Here's how to win at photographing fireworks with 4 different methods, step-by-step - http://xlightphotography.com/how-to-photograph-fireworks-like-boss/

1. 4 WAYS TO
SHOOT
FIREWORKS

2. HELLO!
My name is Buah Chi Ku, I share
the passion for photography by
giving free presentations. You can
find me @buahchiku

3. “Police arrested two kids yesterday,
one was drinking battery acid, the
other was eating fireworks. They
charged one and let the other one
off. “
- Tommy Cooper

4. • A decent camera – DSLR or Mirrorless.
• Shooting with a sturdy tripod is highly
recommended.
• A remote trigger to reduce camera shake.
• Black card or piece of black paper – If you are
planning to use the black card method.
WHAT YOU NEED

5. • Do your homework and plan!
• Do not go in blind as a bat.
• When – Which date and what time are the fireworks
going off?
• Where – Which location, any off-limit areas? Where are
the vantage points?
• Prepare – Bring your food, drinks, extra batteries,
portable chairs, etc…
BEFORE THE SHOOT

6. • If you are absolutely new to photography – there is no shame shooting with
auto.
• Otherwise, use the manual mode.
• My usual settings – Wide aperture f/2.8 to f/5.6, decent ISO 400 – 1600.
• The key is to keep a decently fast shutter speed to prevent blur photos.
• Use the reciprocal rule as guideline. Minimum shutter speed should be
1/focal length.
METHOD 1 - HANDHELD

7. • Step 1 – Frame and compose. Deploy your tripod.
• Step 2 – Adjust the focus, then switch to manual focus mode. Do not shift
the camera anymore.
• Step 3 – Start with small aperture f/5.6 to f/8. Keep the ISO as low as
possible, then set the shutter speed to “bulb”.
• Step 4 – Take your test shot, keep the shutter open for about 3-5 secs. You
should ideally get a slightly under-exposed photo with the settings.
• Step 5 – Take the photos as fireworks go off. Review and readjust your
timing and settings if you must.
METHOD 2 – BULB MODE

9. • Step 1 – Frame and compose. Deploy your tripod. Adjust the focus, then
switch to manual focus mode. Do not shift the camera anymore.
• Step 2 – Start with small aperture f/8 or more. Keep the ISO as low as
possible, then set the shutter speed to “bulb”.
• Step 3 – As the fireworks start, cover the lens with the black card and jam
the shutter open. Uncover the lens when you see fireworks that you like,
cover it once the fireworks disperse. Repeat this 3-5 times.
• Step 4 – Release the shutter and review your photo. Readjust your settings
if needed.
METHOD 3 – BLACK CARD

11. • Step 1 – Go earlier during sunset/blue hour.
• Step 2 – Frame and compose. Deploy your tripod. Adjust the focus, then
switch to manual focus mode. Take your base shot during blue hour, and do
not shift the camera anymore.
• Step 3 – Take multiple shots of the fireworks as they go off. ¼ to 1 sec will
suffice for each shot.
• Step 4 – Open the base shot in Photoshop and do your basic adjustments.
• Step 5 – Next, choose fireworks that your like, copy-and-paste them into
your base shot. Set the blend mode of the pasted fireworks as “screen”.
METHOD 4 – PHOTOSHOP STACKING

13. THANK YOU
For the full guide on how to do
fireworks photography, please visit –
http://xlightphotography.com/how-to-
photograph-fireworks-like-boss/