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Framing Your Firework's Shot

by: DanFeildman
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Firework shows many times are used to celebrate meaningful occasions and so they bring about a myriad of emotions in people for more than just their beauty and that they are magnificent to see.

One of the most difficult parts of photographing fireworks is working out where to aim your camera. The challenge you'll face in doing this is that you generally need to aim your camera before the fireworks that you'll be photographing goes off - anticipation is key. Here are a few points on getting your framing right.

Photo by Stuck in Customs Scope out the location early - Planning is important with fireworks and getting to the location early in order to get a good, unobstructed position is important. Think about what is in the foreground and background of your shots and make sure you won't have people's heads bobbing up into your shots (also consider what impact you'll have on others around you also).

Take note of where fireworks are being set up and what parts of the sky they are likely to be shot into - you might also want to try to ask some of those setting up the display for a little information on what they are planning. Also consider what focal lengths you might want to use and choose appropriate lenses at this time (rather than in the middle of the show).

Watch for the horizons. An important factor when lining up fireworks shots is whether your camera is even or straight in its framing. This is particularly essential if you're going to shooting with a wide focal length and will get other background elements in your shots such as a cityscape. Keeping horizons straight is something we covered previously on this site and is important in fireworks shots also. Make sure your camera is level on your tripod from the time you set up.

Vertical or Horizontal? - There are two main ways of framing shots in all types of photography, vertically (portrait) or horizontally (landscape). Both can work in fireworks photography but I personally find a vertical perspective is better - particularly as there is a lot of vertical motion in fireworks. Horizontal shots can work if you're going for more of a landscape shot with a wider focal length of if you're wanting to capture multiple bursts of fireworks in the one shot - but I don't tend to go there that often.

Framing is always important. When I photograph fireworks, I find I tend to look at the sky more than my viewfinder. This means I have to keep in mind what framing I have and to watch that part of the sky. This practice will help you to anticipate the right time for a shot because your eye can follow the light trail produced by the launching rockets before they explode to light up the sky and your firework photograph.

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Framing Your Firework's Shot

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