
cover image by Kyoka
Fireworks blooming in the summer night sky, their fleeting brilliance and transience are truly a hallmark of summer. Capturing the beauty of fireworks with a camera may seem simple, but it is actually quite profound.
This time, we introduce three tips to maximize the charm of fireworks.
Express the Scale of Fireworks with a Wide Angle
To convey the impact of fireworks displays, a wide-angle lens is effective. When deciding on the composition, ensure that the fireworks are not cut off at the top, and check the overall balance of the frame.
Adjust the camera settings for aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity. For handheld shooting, it's good to be prepared to quickly switch to a vertical orientation.

Image by decomp3104
Blur Fireworks to Express Melancholy
Try expressing melancholy by blurring the fading fireworks. Slightly softening the focus can also make small fireworks appear larger.
If you include silhouettes of people, adjusting the exposure to the fireworks can create a shadow puppet effect, sparking the viewer's imagination. Choose silhouettes with recognizable profiles or gestures, and use summer-themed items to avoid excessive staging.

Image by 中嶋 凌 / Nakajima Ryo
Photograph Handheld Fireworks While the Sky is Bright
The key to photographing handheld fireworks is to do so while the sky still retains some brightness. This ensures proper exposure and allows you to capture non-blurry photos. Shooting in open areas like beaches can enhance the atmosphere as the fireworks and sky reflect on the shoreline.
To create bokeh with the sparks of handheld fireworks, set a fast shutter speed and take care to avoid blurring. By holding the fireworks yourself, you can add sparkle and create a sense of unity with the model. When holding the camera with one hand, it's important to pre-set the settings and focus on the focus.

Image by ayako
How was it?
Fireworks photography is captivating for its challenge of capturing fleeting brilliance. To beautifully preserve your summer memories, boldly press the shutter. The breath of a summer night should be conveyed through the photos.