How to Photograph Fourth of July Fireworks

July 3, 2009 — -- Make sure your great memories of the fireworks this Independence Day last forever by capturing the perfect shot of the explosives. If you're looking to capture the firecrackers in all their glory, then pack your digital camera because cell phone cameras are less than ideal for snapping shots of sparklers.

Check the tips below for more information on taking pictures of pyrotechnics and click here for more tips from PC World magazine.

Getting a Great Picture

Here are a few tricks to ensure you get great shots of fireworks.

If your camera has a fireworks mode, then enable it.

If your camera does not have a fireworks mode, then adjust the settings on your camera. Turn off automatic focus and set the camera's focus to infinity so that it doesn't search helplessly for a subject in the dark.

If you don't have a manual focus control, then use the camera's landscape mode, which also sets this focus to infinity. The low light will encourage the camera to shoot at a slow shutter speed and capture the light trails.

Stabilize your camera. You need support to capture a sharp image — free from the blur that results when you hold a camera in your hands. A simple, inexpensive, lightweight tripod is all you need, or simply prop your camera on a solid surface.

If the camera has a self-timer to trigger exposure, use it.

Invest in a wireless remote that will let you take the photo without touching the camera.

Get a wide angle on the scene. Use the wider end of your lens' range. If you zoom in too tightly, you'll have trouble knowing exactly when and where the fireworks are going to do their thing.