Summer nights and fireworks—what could be more magical? If you’re planning to watch a fireworks show this July, why not bring your camera along and capture the sparkle?
Whether you’re celebrating Canada Day on July 1st, Independence Day on the 4th, or even Bastille Day on the 14th, fireworks photography can be easier than you think—and it doesn’t require a lot of fancy editing afterward.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to photograph fireworks with a DSLR or mirrorless camera using a simple setup that anyone can try. We’ll even look at how to layer your shots in camera for that dazzling grand finale effect—without all the smoke.
- What You'll Need to Photograph Fireworks
- To Photograph Fireworks, Start Simple: My Favorite Beginner Setup
- Want Longer Exposures? Try This Setup Instead
- A Note on Bulb Mode Cameras
- Plan Ahead for Success When You Photograph Fireworks
- Choose Your Composition Before the Show Begins
- Photograph Fireworks: Let the Sparks Fly
- Layering the Magic: How to Capture Multiple Fireworks in One Shot
- A Word About Bulb Mode
- Now It’s Your Turn
What You’ll Need to Photograph Fireworks
Here’s what to pack before you head out:
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with a memory card
- Fully charged battery (bring a spare if you have one)
- A sturdy tripod
- A thick piece of black paper or black foam (you’ll see why soon)
- A remote control or shutter release (optional but very helpful)
💡 Tip: Choose a remote that lets you lock the shutter button in the “ON” position. It makes longer exposures much easier.
To Photograph Fireworks, Start Simple: My Favorite Beginner Setup
This is my go-to for quick and easy results.
- Set up your tripod and attach your camera.
- Turn off Image Stabilization or Vibration Reduction on your lens.
- Remove or reverse your lens hood so it doesn’t get in the way.
- Set your camera to Shutter Priority Mode (S or Tv).
- Set your ISO to 100 (or the lowest available setting).
- Set your shutter speed to 25–30 seconds.
- Focus on something far away (around where the fireworks will be), then turn off autofocus.
- Compose your shot and wait for the show!
🔪 This setup works great when you don’t have a remote control handy and you’re not using Bulb Mode.
Want Longer Exposures? Try This Setup Instead
If you want to capture multiple bursts in one frame when you photograph fireworks, you’ll need a setup that allows for shutter speeds longer than 30 seconds. Most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras support this with Bulb Mode.
Here’s how:
- Set up your tripod and attach your camera.
- Plug in your remote control.
- Turn off Image Stabilization/Vibration Reduction.
- Remove or reverse your lens hood.
- Switch your camera to Manual Mode (M).
- Set ISO to 100.
- Set shutter speed to Bulb (usually found after the 30-second mark).
- Set aperture to f/8 to start.
- Focus on a distant point or manually set your lens to infinity. Then turn off autofocus.
- Compose your image.
📸 In Bulb Mode, the shutter stays open as long as you’re holding the shutter button (or until you release it on the remote).
A Note on Bulb Mode Cameras
If your mode dial includes B (Bulb) as a setting, simply choose that instead of Manual or Shutter Priority Mode. Then follow the same steps above.
Plan Ahead for Success When You Photograph Fireworks
Don’t wait until it’s dark to figure out your gear! Here are a few fireworks photography tips to make the setup smoother:
- Practice at home while it’s still light out so you’re comfortable with your tripod and camera buttons.
- Arrive early to claim a good spot. Look for clear views, avoiding tree branches or power lines.
- Try to estimate how high the fireworks will go and frame your shot accordingly.
- Be considerate—if others are sitting, plan to shoot without blocking their view.
- When you photograph fireworks, it’s important to keep an eye on your gear and surroundings. It’s easy to get caught up in the show, but safety first for you and your equipment.
Choose Your Composition Before the Show Begins
Before the sky lights up, take time to frame your scene. That means deciding what kind of image you want to create:
- Will you include a silhouetted crowd or landmark in the foreground? For this photo, I included the crowd on Duke of Gloucester Street, plus the Capitol Building in the Distance.
- Or would you rather keep the frame filled with just bursts of color against the night sky?
🔯 Pro tip: Take a few test shots in Program Mode while it’s still light out. This helps you find your best composition without stress—and lets you double-check for any distractions like light poles or branches.
