Cherryfield Fireworks, 2007
(Or how NOT to photograph Fireworks)
Last couple of years I shot hand-held using a 2.8 lens at 1/30th of a second ... each year I got 3-6 shots that weren't a total disaster.
After looking at other fireworks pictures it was obvious that using a longer exposure and a tripod was the way to go. So this year I took my tripod and a new lens.
Important Tip: be sure to bring the quick connect for your tripod ... don't leave it home in your camera bag :)
Oh well, another chance to practice hand-held skills. This year I tried 1/8th second while leaning against a post, the results can be seen below.
They are mostly over-exposed, and so I'll have a clue what to try next year I've copied some exposure tips and posted them at the bottom of this page. One of my favorites is the one with a lot of camera movement near the end. Guess next year I'll also have to practice kicking the tripod at the right moment.
Exposure tips from an article at Adorama.com
Aperture: Most photographers use ISO 100 and an aperture of between f/8 and f/16. The smaller aperture intensifies the colors of the fireworks and prevents overexposure. Experiment and see how the different aperture setting changes the look of your image.
Shutter speed: Use your camera's "B" (bulb) setting. Start your exposure at the moment the burst begins, and end it when the burst reaches its peak. How long is long enough? For a single blast, a second or two should be sufficient.
Some photographers leave their camera on B and block the lens until there's a burst, and repeating the process over several bursts. This results in a multiple exposure that can fill the frame with fireworks. But, why would you do this if you have Photoshop :)