Framing Your Firework's Shot

by: DanFeildman
Total views: 29 | Word Count: 473

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.

Figuring out where to aim your camera can be one of the most complicated factors in photographing fireworks. The difficulty lies in that you will typically need to aim the camera prior to the fireworks to be photographed go off. Anticipating the moment is essential. Note the following tips to get your framing right.

Check out the location before hand. Planning is imperative with fireworks and getting to the site early in order to get an excellent, unobstructed spot is important. Keep in mind what is in the foreground and background of your shots and ensure you won't have people's heads popping up into your shots. Also think about what effect you'll have on those around you.

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 your Horizons - One thing that you should always consider when lining up fireworks shots is whether your camera is even or straight in it's framing. This is especially important if you're going to shooting with a wide focal length and will get other background elements in your shots (ie a cityscape). Keeping horizons straight is something we covered previously on this site and is important in fireworks shots also. As you get your camera on your tripod make sure it's level right from the time you set up.

How do you choose vertical or horizontal? There are two main ways of framing shots in all types of photography, vertically (portrait) or horizontally (landscape). Although both can be used in fireworks photography, I myself find a vertical perspective is better, mostly because there is a lot of vertical motion in fireworks. Horizontal shots will work if you are aiming for more of a landscape shot with a wider focal length or if you want to capture multiple bursts of fireworks in the one shot.

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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