Filming fireworks is harder than photographing them: low light, moving crowds and split-second timing are all issues. Here's how to get steady, well-exposed footage this Fourth of July.
Fireworks displays seem almost purpose-built to be difficult to film properly. Low light? Check. Weather? Check. Crowds? Check. An inability to see what is happening till it happens? Check. Filming fireworks, in short, is its own challenge.
But there are definitely things to think about that will increase your chances of getting some good footage out of it. Adventure filmmaker Jeven Dovey still has one of the best videos showing how, even though it was first posted in 2018 (which might explain the hat). The gear might have advanced in the years since, but most of the advice remains sound. Have a look below.
So, what's the best way to get fabulous firework footage? Here's a brief summary.
1. Scout your location. Work out sight lines, access points etc. Often some of the best shots, like the one at the top of this article, will feature other elements for scale and interest.
2. Shoot wide open. This might seem counterintuitive, but the initial explosion is going to overload your sensor pretty much come what may. It's going to get dark rapidly after that and capturing the falling streamers of color is where it's at.
3. Obviously set ISO low. Play around and ramp it up until you get noise.
4. Turn off autofocus. If you need to, boost your exposure temporarily to set focus points then return to your shooting settings.
5. Use a tripod. Not only does this keep things steady, it helps you frame up your shots. Unless it's a really big mortar that leaves one hell of a trail, you can't see a firework until it explodes, so already being pointed in the right direction is more than useful. A tripod also helps with smooth panning shots etc.
6. Mix it up. Vary shooting speeds; slow motion can be particularly effective. And change your lenses: shooting super-wide gives context and can be especially good for capturing finales, while a telephoto close-up of individual bursts can be hugely effective.
7. Unless you're at one of the increasingly popular pet-friendly silent displays, remember the audio. Set gain lower than usual and use limiters where you can to avoid clipping.