Category: Advice and Information

Fireworks are amazing. And we all want the photography to help people remember the display.

But fireworks photography is hard. The fireworks go off when you’re not ready. They burst in different parts of the sky. You press the button too early. Or too late. The images are fuzzy. And then the display is over. Aarrghhh!!!

But with a some planning (and more than a bit of luck) anyone can get great results. I’ve been practising for years, and have had my work featured in the Guardian and on CNN. 

Here are my 5 top tips for beginners.

1. Use a tripod.
   You are trying to take a photo of a burning light. You’re standing in the dark. Maybe it’s cold. Or raining. Or both. The most important thing you can do is KEEP THE CAMERA STILL. Use a tripod if you possibly can. Or hold your camera steady against something that won’t move – a tree, a lamppost, a bench. Hold your breath and squeeze the button gently. Don’t “snap” – if you do the camera will move and the picture will be blurred.
2. Use the best camera you can.
   The phone on your camera is fine – in daylight. And some are even getting better in the dark. But if you can use a better camera it will really improve your photography. 
3. Turn off auto features.
   No flash. No autofocus. No filters. Go for the simplest set up you can. And if you have a really good camera, you will be able to explore the settings which will make your fireworks photography even better. I’ll be writing more about this in a later post.
4. Stand further back.
   Most people try to capture the firework itself in the night sky. This is fine. But part of what you are wanting to remember is the people who were there. The atmosphere. The excitement. If you stand a bit further back you can get some of these elements in your photo, too. 
5. Mind the smoke.
   All fireworks produce smoke. And if it’s between you and the fireworks, your picture may be disappointing. Try to stand upwind of the display with the wind coming over your shoulder. That way the smoke will drift away from you and won’t spoil the photo.
   
   Having said that, sometimes the smoke itself can be really dramatic:-
   

Now there is one final tip I would give anyone. TAKE LOADS OF PHOTOGRAPHS. Take some at the beginning of the display. Check them. Are they what you are looking for? Do you need to move? Do you need to time it differently? Do you need to try a different setting?

Try again.

And again.

Digital photography has one other advantage: it costs no more to take 100 photos than it does to take 10. So take lots of photographs and find the best ones afterwards.

I’ll be posting advanced tips soon, so bookmark this page and check back later.

If you are having a party, fireworks can make all the difference. And Peak Fireworks would love to help you choose the right products to make your event as special and as safe as possible.

We have spectacular fireworks suitable for anywhere from small gardens to the largest outdoor space you can find.

Call us to talk through what you want to buy, and how we can help your celebration go to the next level.

We will want to ask you:-

• How big is the area where you want to light your fireworks?
• How many people will be at the party?
• How far away will they be from the fireworks?
• Are there any overhanging trees or power lines?
• What time do you want to let them off? (It has to be before 23:00 – except on Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, and Chinese New Year)
• Do you need to tell your neighbours about the display? (It’s always a good idea, especially if they have pets.)
• Who is going to light the fireworks, and how can you be as safe as possible?
• Do you want any particular types of fireworks, or special colours?

Oh… and how much do you want to spend? (Other companies will ask you this question first. We don’t. Because it’s not the most important question. We will only sell you fireworks that match our safety guidelines).

So go ahead. Plan your party. And give us a call to add the finishing touch.