Framing Your Firework's Shot
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by: DanFeildman
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Word Count: 465
Figuring out where to aim your camera can be one of the most complicated factors in photographing fireworks. The difficulty lies in that you will typically need to aim the camera prior to the fireworks to be photographed go off. Anticipating the moment is essential. Note the following tips to get your framing right.
Know the locations included in where the fireworks will be held. Planning is vital with fireworks and arriving to the site early will provide you the chance for the best, unobstructed view possible. Remember to think of what will appear in both the foreground and background of your shots. Make sure that people's heads will not be an issue and be considerate of your impact on those around you.
Be aware of where the fireworks will be launched from and into what are of the sky the will be shot to. If possible, ask those who are preparing for the show for information on what the event will consist of. Also consider what focal lengths you might want to use and select suitable lenses at this time as opposed to in the middle of the show.
Watch for the horizons. An important factor when lining up fireworks shots is whether your camera is even or straight in its framing. This is particularly essential if you're going to shooting with a wide focal length and will get other background elements in your shots such as a cityscape. Keeping horizons straight is something we covered previously on this site and is important in fireworks shots also. Make sure your camera is level on your tripod from the time you set up.
Vertical or Horizontal? - There are two main ways of framing shots in all types of photography, vertically (portrait) or horizontally (landscape). Both can work in fireworks photography but I personally find a vertical perspective is better - particularly as there is a lot of vertical motion in fireworks. Horizontal shots can work if you're going for more of a landscape shot with a wider focal length of if you're wanting to capture multiple bursts of fireworks in the one shot - but I don't tend to go there that often.
Remember your framing - I find that when I photograph fireworks that I spend less time looking in my viewfinder and more looking at the sky directly. As a result it's important to remember what framing you have and to watch that segment of the sky. Doing this will also help you to anticipate the right time for a shot as you'll see the light trails of unexploded rockets shooting into the sky.
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