How To Photograph Fireworks

While we are focussing on shooting festivals, we thought it would be great to also take a look at another big aspect of festivals – fireworks! They form a big part of a lot of festivals, and are commonly seen in not just Indian festivals, but other events and celebrations across the world.

- Abhishek Desai

It is essential to capture this side of the festivals and events as well. However, photographing fireworks is not as easy at it looks. In this article, we will talk to you about tips and techniques that you can put to use when photographing fireworks at the next event you attend.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

It would be ideal to shoot a firework scene with a DSLR. You will need specific lenses for this, we will talk more about what type of lenses later in the article. A tripod is also a must for this, if you do not want to miss stunning shots. Make sure the memory card you’re using is empty, and carry at least one extra memory card, to be safe in case you run out of memory.

WHERE TO SHOOT FROM

Deciding the location where you shoot the fireworks from is also very important to the pictures that you will get. It is important to shoot from a distance, and not get too close or under the fireworks, as the pictures you get from that angle will quite monotonous and unimpressive. The images from that angle will simply be you looking up at the fireworks. Whereas if you go far away, and get a wider angle view, you would get more interesting shots. You will also be able to include other elements in your images.

Your best bet would be to go to an open space where there is nothing or few things obstructing your view of the fireworks scene before you. Getting atop buildings or nearby hills that will provide you a good vantage point from a distance is also a good idea.