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Fireworks are one of the most visually stunning spectacles a travel photographer can capture. Whether you’re chasing the Fourth of July over the Statue of Liberty, or New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sydney, photographing fireworks combines timing, technical skill, and location savvy. Here’s how to plan your shoot, choose the best spots, and make your images stand out:
Where to Photograph Fireworks: Top Travel Destinations
Travel photographers should think beyond the local park display. Some cities are known for fireworks that turn into cultural and visual masterpieces. Here are a few top locations to consider:
Tokyo, Japan — Sumida River Fireworks Festival: One of Japan’s oldest and most celebrated displays, backed by city lights and historic bridges.
Paris, France — Bastille Day (July 14): Fireworks erupt behind the Eiffel Tower, making for one of the most iconic skyline images in the world.
Sydney, Australia — New Year’s Eve: The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House become the focal point of one of the world’s most impressive light shows.
Washington, D.C., USA — Independence Day (July 4): A patriotic display over the National Mall, with options to frame the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, or Washington Monument.
Dubai, UAE — New Year’s Eve at Burj Khalifa: Known for extravagant fireworks and drone shows over the tallest building on Earth.
Fireworks are often paired with national holidays or festivals. Research those events in advance and time your travel photography accordingly.
How to Photograph Fireworks: Step-by-Step
Photographing fireworks is all about stability, timing, and exposure control. Here’s your go-to method:
Use a Tripod: Handheld shots will blur, even with image stabilization. A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable.
Manual Mode:
ISO: Set it low (100-200) to avoid grain.
Aperture: f/8 to f/11 gives you enough depth of field while keeping light flares crisp.
Shutter Speed: Use long exposure — typically between 2 and 10 seconds — to capture full bursts.
Use a Remote Shutter or Timer: Even pressing the shutter can introduce shake. Use a remote trigger or a 2-second delay.
Frame Wide, Then Crop: Start with a wide composition — you can always crop later. You want room for the burst to expand in the frame.
Consider Bulb Mode: For advanced control, use Bulb Mode. This allows you to hold the shutter open for as long as you like. Open the shutter when you hear the launch, and release it just after the burst finishes.
Important Tips for Fireworks Photography
Scout Your Location Early: Show up hours before showtime. Look for elevated viewpoints, reflections over water, or landmarks you can include for context.
Avoid the Crowd: Popular spots fill up fast. Consider photographing from a distance for clean compositions and less light pollution.
Include a Foreground or Landmark: Fireworks alone are pretty — but fireworks over something recognizable are powerful. A temple, skyline, monument, or statue give your image a sense of place.
Watch the Wind: Wind direction affects where the smoke goes. You want to shoot with the wind at your back — otherwise, your frame will quickly fill with smoke, obscuring bursts.
Shoot in RAW: Fireworks have wide contrast and vibrant colors. Shooting in RAW gives you more flexibility to recover highlights or adjust white balance later.
Don’t Just Photograph the Sky: Capture the crowd, reflections, kids with sparklers, or city lights illuminated by bursts. These moments tell a more complete story of the celebration.
Time + Travel + Techniques
Photographing fireworks isn’t just about beautiful explosions — it’s about capturing energy, celebration, and the spirit of the place. Travel photographers can elevate their images by combining iconic locations with perfect timing and solid technique. Whether you’re shooting over the Danube, along Rio’s beaches, or at a small-town summer fair, planning and composition are your secret weapons.