Once you’ve found your ideal framing:
- Lock your camera on the tripod.
- Connect your remote (if using one).
- Reverse or remove the lens hood.
- Get your settings dialed in based on your chosen shooting method (Shutter Mode or Manual/Bulb Mode).
- Keep your piece of black paper or foam within easy reach.
Then, settle in and wait for the sky to darken, the crowd to gather—and the fun to begin.
📷 Friendly reminder: Your tripod takes up space and can be a tripping hazard in the dark. A polite heads-up to those around you (“Watch out for my tripod legs!”) not only protects your gear—it also often earns you a bit of extra space to shoot from.
Photograph Fireworks: Let the Sparks Fly
Now for the fun part! Photographing fireworks can feel a bit like a game—some trial and error, but lots of reward.
Here’s how to time your shot:
- Get your camera ready—make sure it’s powered on and hasn’t gone to sleep. If it has, press the shutter button lightly to wake it up.
- Hold the black paper or foam gently in front of your lens. This blocks light without jostling the camera.
- As soon as you hear the whoosh of the firework being launched, press the shutter button to begin the exposure.
- If you’re using a remote with Bulb Mode, press and lock the shutter on.
- Quickly remove the black paper or foam to start capturing the trail of light from launch to burst.
- After the firework explodes and fades, place the black paper or foam back in front of the lens. This stops the capture while avoiding unwanted light or smoke from entering the frame.
🎉 You’re aiming to catch the full fireworks: the rising trail, the colorful explosion, and the shape it creates in the sky.
Don’t worry if the first few aren’t perfect—each launch gives you another chance to refine your timing and composition.
Layering the Magic: How to Capture Multiple Fireworks in One Shot
Once you’ve captured that first burst, you’re not done yet. That long exposure may give you time to layer in another volley without doing anything in Photoshop.
Here’s how:
- Keep your camera still and leave the shutter open.
- As you hear the next whoosh, quickly remove the black paper or foam from the lens.
- Let that firework fully explode and fade.
- Then, cover the lens again with the paper or foam to block light and smoke between volleys.
Repeat this process within your 25–30 second exposure time to stack multiple colorful bursts into one shot. That’s the secret to those vibrant, layered images that look like a grand finale—even early in the show.
When your exposure ends, simply press the shutter again to start your next 30-second capture and keep going. Each shot is its own adventure!
A Word About Bulb Mode
Here’s a bonus for the more advanced setup when you photograph fireworks: if you’re using Bulb Mode with a remote control, you can take your layering even further.
Instead of being limited to a 30-second exposure, Bulb Mode lets you decide exactly how long the shutter stays open. That means you can stack even more volleys into a single frame—but it’s all about balance.
If You’re Using Bulb Mode with a Remote
- Press and slide the shutter button on your remote to lock it in the ON position.
- Uncover the lens with the black paper or foam to capture a burst.
- Cover the lens again to block light and smoke between volleys.
- When you’re done, slide the shutter button on the remote back to release it.
It’s simple, hands-free, and gives you more control over timing.
⛔ Without a remote, Bulb Mode gets tricky. You’d need to hold the shutter button down on the camera body while also timing your paper or foam cover—almost guaranteed to cause camera shake and missed shots. For that reason, I don’t recommend using Bulb Mode without a remote.
And remember: the longer you leave your lens uncovered, the more risk you run of overexposing the image or capturing too much smoke. That’s where the black paper trick really shines!
Now It’s Your Turn
This July, don’t just watch the fireworks—capture them like a pro. With a bit of planning, a steady tripod, and a clever trick involving black paper, you’ll create images you’ll be proud to share and display.
If you’re new to using your DSLR or mirrorless camera, or still unsure about things like Shutter Mode or Manual Mode, I’d love to help. My Camera Mechanics Workshop was designed for photographers just like you—busy, curious, and ready to move beyond Auto mode.
And don’t forget to grab your Free Tripod Setup Checklist. It’s packed with tips on setting up your tripod for success.
If you’re curious about Colonial Williamsburg, here’s a link with information on visiting. The photos I’ve included were all captured in December (when it was cold instead of sweltering) during the Grand Illumination. But, there are also fireworks this July 4th in Colonial Williamsburg, so you don’t have to wait until December!
Happy shooting—and happy Fourth of July!
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