How to shoot fireworks
Here are ways to get creative fireworks shots for the New Year celebration, writes Izwan Ismail
IT’S almost the time of year again when we’ll get to see spectacular displays of fireworks when the clock strikes 12 on the night of Dec 31. Those who are still wondering how photographers get those eye-catching shots, well, you still have a good six days more to learn how to do it.
Good photos don’t come easily or even by chance (hardly!), which is why most professional photographers plan their shots in advance, anticipating what will happen when the time comes.
The same goes for photographing fireworks — you plan, plan and plan, then shoot. Just remember that it’s 70 to 80 per cent planning when it comes to good shots.
Here are five tips to creating memorable fireworks shots. Good luck, and Happy New Year.
The spot where you take your shots is one of the most important parts of your mission. Google or view photos in websites like Flickr! for fireworks pictures taken from the place you plan to go. You’ll get some ideas as to what your photos will look like.
Don’t shoot fireworks just as they are. Include the background and foreground such as buildings, structures, people, etc, to make them more interesting and to give viewers some idea on where the photos were taken. If you shoot the display at KLCC, move away from the twin towers so that you can include the buildings in your photos.
You will need to expose your shutter for a few seconds. There is no way your hand can hold the camera perfectly still. Expose your shutter for about 10 to 15 seconds at aperture f/10 to f/20 and ISO 200-400 in manual mode. Play with the settings until you get the perfect shots. You have probably 15-20 minutes to take your shots but remember that the first ones are the most critical as the skies are still clear of smoke.
Shooting from an elevated position will give you a better perspective of the fireworks display. Try to get access to rooftops or balconies of buildings surrounding the area of the fireworks display. KLCC, for example, is one of the best places to get photos of fireworks.
People normally shoot fireworks with a wide-angle lens but if you have a fisheye lens, it will give a very nice and wide spherical shape of the view.