Explosive Firework Pictures

One of America’s biggest national holidays takes place this Saturday, Independence Day, or more commonly known as the Fourth of July. The summer federal holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and is often associated with parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics and lets not forget giant explosions of colorful FIREWORKS!

Illinois law prohibits the use of fireworks without a permit so we’ve to quench our pyrotechnic tendencies and just enjoy the masterful explosive work of the experts. Downtown Chicago starts the holiday off with Independence Eve Fireworks at Grant park July 3rd at 7:30 and then Navy Pier has their fireworks July 4th at 9 pm.

Trying to capture the memories of this explosive holiday can be a little tricky. Fireworks aren’t the easiest pictures to take. Dealing with dark lighting and fast explosion of colors can lead to blurry smoky pictures. Here are a couple tips and tricks.

1)  Have the correct exposure: Set the camera to manual mode and try setting the camera shutter speed to 1.6 seconds.
2)  Use a tripod to avoid shaking the camera.
3)  Don’t bother using the flash. The fireworks act as their own flash.
4)  Use a Low ISO setting. Try shooting at or around 100.
5)  Don’t depend on automatic settings. Since fireworks are all about lighting, the automatic readings are going to constantly try to adjust moment to moment. Odds are not in your favor.

Please feel free to share any other tips or some of your favorite firework pictures!