- 1. Introduction
- 2. How to choose a composition that brings out the best in fireworks
- 3. Framing that combines with the background
- 4. Specific composition ideas for beginners
- 5. Examples of fireworks photography mistakes and solutions
- 6. Editing techniques for shooting fireworks
- 7. Summary
- Disclaimer etc.
- Affiliates
1. Introduction
When photographing fireworks, you can create a more impressive finish by being creative with your composition and framing. In particular, a composition that highlights the beautiful shape and trajectory of the fireworks, or a framing that incorporates the cityscape or reflections on the water in the background, will create depth in the photo and increase the sense of realism. In this article, we will explain in detail the key points of composition and framing to take professional-level fireworks photos.
2. How to choose a composition that brings out the best in fireworks
2.1 How to use vertical and horizontal compositions
Vertical composition
Vertical composition is effective for fireworks that shoot up high or fireworks that shoot up in the sky. In particular, if you want to capture the entire scene from the time they launch to the time they start to scatter, try shooting with a vertical composition.
Horizontal composition
Horizontal composition is ideal for scenes with multiple fireworks spreading out, or when you want to shoot fireworks and the night view of the city together. By spreading out horizontally, the size of the fireworks creates a contrast with the surrounding scenery, making it more impressive. Horizontal compositions, especially those using wide-angle lenses, capture a wide field of view including the audience, emphasizing the sense of scale of the fireworks.
2.2 Composing using the rule of thirds
Rule of thirds
Placing the fireworks slightly off-center according to the rule of thirds guides will improve the balance of the entire photo. For example, if you are using a night view as the background, placing the fireworks on the right guideline and the city lights on the left will create a visually stable photo.
2.3 Rhythmic composition that makes use of the trajectory of the fireworks
Be aware of the movement of the fireworks: By being aware of the trajectory from launch to blooming and composing in a way that conveys the “movement” of the fireworks, you can add power to your still images. By using a longer shutter speed and overlapping the trajectories of multiple fireworks to create a flowing rhythm on the screen, you can create a more dynamic photo.
3. Framing that combines with the background
3.1 Combination with cityscapes
Fireworks and buildings
If you shoot not only fireworks but also cityscapes and buildings at night, the fireworks will blend into the background and create a festive atmosphere. If you are shooting a fireworks display in an urban area, consider a composition that includes skyscrapers and bridges. The lights of the buildings and the light of the fireworks will blend together to create a festive atmosphere.
Be aware of the difference in height
If there are skyscrapers nearby, shoot from a slightly lower position and aim for a composition where the fireworks spread over the buildings to emphasize the spaciousness of the space.
3.2 Fireworks reflected on the surface of water
Reflection effect
Incorporating fireworks reflected on the surface of water such as a pond, river, or sea into your framing will create a beautiful, symmetrical composition. Hold the camera lower than the water surface and aim for a composition where the reflection of the fireworks on the screen and the actual fireworks are symmetrical on the left and right.
Check the influence of wind
Strong winds can cause rippling of the water surface, weakening the reflection effect, so it is important to check the condition of the water surface before shooting.
4. Specific composition ideas for beginners
4.1 Using frame-in-frame
Framing fireworks naturally with buildings, trees, bridge arches, etc. will give the photo a sense of stability. For example, when shooting fireworks on a pier on a riverbank, creating a frame can create a composition with a sense of depth.
4.2 Balance of multiple fireworks and space
Be aware of the balance between the foreground and background. Deciding the interval between fireworks and putting fireworks with different launch times in the same frame will create a photo with depth. Shooting with a slightly wide-angle lens will spread multiple fireworks across the entire screen, giving a sense of spaciousness.
4.3 Composition that makes use of the silhouettes of the spectators
By placing the spectators as silhouettes in the frame, you can highlight the power of the fireworks and draw the viewer’s attention to them. If you can capture the moment when the fireworks explode and the crowd cheers, you will get a photo that is full of dynamism and realism.
5. Examples of fireworks photography mistakes and solutions
5.1 Fireworks go off the screen
When deciding on the composition, keep in mind the spread of the fireworks’ trajectory and shoot with a little room below the center of the screen to make it easier to fit the fireworks into the frame.
5.2 The surroundings are too dark to see the background
By raising the ISO sensitivity a little, you can capture the light of the fireworks beautifully while retaining the details of the night view. If you are having trouble with the settings, we recommend using the night view mode.
5.3 Common composition problems and solutions
The position of the fireworks is off-center
Display the grid lines in the camera’s viewfinder or live view to check in advance where the fireworks will launch, and align them with the center.
Shooting multiple fireworks will disrupt the overall balance
It is important to determine the timing of the fireworks launch and predict the moment to release the shutter before taking the shot.
6. Editing techniques for shooting fireworks
6.1 Adjusting brightness and contrast
If you want to emphasize the difference in brightness between the fireworks and the background, set the contrast a little stronger to make the fireworks stand out. If it is too dark, you can adjust the shadows and highlights a little to bring out the details of the fireworks.
6.2 Adjusting Color
If you want the colors of the fireworks to be more vivid, adjust the saturation and vibrancy.
6.3 Using Noise Reduction
When shooting at night, the ISO sensitivity is often high, which makes noise more likely to appear. By using the noise reduction function, you can reduce noise without reducing image quality, resulting in a photo with a cleaner impression. However, if you reduce it too much, details are likely to be lost, so it is important to adjust it moderately.
6.4 Adjusting the composition by cropping
Even if you cannot take a perfect composition when shooting, you can use cropping and trimming in editing to readjust the balance. For example, if the composition of the fireworks and the background is uneven, you can adjust the angle of view a little to achieve the intended composition, which will increase the impact of the fireworks.
7. Summary
How to take attractive fireworks photos
To take beautiful photos of fireworks, it is important not only to capture the moment when the fireworks are launched, but also to focus on composition and framing. By adding a story to your photo, such as fireworks, the night view, the audience, or the reflection on the water, you can create a photo that will leave a lasting impression on the viewer. Also, by editing after shooting, you can bring out even more beauty and aim for a more complete photo.
Photographing fireworks requires timing and waiting time, but the joy of success is exceptional. At your next fireworks festival, try using the techniques introduced in this article to take your “best shot”!
Disclaimer etc.
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Affiliates
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