Tips | Settings for New Year's Eve Fireworks Photography

How to Shoot a Fireworks Display : Bulb Mode / Long Exposure Photography 

Canon EOS Bulb Mode Settings for Photographing Fireworks 

Fireworks Photography : Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens

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

How to Photograph Fireworks Settings / Tips

"Photographing fireworks can be a lot of fun and a great way to capture beautiful, dynamic displays. Here’s a guide to help you get the best shots:

1. Prepare Your Equipment

• Camera: Use a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a high-quality point-and-shoot camera with manual controls.
• Lens: A wide-angle lens works well for capturing the whole scene, while a telephoto lens can isolate specific bursts.
• Tripod: Essential for long exposure shots to avoid camera shake.
• Remote Shutter Release: Reduces the risk of vibrations when pressing the shutter button.
• Spare Batteries and Memory Cards: Fireworks displays can last a while, so be prepared.
  
  

2. Scout the Location

• Arrive early to find the best spot.
• Consider the composition: look for interesting foregrounds like water (for reflections) or landmarks.
• Ensure your view is unobstructed and free from excessive light pollution.
  
  

3. Camera Settings

Mode

• Set your camera to Manual Mode (M).

Focus

• Set focus to Manual and pre-focus on a distant point like the horizon or where fireworks will explode. Use infinity focus if available.

Aperture

• Start with an aperture between f/8 to f/11 for sharpness and to control light.

ISO

• Use a low ISO, such as ISO 100 or 200, to minimize noise.

Shutter Speed

• Use long exposures to capture the full burst. Start with 2 to 5 seconds and adjust as needed.
• Use Bulb Mode if available, allowing you to control when the shutter opens and closes.

White Balance

• Set white balance to Daylight or Auto. You can fine-tune it in post-processing.

RAW Format

• Shoot in RAW to maximize flexibility in post-processing.
  
  

4. During the Show

• Timing: Press the shutter when you hear the firework launch or as it starts to burst.
• Framing: Keep the camera aimed where most bursts occur. You can adjust as needed but be ready for quick changes.
• Layering: For more dynamic shots, capture multiple bursts in one frame using longer exposures.
  
  

5. Post-Processing

• Enhance colors and contrast to make the fireworks pop.
• Use tools like Lightroom or Photoshop to crop, reduce noise, and refine details.
• Avoid over-editing; keep the natural beauty of the fireworks intact.

Extra Tips

• Include silhouettes of people or buildings for scale and context.
• Experiment with zooming in or out during exposure for creative effects.
• Avoid overexposing; once fireworks are blown out, their details can’t be recovered.

With these techniques, you’ll be able to capture stunning fireworks photos that are sure to impress! (Source ChatGPT 2024)

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.

More Firework Photography Images >>

Any 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 Photography : Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM lens

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 kilometres from fireworks over Woodbridge Island towards the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town - captured from Arnhem 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