding up a miniature American flag with the fireworks going off in the background.

I was stunned. Here I was supposed to be the budding photographer in the family and my whole batch of photos was void of emotion and life. To this day, I still haven’t been through all 200+ fireworks photos, and I honestly couldn’t care less about them.

I had missed the point, you see? I had done my research and found out the “right” way to shoot fireworks, but I was too narrowly focused on that and forgot to look around at my surroundings to see what other photo opportunities were available.

Focus on What’s Important
Let’s face it–if you’re reading this, you’re probably not a professional fireworks photographer. So, resist the urge to plant your camera on the tripod and point it solely at the sky. One search on Flickr or Google Images will turn up millions of these types of photos.

Instead, why not put friends or family in-between you and the fireworks and get them silhouetted against the fire in the sky. Or, turn away from the fireworks completely and get their reactions to the show. Their expressions could have more appeal and longevity than your shots of the fireworks.

Sit Upwind
You really only have a few moments to take nice, clear images. The more fireworks that go off, the more smoke that hangs around in the sky.

If possible, try to sit upwind of the fireworks. This way the wind will blow the smoke away from you and give you the best results. Regardless, the first few moments are really your best bet for a clear sky. So, take what shots you need early so you can enjoy the rest of the show.

Make a Pretty Background
While good fireworks photos can make a strong impact, fireworks can also be used to make a dazzling background. If you have the chance, try to make the fireworks supplement your main subject rather than be the main subject.

Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Show
I once went with my family to the Grand Canyon. I had my camera with me and had my eye glued to it the entire time. I was taking picture after picture, and then when our bus was ready to leave I felt like I hadn’t gotten a chance to actually see the Grand Canyon. I just went and took pictures of it.

The majority of people don’t get to experience Fireworks that often. So, don’t spend the entire time with the camera to your eye. Sit back and enjoy the show for a change.