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How to Take Photos of Fireworks on Your DSLR

Fireworks are not only striking to watch but can be ideal for taking photographs. While shooting at night can present some challenges, the resulting images of a fireworks show can be impressive when done correctly. Using a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera to shoot fireworks gives the photographer a number of options in selecting the right lens. A wide to standard focal length lens is often the best choice since you will want to fill the viewfinder with as much of the fireworks display as possible.

Things You'll Need

Tripod

Instructions

- 1
  Turn your DSLR on and set the exposure mode dial to "M" for manual. This gives you complete control over the exposure, which can be tricky to determine at night.
- 2
  Attach a wide to standard lens to your camera and turn the auto focusing to "MF" for manual focus. When the lens and camera is in the autofocus mode, it will search for a subject to focus on before taking the picture. Setting the camera to manual focus mode will allow you to pre-focus on the area and not miss any shots while the camera is trying to focus. Focus the camera to its "infinity" point, which is the last focusing distance on the camera. Once the fireworks begin, you can check the focusing to make sure it is correct after the first one or two pictures.
- 3
  Attach the camera to a tripod and position the camera toward the area where the fireworks will take place. Set your shutter speed to a two-second exposure. Adjust the aperture to provide you with an exposure that is two stops under-exposed on the light meter for a photograph that will give you a dark sky with bright fireworks.
- 4
  Press the shutter release when the fireworks begin to take the first picture. Review the picture and make any small adjustments that need to be made before you proceed.

Photography