Hobbies And Interests
Shutter Speed
Nighttime photography requires a longer exposure time to absorb the right amount of light, according to Geoffrey Moore of Picturecorrect.com. Adjust your camera's settings to the longest shutter speed available. If the image comes out blurry, readjust to a slightly higher shutter speed.
ISO Setting
ISO is the way a camera reacts to light, according to Scott Kelby in "The Digital Photography Book." A low ISO setting increases your camera's sensitivity to light, encouraging it to accurately capture all of the light created by a fire. If you turn the ISO setting down and start seeing spots, turn it up slightly higher. Fires sometimes spark, sizzle and create brief moments of light that can alter a photo if the ISO setting is turned very low. However, some firefighters may need to capture these sparks to understand how the fire is burning, so keep the ISO setting low if you need to see sparks, even if it means a lower quality photo.
Steady Base
Even the slightest hand movement can alter a nighttime photo, particularly if the ISO is turned low and the shutter speed is very slow. Invest in a tripod that you can set in a convenient location near the fire. This minimizes shaking and increases your odds of capturing a quality photo.
Macro Setting
If you're trying to capture a single component of the fire, such as the top of the flames, the sparks created by the flames or the base of the fire, consider using the macro setting. This setting hones in on fine details in photos, and is especially helpful if you're using your photos for investigative purposes.