Capturing Fireworks

Bonfire night is nearly upon us so I thought I would post appropriate details to help with capturing the perfect results

Necessary Equipment

• DSLR camera (model irrelevant)
• Standard kit lens (18mm -55mm or 18mm -105mm / 18-135mm)
• Corded remote control (although an infra red remote will suffice)
• Tripod
• Piece of card (preferably black) which is large enough so that it can fit over the front lens
• Lens cloth
• Handheld torch (preferably a  small LED version) this will make it easier to check / change any settings on the camera

Recommended Settings

• Manual focus (setting focus to infinity)
• Exposure mode – BULB, duration of exposure between 2 – 8 seconds, Aperture F5.6 or F8
• RAW recording mode – this will ensure maximum control when editing the image once downloaded to the computer (Jpeg can also be used)
• ISO 100 or 200 whichever is the lowest setting available on your camera. DO NOT Use AUTO ISO this may result in images that exhibit excessive noise
• Auto White Balance
• Frame advance – Single Frame Advance

Other Recommendations

If you intend capturing multiple fireworks explosions in the night sky it is possible to place an object such as a piece of card over the lens between periods of inactivity as in between the times the fireworks are lit. At the time you hear the firework(s) launching take the card away to continue the exposure.

If the evening you intend taking shots is damp or it is raining ensure you check your lens regularly for condensation, if it has misted up wipe clean with a lens cleaning cloth.

Fig 1.0 displays the recommended settings for capturing fireworks – applicable to Canon, Nikon & other DSLR models may differ

Canon DSLR recommended settings