How to Make Your Fourth of July Fireworks Pictures Popby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 02 Jul 2009 09:14 PM Whether you are heading to Grant Park in Chicago for Macy's Independence Eve Fireworks Spectacular (with accompaniment by the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra) or you are simply planning to host your own light show this weekend, you want to make sure that you have what it takes to capture the moment. Fourth of July fireworks shows can be a challenge to shoot depending on where you are seated and the type of camera you are using. The following are basic tips that will help you capture the explosions in the sky in the best possible light: TRIPOD AND FLASHLIGHT Bring along a tripod and flashlight to the fireworks show. The tripod will keep your camera from shaking and your photos from being blurry. Meanwhile, the flashlight will help you adjust your camera settings in the dark. CAMERA SETTING Most digital cameras come equipped with a "Fireworks" mode. Using this setting will allow you to take decent shots of the light show. If your camera doesn't have a "Fireworks" mode, then set your camera to Manual mode: ISO 200, aperture f/8, and shutter speed between 5 and 15 seconds. Take a few test shots, and then adjust the shutter speed accordingly. Note: Do not adjust the ISO and f-stop. FRAMING In addition to taking shots of the fireworks by themselves, consider adding a landmark or two in your photos, such as a statue, tree, lake, or building. The exploding fireworks will illuminate the landmark and you will score a gorgeous image. TIMING Some fireworks displays are faster than others. However, it's a good bet that during the finale the rockets will come fast and furious. Consequently, you may need to decrease your shutter speed from about 15 seconds to five seconds. Finally, don't be afraid to overshoot. Take a lot of pictures, especially when you are shooting fireworks. You may take 80 shots and only have two that are frame worthy. The more pictures you snap, the greater chance you have of capturing a super shot. Related Articles: Tips for Snapping Super Summer Photos at the Beach Simple Tips for Taking Super Summer Shots Basic Photo Tips for Digital Camera Owners Cameras: Knowing When To Upgrade Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevantphotography tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Discuss this article
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