On July 3rd, 2012, Pyro Spectacular’s very own Gary Souza closed trading at the New York Stock Exchange. While sounding the closing […]

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Getting great (or even good) photos of fireworks can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to help the amateur or semi-professional photographer get started with success. All photographers know that photography is an art. These should help you with the basics.

1. Use a Tripod
   Since you’ll be using longer shutter speeds it is crucial to have your camera secured. You want to capture the movement of the fireworks, not the camera.
   
   
2. Don’t Touch!
   Again, keeping everything on the camera end steady is crucial, so invest in whatever remote release device is available for your camera. If you don’t touch it, you won’t cause the image to jiggle.
   
   
3. Simplify your Settings
   As you experiment and develop expertise you may find tricks that work for you, but a good place to start is…
   1. No “Auto” — shoot in manual mode
   2. Aperture — don’t make the “bigger is better” mistake; start somewhere around f/8 to f/16
   3. Shutter Speed — You want a good long exposure. Hold down the shutter from the “first of the burst” to the end of the effect. Typically, your shutter will be open for a few seconds. On the other hand, don’t assume that you can keep the shutter open indefinitely. Unless you’re shooting a single burst, you could easily get an over-exposure.
   4. Focal Length — better wider; that’s why God invented cropping
   5. ISO — 100 should work well.
   6. No Flash (don’t think you can light a fireworks burst – it is its own light against the black sky!
      
      
4. Take a lot of shots
   There are lots of variables, and it can seem like a game of chance. Improve your odds by “placing lots of bets.”
   
   
5. Have the wind at your Back
   If the wind is blowing toward you, you’ll likely wind up with a lot of pictures of smoke, and a few pictures of smoky fireworks.
   
   
6. Setup your shots early
   Get to the venue and pre-focus on the area of the sky where the fireworks will burst. You may have to make some adjustment once the show starts, but you don’t want to spend the first few minutes of the show trying to get your basic focus in place.
   
   
7. For a more memorable shot, include a frame of reference
   Folks on vacation don’t take pictures of each other in the hotel room. Let your picture tell the story of not only how beautiful the fireworks are, but where the show is, and what it’s all about. Include a skyline, some people in the foreground, a recognizable building, etc.

With good planning, the right equipment, and some luck, your first fireworks photos will be beauties, and you’ll be on your way to great shots in the future.

Do you want to learn how to shoot fireworks??

Do you want to participate in the July 4th magic??  Our nation's birthday is quickly approaching and we need assistance with setting up our shows! We have shows all over California that need quality crew.

If you are interested please contact Margo Lund. She can give you all the relevant information and help you get involved. Her contact information is below. Don't wait! Call today!

Margo Lund
Email: mlund[at]pyrospectaculars[dot]com
Phone: (909)355-8120 x233

Hey Pyro Fans! Are you going to be in New York City for the Fourth of July??

Come watch the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular with the Pyro Spectaculars family! We are hosting an exclusive party at the Chart House. The location information is below.

Location:
Chart House
Pier D-T, Weehawken, New Jersey

Event Details:
Buffett Dinner, No Host Bar

Attire:
Patrotic

Cost:
Adults -- $100
Childern (under 13) -- $50

Click here to download the event flyer. Hurry! We only have 30 spots left!

More Info? Please Contact:
Nancy Gilfillan (ngilfillan[at]pyrospectaculars[dot]com)

If you are in the San Fransisco area, come out to watch the fireworks in the bay tonight! We are celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge. The show will begin at 9:30PM. It will be incredible with the beautiful SF Bay and Golden Gate bridge in the background. Don't miss this one!

If you can't make it or not in the area? Check out http://kron.com/ for a live video feed of the show. Additionally, we will have a video on YouTube shortly after the show. For more information about the anniversary's festivities, check out: http://goldengatebridge75.org/

In the meantime, head over to Flickr to see some photos of the setup and crew. Check out: http://goo.gl/ZrUrE.