Top 10 Fireworks Photo Tips

 

By Stephanie Andre

RISMEDIA, July 1, 2010--WIth the holiday weekend approaching, it's a great time to sit back with friends and family and take in some amazing aerial displays - fireworks.

But like many, your photos probably never come out as well as seeing it live. Well, maybe that's changing. Check out these tips from Shutterfly.com photo blogger Rachel B. on taking some amazing fireworks photos:

1. Extra Memory Cards - the more photos you can take, the better chance you have of walking away with some great shots

2. Keep your finger on the button - prevent ‘camera shake' by not releasing the shutter button right away

3. Focus faraway - fireworks explode far away from you. To record them clearly, set your digital camera focus to infinity. If your digital camera has preset focus modes, look for the mountain icon either on a camera switch or in a menu

4. Tripod is a must - tripods are key in making your fireworks photos crisp. If you can't bring a tripod, make sure you brace your camera, or your hands (holding the camera) on something solid

5. Location location location - location also plays an important role. Avoid streetlights that may outshine the brightness of the fireworks. Also choose a spot that's not highly trafficked, in order to avoid people walking in front of your shot

6. No flash - using flash won't do a thing for you

7. Higher ISO - try increasing your digital camera's ISO setting from 100 to 200 (check your manual for details) in order to shorten exposure time. Your photo might look a little grainy, but this shouldn't be too noticeable.

8. Filler - to fill the empty space of the night sky, try incorporating a landmark into your photo - a building, statue, etc...

9. Angle it - try tilting your camera to add more variety/interest to your photo

10. High Exposure - to capture the full effect of those fireworks, set your camera's exposure time (shutter speed) to between .5 and 4 seconds