Tips / Settings for New Year's Eve Fireworks Photography

Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens - V&A Waterfront

Getting ready for capturing NYE Fireworks? A few quick tips / settings to get new photographers going with photographing firework displays (Cape Town). 

How to shoot NYE Fireworks?

Canon EOS DSLR Settings for attached photographs:

• Bulb Mode
• Shutter Speed +- 4 - 6 seconds
• Aperture f/8 - f/11
• IS0 100 - 200
• Manual focus
• RAW

A sturdy tripod is essential. I've used a cable release (optional). No built-in or Speedlite flash.

All DSLR's should be good to go (most compacts as well).

Lens selection will be distance-dependent. Setup +- 30 minutes before the event and take a few test shots.

Fireworks / Long Exposure Image Below: I've used my Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens at +- 250mm (app 1.5 kilometers from fireworks over Woodbridge Island towards the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town - captured from Arhem Milnerton).

Best Vantage Points for Cape Town NYE Fireworks (not close to the V&A Waterfront)
Should you wish not to drive / go into the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town for photographing the NYE Fireworks, the Milnerton areas between Lagoon Beach and Milnerton Beach (Woodbridge Island) should provide for plenty opportunities for setting up tripods (with a clear view towards the V&A Waterfront).

Lagoon Beach / Milnerton Beach / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town Google Map

Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens - V&A Waterfront, Cape Town NYE Fireworks Display 

Long Exposure / Night Photography Setup & Tips View