Even though the 4th of July celebration in the USA is over for 2019, there are many more opportunities for some fireworks photo throughout the year. If you've tried to capture some fireworks shows this year with your cell phone only to find they were blurry, too dark, too light, or otherwise just deletable, then keep reading to learn a few techniques to get better results next time. #fireworks #photographingfireworks #4thofjulycelebration
“It's not the camera that makes a great photograph, it's the photographer.”
Of course, using a high resolution DSLR will get you much better results for fireworks photos, but when you are kayaking over some rough water to get to a viewing point, you reconsider bringing along an expensive camera. So, the next best thing is your cell phone camera in a waterproof case (and a colorful floaty) and a tripod with a remote. After all, the best camera is the one you have on you when the photo opp occurs! #cellphonecamera #cellphonephotography #cellcameraphotography
"The best camera is the one you have on you when the photo opp occurs!"
Tips for great fireworks photos: Use a tripod and turn off the flash. Turn off the photo review feature so that you have time to take multiple photos in a row without reviewing each one in between shots.
Take a lot of photos but don't look at them until later. I missed quite a few great fireworks because I got excited about what I was capturing and was reviewing my photos at the wrong time!
If your camera has a pro mode:
1) Set ISO to lowest setting or to 100.
2) Set White Balance to Auto.
3) Slightly underexpose the image by increasing the shutter speed or using the exposure compensation (EV). Underexposing will darken the sky and bring out detail in the fireworks.
4) Set your focus point to something in the far distance about where the fireworks will be set off. If you are in an area with no lights to focus on, wait until the show starts and focus on the first few fireworks.
5) Now for the hard part - timing when to press the shutter button! As soon as you hear the sound of the arming of the firework, start pressing the button. If your camera allows burst mode while in the pro mode, by all means, use it!
If your cell phone camera doesn't have a pro mode:
1) Use a tripod, turn off the flash and turn off the review feature.
2) Set your focus point on an area in the distance. Try to avoid having anything directly in front of you in the scene. The camera may focus on the closest subject, so finding an unobstructed view will give you the best focus results.
3) Use the slider to underexpose if you have that feature. Slide it to the negative side.
4) Use burst mode to capture multiple images at a time.
Experiment and Have Fun
“The only bad photograph is the one you didn't take.”
Try out different settings on your camera to see what gives you the best results.
Create a gif file with burst mode images like the one you see here.
Or, use your video mode and film a short clip of the fireworks to share!
Please leave a comment below about your favorite subject to photograph with your cell phone.
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