Beginner’s Guide: How to Photograph Fireworks

Capture beautiful fireworks photos with these simple step-by-step tips.

What You Need Before You Start

Essential Equipment

• Camera with Manual (M) mode
• Tripod
• Remote commander / remote shutter (recommended)
• Standard zoom lens

Step 1: Choose a Good Spot

Arrive early while it is still bright outside.

Look for:

• Clear view of the sky
• No street lights or electrical wires blocking the shot
• Main viewing area for the best angle

Tips:

• Keep your tripod low so you don’t block other people
• Avoid windy or shaky surfaces
• Check if tripods are allowed at the venue

Step 2: Select Your Lens

Wide Angle (20–28mm)

Best for:

• Large fireworks scenes
• Capturing more sky and scenery

Telephoto (70mm and above)

Best for:

• Close-up fireworks details
• Shooting from far away

Focal length: 20 mm	Focal length: 70 mm
Image taken from a distance with telephoto setting.

Step 3: Set Your Camera to Manual Mode

Switch your camera to:

M Mode (Manual)

This gives you full control of:

• ISO
• Aperture
• Shutter speed

Step 4: Use These Recommended Camera Settings

ISO: 100

Fireworks are already very bright.

Keep ISO low to:

• Reduce noise
• Keep photos clean and sharp

Aperture: f/10 to f/18

Recommended starting point:

f/13

• Too bright → increase f-number
• Too dark → lower f-number

Shutter Speed: BULB Mode

BULB mode lets you control how long the shutter stays open.

How to Shoot

1. Open the shutter when fireworks launch
2. Keep it open while the fireworks burst
3. Close it once the fireworks fade

This creates beautiful light trails.

Step 5: Use a Remote Commander

A remote commander helps:

• Reduce camera shake
• Keep photos sharp
• Control long exposures more easily

It is especially useful for:

• BULB mode
• Exposures longer than 30 seconds

Compatible Sony Remote Commanders

• RMT-VP2
• RM-VPR1

Step 6: Turn OFF These Camera Settings

Disable:

• Long Exposure NR
• SteadyShot / Image Stabilization

Step 7: Focus Correctly

Use:

Manual Focus (MF)

Fireworks can confuse autofocus.

Easy Focus Method

1. Use the first few fireworks to focus
2. Zoom into playback to check sharpness
3. Keep the same focus after it looks sharp

Helpful Features

• Focus Magnifier
• MF Assist

Magnify part of the fireworks on the playback screen.

Step 8: Adjust White Balance for Better Colors

AWB (Auto White Balance)

Good general setting for beginners.

Incandescent

Best for:

• Cyan fireworks
• Pink fireworks
• Lemon yellow fireworks

Daylight

Best for:

• Orange-colored fireworks

Step 9: Make Colors More Vibrant

For richer colors:

• Increase Saturation
• Use Creative Style / Creative Look settings

If photos look:

• White
• Washed out
• Dull

Then your image may be overexposed.

Fix:

• Increase the f-number slightly
• Shoot again

Step 10: Try Different Compositions

Vertical Composition

Best for:

• Single fireworks bursts

Horizontal Composition

Best for:

• Wide finale fireworks
• Fireworks with city scenery

Quick Beginner Settings Cheat Sheet

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Handholding the camera
• Using high ISO
• Shutter speed too fast
• Forgetting to turn off stabilization
• Blocking people with tripod

Final Tip

The best fireworks photos come from practice and timing.

Start with simple settings:

• ISO 100
• f/13
• BULB mode

Then experiment with:

• Different shutter lengths
• Composition
• White balance
• Zoom levels

Most importantly — enjoy the fireworks while shooting!