How To SHOOT FIREWORKS: 7 SECRETS to photograph fireworks LIKE A BOSS

Our friend Pierre T. Lambert is sharing 7 tips for shooting fireworks with a compact camera, DSLR and phone on the 4th of July and Bastille day!



Take better fireworks pictures Here are my 7 secrets to shoot fireworks like a boss with any camera:

⏀1 You can use ANY camera that has manual mode. If you have a phone, download a long exposure app or use the live mode on an iphone (you can create long exposure from live photos - google it)

⏀2 You don't need a tripod! All you need is a stable spot to put your camera. I often put my camera on the floor or on my backpack. If you still want a tripod here are options:

⏀3 You have to experiment to get the right shot. Try different settings to get the results you want. Here are the ones I start with: ISO100, F/5.6, Shutter Speed 3seconds, WB auto. Take a picture and if it's too dark or too bright modify the settings to get it right.

⏀4 Don't shoot in JPG. Shoot in RAW or RAW+JPG. You can then leave the WB in auto and will have a ton of editing range.

⏀5 The longer you expose (shutter speed 3,5,10s) the more firework you will have in your picture. Too long might get too bright and too confusing!

⏀6 Don't shoot just the firework. At least try something new. Give a sense of place/ambiance in your image. Shoot the cityscape, the people, the background with the fireworks.

⏀7 Underexpose a little. This will protect the highlight of the fireworks and help you edit more easily.


▶︎ Edited with my Lightroom Presets Pack: pierretlambert.com/pc/lightroom-presets
▶︎ Join the list to learn how I became a photographer! pierretlambert.com