6 tips for stunning fireworks photography

Capturing fireworks in all their glory is a thrilling challenge, but with the right techniques you’ll be able to freeze those awe-inspiring moments in time. This guide will walk you through the best fireworks photography tips and recommend Canon cameras and lenses to help you achieve professional-quality results.

1. Find the perfect vantage point to see the fireworks

Location is everything when it comes to taking photos of fireworks. A clear view of the fireworks and a compelling foreground can transform an average shot into something spectacular. Consider positioning yourself near a landmark, a body of water for reflections, or an interesting silhouette to enhance your composition. If you want to compress the perspective and bring distant fireworks closer, stand about 500 metres away and use a telephoto lens.

Recommendation: When shooting in crowded areas, consider using a tripod to stabilise your shots while staying nimble in tight spaces.

Image by community member, Elisa Eves @elisaeves.
Shot on an EOS 5D Mark IV and EF 17-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens
ISO 200 | f/11 | 2.5"

2. Master focus for sharp pictures

Getting sharp focus on the fireworks is crucial for a successful image. Set your camera to manual focus and focus on a distant object (at least 20 metres away) to ensure you’re at infinity focus. Once you’ve locked in your focus, switch to manual mode to prevent accidental adjustments during the shoot.

Recommendation: Cameras like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Canon EOS R8 are equipped with fast, accurate autofocus systems that perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions. However, once you’ve locked your focus, manually set it to avoid any shifts during the fireworks display.

3. Timing and exposure: Let the light paint the sky

Long exposure is essential for capturing stunning firework photography. Start with an exposure time of 2 seconds, setting your camera to ISO 400 and f/4 to capture the light trails of the fireworks as they explode. This will provide enough exposure for vibrant, detailed streaks of light across the sky. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is ideal for fireworks photography with its in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), which reduces shake during longer exposures, ensuring your shots are crisp even with slower shutter speeds.

Recommendation: To avoid any camera shake, use a remote shutter release or the self-timer function. The Canon BR-E1 Bluetooth Remote for smartphones will allow you to trigger the shutter without physically touching the camera, ensuring sharp, shake-free images.

Image by community member, Satoko Clarke
Shot on an EOS 90D and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens
ISO 100 | f/9 | 4"

4. Experiment with different shutter speeds

Once you're comfortable with your initial settings, experiment with slower shutter speeds to create a more dynamic composition. Lower your shutter speed to 0.8 seconds while keeping your ISO at 100 and f/4, which will allow more intricate light trails to form.

For a truly dramatic effect, try a 30-second exposure with ISO 100 and f/8. This will enable you to capture multiple bursts of fireworks within a single frame, resulting in a beautiful collage of light streaks.

Recommendation: The EOS R6 Mark II and EOS R8 both offer exceptional low-light performance, making them perfect for long-exposure shots where detail and dynamic range are crucial.

5. Get creative with zoom during long exposure

One creative trick is to experiment with zooming during a long exposure. Start with your camera set to a 2-second exposure (with ISO 100 and f/4), then, as the fireworks explode, slowly zoom in or out during the exposure. This results in unique and dynamic light trails that swirl and expand, adding an artistic touch to your image.

Recommendation: For this technique, the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens is perfect. With its versatile zoom range (24-105mm) and image stabilisation, it gives you the flexibility to zoom in or out during the exposure while ensuring the image remains sharp.

6. Create a stunning collage with multiple exposures

For something truly unique, use the multiple exposure mode on your mirrorless camera. This setting allows you to merge several exposures into one frame. Select additive mode, and capture 3 or more frames during the firework display. Your camera will combine the exposures, creating an exciting composite of light trails.

If your camera doesn't have a multiple exposure function, you can manually achieve the same effect by using Bulb mode. Set your camera to ISO 100, f/4, and use a black card to block light between exposures, revealing a new firework burst each time you remove the card.

Recommendation: The EOS R6 Mark II and EOS R8 offer multiple exposure settings, making this technique much easier. With RF lenses like the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, you can create smooth, well-composed shots, perfect for capturing fireworks in layers.

Gear recommendations for fireworks photography

To take your fireworks photography to the next level, we recommend a camera that can perform in low-light conditions and offers flexibility in creative control.

Image by community member Anthony Cudmore
Shot on an EOS R7 and RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5 - 5.6 IS STM lens
ISO 100 | f/6.3 | 6-10"

Canon Mirrorless Cameras:

• Canon EOS R10: This entry-level mirrorless camera offers 24.2MP APS-C sensor, dual-pixel CMOS autofocus, and exceptional low-light performance. The EOS R10 is a great choice for beginner photographers looking to capture fireworks without breaking the bank. With its fast autofocus and solid performance in low light, it’s an excellent tool for stunning night-time shots.

• Canon EOS R8: A more advanced yet still affordable option, the Canon EOS R8 offers 24.2MP full-frame sensor, fast autofocus, and great high-ISO performance. It’s ideal for low-light scenarios like fireworks displays, where you need detail in both bright and dark areas. The compact design and dual-pixel autofocus make it an excellent choice for both casual and semi-professional photographers.

• Canon EOS R6 Mark II: The EOS R6 Mark II is a full-frame mirrorless camera that’s packed with advanced features, including in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), fast autofocus, and excellent high ISO performance. Its high-speed continuous shooting and dynamic range make it perfect for capturing every moment of a fireworks display, from the first spark to the final burst.

Canon lenses & accessories for fireworks photography:

• Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM: This versatile zoom lens offers a broad focal range (24-105mm) and image stabilisation, making it ideal for both wide-angle and telephoto shots during fireworks displays. The f/4 aperture allows plenty of light in, while the lens’s stabilisation ensures sharp results, even during longer exposures.

• Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM: If you prefer wide-angle shots, this 14-35mm lens offers superb image quality with its f/4 aperture and image stabilisation. It’s perfect for capturing expansive fireworks scenes, ensuring that the entire display is included in the frame while maintaining excellent sharpness and clarity.

• Canon BR-E1 Bluetooth Remote: For wireless shooting, the BR-E1 remote lets you control your Canon camera from a distance, ideal for taking long-exposure fireworks shots without touching the camera.

Mastering fireworks photography takes practice, but with the right techniques and equipment, you'll be capturing stunning images of fireworks that showcase the beauty and excitement of these displays.