3 Photo Tips For Photographing Fireworks and Lightning!

In the course of our photography lives, we all have to get our hands on taking pictures of lightning and fireworks.

It’s almost like it’s a right to passage!

The best part is that it’s not hard as both lightning and fireworks can be shot using the same techniques.

First…You have to determine the ideal location to shoot!

I’m sure you’ve kept an album of your photos since you’ll want to find the ideal locations to take photos from and then write them down within your journal.

There’s no reason to wait until the very last minute to opt for a second-best spot. Or perhaps not locate a great location at all and then miss the shot altogether.

With both fireworks and lightning, it is likely that we will shoot extremely extended exposures (or multiple exposures), and all lights in the shot will be exposed too much and then become blown out.

Find a location that has an unobstructed view of the action but does not include any other lights.

With fireworks, we know precisely where they’ll appear in the sky, and that is simple. Lightning can appear everywhere in the sky; however, if you look at it this way that the majority of events in our climate originate from that exact location. It’s pretty easy to locate the perfect spot to not only catch the lightning but will also display beautiful photos as well.

A lightning strike over a stunning scene is more appealing and is more than likely to prevail in competitions than when it’s over an ugly scene.

With fireworks and lightning, advanced planning separates the winners from losers.

Second…Take several shots!

When you’ve located your spot and the fireworks display is set to start (or the show that lightning will create, place your camera on the tripod. This is essential not even think about an unsupported shot. Stay at home and catch the show on the television.

You will need an extremely long exposure. The images you see of the entire sky illuminated aren’t just the same shot that has captured the entire scene. It’s multiple flashes of lightning or fireworks, which are captured by a long exposure as well as multiple exposures.

Focus your camera on the ideal place in the sky. adjust your ISO rate to the lowest value you can manage, and then set the shutter speed at the lowest speed you can.

In terms of aperture, the most optimal setting for most lenses is about f8. This is the best setting to get the sharpest images; however, should you find that the setting doesn’t allow sufficient shutter speeds for long enough, you can reduce it to a couple of stops. Add the neutral density filter on the lens, or snap multiple frames of one exposure.

The goal is to put many lightning flashes or fireworks into one frame.

Local television channels love lightning photos. When you’ve got a few, Send them to them! You stand an excellent chance to be included in their daily forecast.

Third…Safety first, select the most secure location where you can shoot!

Fireworks shows will have everybody looking up at the sky. If you’re shooting in the middle of the roadway, you’ll be splattered with blood.

Lightning can kill you. Make sure you’re not at the top of the area. If the lightning strikes get close, close the device down. Any lightning photo is not worth dying for.

A side note: water and electronics don’t get along well. If it begins to rain, take your camera out of cover quickly.

Go out today and locate some of the best spots to capture lightning and fireworks in your region. For more details, visit the resources box…