| As the sun sets this Fourth of July, it is time to point your camera to the sky to photograph fireworks. Figure out your best shooting location early, before the beer. Then memorize these four points to get the best photos of your local display. 1.) - Using a solid tripod will ensure that your longer exposures of fireworks are tack sharp as they explode and fall thru the sky. 2.) - Choose a quality lens in the 24-200mm range with a wide aperture of f/2.8 or better. Both zoom and fixed lenses will work here. 3.) - Open your lens up as wide as it will go (f/2.8 - f/4). You will want to maximize your shutter speed in the low-light, so use a higher ISO in the 1600 - 3200 range. 4.) - Consider the style of the photo that you want to create. For sharper sparks against the black night sky, use a shutter speed around 1/15 second. For longer spark trails use a shutter speed of 1 second. As the finale happens, you may need to re-adjust your ISO to compensate for the brighter lighting situation. And finally, don’t forget to add people, scenic elements, or even flags into your photos. This will provide context and a sense of place for your viewer. Enjoy the holiday and take a look at our new store! | 