How Do I Take Better Photos of Fireworks?
Bonfire Night is nearly here in the UK, and if you're planning to head out to watch a fireworks display, you might be thinking "How do I take better photos of fireworks??".
Fireworks can make beautiful pictures, with colourful bursts of light against a dark sky. But photographing them can be a little trickier than you might expect.
You press the shutter button, and by the time your camera takes the picture, the firework has disappeared. Or you end up with a bright white splodge instead of those lovely colourful trails.
The good news is that, with a little preparation and a few simple techniques, you can improve your chances of getting some great shots.
So, let's look at how to photograph fireworks, even if you're still getting to grips with your camera.
1. Find a good spot before the fireworks start
It might sound obvious, but where you stand can make a big difference to your photographs.
If you can, arrive a little early so you have time to look around and decide what you'd like to include in your pictures.
You could photograph the fireworks against the night sky, but think about whether there's anything interesting you could include in the foreground, too. Buildings, trees, a crowd of spectators or even the outline of a nearby hill can help give your photograph a sense of place.
Try to avoid standing somewhere with lots of people walking in front of you, and check that there aren't any bright streetlights shining directly into your camera.
And one important thing: always follow the event organisers' safety instructions and stay well away from the fireworks themselves.
2. Keep your camera steady
This is one of the most important things to get right.
Fireworks are photographed in the dark, which means your camera often needs to spend longer taking a photograph to collect enough light. If the camera moves while it's doing this, your picture can end up blurred.
A tripod is ideal because it keeps your camera steady throughout the shot.
Don't have one? Look for a sturdy surface where you can safely rest your camera, if the location allows it.
If you're using a tripod, you can also use your camera's self-timer or a remote shutter release. This means you don't have to touch the camera when the photograph is taken, helping to keep everything nice and steady.
And remember to turn off your flash. It won't light up fireworks that are high in the sky, so it won't help you get the photograph you're hoping for.
3. Take control of your camera settings
If you normally use Auto mode, you might find that your camera struggles a little with fireworks.
That's because your camera is trying to work out the best settings for a scene that's mostly dark, with sudden bursts of very bright light. It doesn't always get it right.
Taking a little control yourself can make a real difference. If you're comfortable using Manual mode, the following settings are a good starting point:
ISO 100 or 200: ISO controls how sensitive your camera is to light. A low setting can help keep your pictures looking clean, with less visible image noise.
Aperture around f/8: The aperture controls how much light enters your camera through the lens. Starting around f/8 can help you capture well-defined fireworks.
Shutter speed of around 2–5 seconds: The shutter speed controls how long your camera takes to capture the photograph. A longer exposure can record the beautiful trails of light as the fireworks burst and spread across the sky.
These are starting points, rather than magic numbers that work for every display.
If your photographs are too bright, you might need a shorter shutter speed. If they're too dark, you may need to let in a little more light.
The best thing you can do is take a few test shots and make small adjustments as you go.
Don't worry if you haven't used Manual mode before. If you're still learning how aperture, shutter speed and ISO work together, fireworks are a good reason to start exploring them.
4. Focus before the fireworks begin
Getting your focus right can be surprisingly tricky in the dark.
Your camera may struggle to focus automatically because there's very little light in the sky between the fireworks.
If your camera keeps hunting for focus and won't settle on anything, try switching to manual focus.
If you're photographing distant fireworks, you can usually focus towards infinity, although the exact position depends on your lens. Don't simply turn the focus ring all the way to the end, as some lenses can focus beyond infinity.
If you're unsure, practise before you leave home. Try focusing on a distant building or other faraway object while there's still enough light to see what you're doing.
Once you've got your focus right, avoid changing it accidentally while you're taking photographs.
5. Don't wait until the firework has exploded
This is where timing comes in.
If you wait until you see a spectacular burst in the sky before pressing the shutter button, you may be too late. Your camera needs time to take the picture, and the firework may already be fading by then.
Instead, try watching for the rocket as it rises and press the shutter just before you expect the burst to happen.
This takes a little practice, and you won't get it right every time. That's perfectly normal!
You can also use a longer exposure to capture the trails of light as the firework opens up and spreads across the sky.
Experiment with different timings. Some of your favourite photographs might be the ones you weren't expecting to get.
6. Look at the results and make adjustments
One of the lovely things about digital photography is that you can check your photographs straight away.
After taking a few shots, have a look at the results on your camera screen.
Are the fireworks too bright, with very little colour or detail? Try a shorter exposure (faster shutter speed).
Are they too dim? You may need a longer exposure (slower shutter speed) or to adjust another setting.
Are the trails looking wobbly or messy? Check that your camera is steady.
And if the fireworks look blurry, check your focus.
Try changing just one thing at a time. That way, you'll begin to understand what each adjustment does, rather than changing everything and hoping for the best.
You don't need to get every photograph right. A few experiments can teach you a surprising amount.
7. Remember to enjoy the display!
It's easy to get so caught up in trying to take the perfect photograph that you forget to enjoy what's happening in front of you.
So, take a few photographs, try different approaches and see what happens. But don't feel that you have to photograph every single firework.
Sometimes, the best photograph is the one you take when you're relaxed enough to notice something interesting happening around you.
And don't be disappointed if your first attempts aren't quite what you hoped for.
Photographing fireworks involves a combination of timing, light and camera settings, and it can take a little practice to get the hang of it.
Every photograph is an opportunity to learn something.
Ready to feel more confident with your camera?
If you've ever looked at your camera's buttons and settings and wondered what on earth they're all for, you're certainly not alone!
Understanding how your camera works can make a real difference to the photographs you take, particularly when you're faced with tricky situations like photographing fireworks, moving subjects or scenes in low light.
That's why I created Camera Kickstart, my beginner-friendly online course that helps you understand your camera in simple, straightforward steps, without making your brain hurt.
You don't need any previous experience, and you don't need to learn everything at once.
Just a little guidance, a bit of practice and the confidence to start experimenting.
Happy photographing, and have a lovely Bonfire Night!
Sarah Lester is a professional photographer with more than 20 years of experience behind the camera. She’s been teaching beginners since 2008, helping people feel more confident using their cameras in a clear, simple and jargon-free way.
Her online courses have already helped thousands of students get to grips with their cameras and start taking photos they’re proud of.
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