Photographing Fireworks | Ask David Bergman

[@justinoz1526]

A lot of these tips can also be applied for taking lightning shots, too. The approach is to remember you are dealing with two exposures: the ambient light & the firework or lightning strike. In that way, it is basically the same principle as flash photography. Another reason to understand flash photography even if you don't intend to do any flash work.

[@NeonShores]

I use time lapse mode. 4-6 second exposures with 8 second interval and sometimes even do some exposure blending in post to get some really cool full sky fireworks shots. Also turn off long exposure noise reduction. Too much time wasted waiting for the NR and you will miss too many shots.

[@pauldanesi3299]

You're right! It is my favorite show. Learned so much watching your videos. Thanks.

[@berthindman5778]

Had to comment since you were shooting the Ducks game. I'm the team photographer with the SOMD Blue Crabs also in the Atlantic League. We currently have the league's best record(yes bragging). I shot fireworks this last weekend just to practice for the 4th. Heading to Staten Island this road trip where we will win the first half championship. Looking forward to some great shots from that park. It's a great outfield view.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Have fun!

[@berthindman5778]

@@DavidBergmanPhoto have to get the celebration shots before they grab me for the champagne shower.

[@timd4524]

I've got an old P&B tripod when I want that major stability. It's more likely to take out a person than the other way around. I love doing fireworks. Although one year they accidentally launched the first volley into the crows. Very exciting but I was to busy covering my wife and daughter as everyone else ran willy nilly, to get the shots. Would have been a fantastic shot though. Just rockets flying horizontally. A leg had collapsed on the stand.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Wow!

[@kevinhulett2343]

if you are using a DSLR, shoot from live view so mirror is locked in up position. To prevent shake from mirror slap.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Smart tip.

[@InfectedChris]

Good tips! A couple seconds of the video looked like you hit the fast forward button on the tape, lol. I might head out and find some potential spots or bridges to shoot around before the 4th. Hopefully the weather will be good.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Ah I've got to stop editing late at night. :)

[@tanweercaa]

Great job again

[@SGPyrotestDK]

what about just filming fireworks ? do these also comply with that ?

[@superfluidity]

Any particular reason to prefer the Superclamp + magic arm setup over Superclamp + hex adapter + tripod head?

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Personal preference. I've traveled around the world with the SC+MA combo and it works for me every single time.

[@eddieteabagify]

Expose for the scene before the bursts and potentially use a ND filter are great suggestions.

[@aokings2]

Do I need to focus on the firework busts?

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Focus on the foreground objects.

[@lordbattlefield]

Great tips, as always! Just wondering if you are on full manual and preset your settings, but the scenery as you said changes constantly, how does that help you increase the number of good shots?

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

The foreground doesn't change so I'm set for that. The fireworks will look different in every frame, of course.

[@angelogarciajr5356]

I get decent fireworks but seems like every time it gets to the grand finale, it looks terrible all washed out. Never get a good finale. What can I do to the settings to fix this once I realize they are on the finale. Raise the f stop maybe?shorten shutter?

[@felixrodriguez782]

so how many stops of ND filter works best if I need to use one and wide angel lenses I have done shots of fireworks with mixed results How I have a better idea on how to setup for the next time

[@InfectedChris]

I don't know if it might be different for dark skies, but an ND calculator may be of some help.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Really just depends how bright the foreground is. Maybe consider a variable ND so you can adjust for the scene.

[@felixrodriguez4263]

Rather do it by eye because the range of brightest each burst of groups color range so the variable ND filter would the best way to tackle that. So David has the right idea order to adjust the image in order not to blowout the image plus cutting down on adjusting the image later. Thanks David

[@ibob93]

Hi David! was your right ear was on fire during this video? LOL just kidding, keep on doing the job!!

[@ericwilcox2442]

The Ducks are a great bunch of guys but, TBH, I hope they were losing to the Southern Maryland (SoMD) Blue Crabs! I am one of their two photographers!! -- The Duck's stadium is one of the few in the league that I haven't been to (we don't travel with the team). Can't wait to go one of these days. Thank for the vid. I never stick around to shoot the post-game fireworks because I'm always hustling home to process game pics. I appreciate the refresher as I'll be in AZ over the Washington's B-day weekend. They are having fireworks there.

[@hackerockmedia]

With Panasonic or Olympus "live composite" modes... those things are much easier... maybe other camera brands also have it!!!

[@woodysphotos837]

Love to shoot fireworks

[@bettyromon8446]

Fire works too fire men with a guitar 🎸

[@djjuni2]

I'm sorry, but I don't agree. Let's remember that there are different types of fireworks. In order to catch the explosion and the beauty itself, even 1s may be enough, because the falling fireworks after that damage the elements of the explosion. Burst mode yes, but best with a remote trigger. And if a lot of fireworks explode in one place, it will simply burn the frame. Always have the option to change the maintenance according to the situation. Remember the beauty of the explosion, not the pain of the fall.