How to Photograph Fireworks: 10 Tips from the Experts

Capturing the magical bursts of colour and light during a fireworks display can be challenging, but immensely rewarding. Whether you’re a beginner eager to preserve memories of a special celebration or an experienced photographer looking to add dramatic night sky images to your portfolio, this guide will help you master the art of firework photography. Let’s dive in!

Essential Equipment for Fireworks Photography

Before heading out to capture those spectacular explosions in the night sky, you’ll need to ensure you have the right gear.

Camera & Lens Choices

While smartphones can capture decent firework photos in a pinch, a DSLR or mirrorless camera will give you significantly better results. The ability to control exposure settings manually is vital. As for lenses, a wide-angle option (16-35mm) works brilliantly for capturing the entire display and surrounding scenery. If you want to focus on individual bursts, a standard zoom lens (24-70mm) offers versatility. You don’t necessarily need expensive gear—even entry-level cameras can produce stunning results when used correctly.

Tripod & Remote Shutter

A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable for firework photography. Even the slightest camera shake during long exposures will blur your images. Pair your tripod with a remote shutter release to eliminate vibrations when pressing the shutter button. If you don’t have a remote, use your camera’s self-timer function as an alternative. 

Best Camera Settings for Fireworks Photography

Getting your settings right is perhaps the most technical aspect of photographing fireworks.

Manual Mode vs. Auto Mode

When photographing fireworks, always shoot in manual mode. Auto settings simply won’t give you the control needed in these challenging lighting conditions. The stark contrast between the dark sky and bright explosions confuses automatic settings, typically resulting in overexposed bursts or underexposed backgrounds.

Key Settings for Sharp & Vibrant Firework Photos

Start with these baseline settings, then adjust as needed:

ISO: Keep it low (100-200) to minimise noise in your night shots.

Aperture: Begin with f/8 to f/11 for good depth of field.

Shutter speed: Try 2-4 seconds initially. This duration captures the full trail of the firework burst.

Focus: Switch to manual focus and set to infinity. Autofocus will struggle in the dark and may hunt during crucial moments.

White balance: Set to ‘tungsten’ to counteract the warm glow many fireworks produce, or experiment with ‘daylight’ for warmer tones.

Composition Techniques for Stunning Firework Shots

Technical settings are only half the battle—thoughtful composition elevates your images from mere records to artistic photographs.

Choosing the Right Location

Arriving early gives you time to scout the perfect spot. Consider where the fireworks will be launched and how they’ll appear in your frame. When you’ve researched the best fireworks show in the world, you’ll know positioning is everything. Ideally, position yourself upwind to avoid smoke obscuring later shots.

Framing & Timing

Leave space in your composition for the fireworks to expand into. Anticipating where bursts will appear takes practice, but after a few initial shots, you’ll get the hang of it. Don’t fill the entire frame—negative space often enhances the drama of the light trails.

Including Foreground & Landmarks

The most compelling fireworks photos often include contextual elements—a city skyline, a landmark, or even silhouettes of spectators. These elements add scale, interest, and a sense of place to your images. They transform a generic fireworks photo into a story about a specific celebration at a particular location. 

Advanced Firework Photography Techniques

Ready to push your creative boundaries? Try these techniques once you’ve mastered the basics.

Using Bulb Mode for Creative Long Exposures

Bulb mode gives you complete control over exposure time—the shutter stays open as long as you hold the button. This allows you to capture multiple bursts in a single frame. Cover your lens with a black card between bursts to prevent overexposure, removing it only when new fireworks appear.

Experimenting with Light Trails & Double Exposures

For artistic interpretations, try intentionally moving your camera during a long exposure to create light paintings. Alternatively, use multiple exposure functions (if your camera offers them) to layer several bursts into one dreamlike image.

Editing Firework Photos for Maximum Impact

Even the best fireworks shots often benefit from thoughtful post-processing.

Basic Edits: Enhancing Colours & Contrast

Adjust contrast to make the fireworks pop against the night sky. Subtle vibrance and saturation adjustments can enhance colours without making them look artificial. Remember that less is often more—aim for realistic enhancement rather than garish over-processing.

Advanced Editing Tips

Use selective adjustment tools to brighten specific bursts while keeping the sky appropriately dark. Consider subtle noise reduction for smoother backgrounds, but be careful not to lose fine detail in the light trails. Sometimes, a gentle vignette draws attention to the central display.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Everyone makes mistakes when starting out. Here’s how to avoid the most common ones:

Over-reliance on autofocus leads to missed shots. Set manual focus to infinity before the show begins.

Forgetting spare batteries and memory cards can end your shoot prematurely. Cold weather drains batteries quickly, so keep spares warm in your pocket.

Chimping (constantly checking your LCD screen) might mean missing the best moments. Take a few test shots, confirm your settings work, then focus on capturing the display.

Including too many bursts in one frame creates a messy, overexposed image. Be selective about when you press the shutter.

Final Thoughts

Photographing fireworks combines technical knowledge with artistic vision and a bit of luck. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect—each display offers new opportunities to refine your approach. With practice, you’ll develop an intuitive sense for timing, framing, and settings that work for your specific style.

Most importantly, remember to occasionally put the camera down and simply enjoy the spectacle. Sometimes the most valuable experience isn’t captured on a memory card, but in your own memories of the night! And if you’re planning a show-stopping spectacle, make sure to check our must-have items for visual displays – from smoke bombs to flares, we’ve got everything covered.