Capturing the Magic: Tips for Photographing Fireworks

The firework displays at Disney are unlike anywhere else. They are AMAZING!! Once you've seen these wonderful shows like Wishes at Magic Kingdom or Illuminations at Epcot, other firework celebrations just can't hold a candle. These awesome pyrotechnics are also one of the most photographed attractions in the parks. But capturing that perfect burst of magic into a great photograph is not always as easy as it sounds.
Fireworks are some of the hardest things to photograph for a number of reasons. The bursts are bright and the sky is black, giving a harsh contrast that can make capturing the color of the burst a big challenge. Because the bursts happen so quickly, it's also virtually impossible to "freeze" the action, as most people would like. At Disney, there are aslo other obstacles, like crowds. Ever had the perfect vantage point, and then at the last minute some tall person comes and gets right in front of you? (That's why I always recommend getting your spot at least 30 minutes to an hour before the show starts to make sure you have a great view.) So with all these things working against you, how do you get images like this?:

Photography is a lot like baking a cake. It all starts with the right ingredients (or in this case camera gear :). For firework photography the basic gear includes:

• a DLSR camera and lens (not that you can't get great shots with a point-and-shoot, but these tips work best with SLR camera types)
• a tripod (It doesn't have to be a big one. I use a Gorillapod. It's light and fits in a small bag [or big cargo pocket] and bends to wrap around poles or other objects.) If you don't want to carry a tripod, you can also rest your camera on a garbage can to keep it still.

If you want to try a little more advanced technique, you can also use:

• a neutral density filter (this makes a BIG difference, but is not absolutely necessary. I forgot mine one night, and still got some nice shots.)
• a remote shutter release (also great, but not completely necessary. I didn't use one at all on my last trip.)

Once you find a great spot (I prefer being next to a light pole or garbage can. They are great places for a small tripod or none at all), and get your camera in place, it's time to adust your settings.
**Location Tip: At Magic Kingdom I always get a spot at the hub (near the Walt and Mickey statue) or somewhere along Main St. The upper level of the train station is also great. At Epcot, there are great views from the Japan pavillion on World Showcase, or my favorite spot (which makes for an easier exit after the show) is right in the middle of the Future World side of the lagoon, next to the gift shop.**There are two different ways you can try shooting. One lets the camera do half of the thinking for you, and the other gives you complete control over the camera settings. If you're new to photography, or if you just want to take better vacation photos, the semi-automatic way is great. I used this technique for this photo of Illuminations:

For the Semi-Automatic technique:

•  Turn your camera's dial to the Tv mode. This mode allows you to control the shutter speed (how long the image is exposed) while the camera worries about the aperture (the size of the opening that lets in the light).
• Set your ISO to 100 or 200. This keeps the images from being grainy or noisey in the darker areas.
• Keep your shutter speed 1/60 and lower. Using a slower shutter speed allows you to capture more of the trails of light from the bursts, and also allows you to capture more bursts in one shot. Speeds like 1/40 and 1/30 will give you more of a streaking look than a speed of 1/60 or 1/80 would. Try various speeds and find what you like best.

For a more advanced technique (like the one I used for the first image of Wishes) you'll need to:

• Turn your camera's dial to Manual (M) or Bulb (B) mode. This will allow you full control over all settings, both shutter speed and aperture. If your camera doesn't have a Bulb mode on the dial, go to Manual and then change the shutter speed until it reads "Bulb." Bulb means the shutter will stay open for however long you hold the button down when you take a shot.
• Set your ISO as low as it will go (100 on most cameras).
• Keep your aperture between f8.0 and f11.0 for most of the show. For the finale, you may want to try a smaller aperture (maybe f18 or f22).
• Hold the shutter open for 6 to 8 seconds. As the finale begins, or anytime several bursts explode one right after another, try longer shutter speeds like 15 or 20 seconds. If you use a neutral density filter, you can hold the shutter open for longer periods of time, allowing you to capture more bursts if you want. It also helps capture more of the colors.

No matter which technique you use, it's vitally important to keep your camera still and steady. With the semi-automatic technique, it is possible to hand-hold the camera if you have a very steady hand (that's what I did in the earlier photo). But anytime you can prop the camera (or yourself if you're shooting hand-held) will help your photos be less blurry and capture more definition in the bursts.
I hope these tips help capture more of the Disney magic in photographs. If you have any questions, please comment and I'll be happy to answer. To see more of my Disney World photography, check out the Road Trip gallery on my website at www.imaginationphotog.com. And look for more photography tips coming soon!

Miranda

P.S. I didn't just make this up. I learned a lot from the amazing photographers on the Disney Photography Blog. Check out their site in my Links section!