15: Fireworks in Sitka by Derek Mazur

Today we’ve got a special guide to taking great shots of fireworks shows. This one comes to use from Sitka, Alaska.

Photographer: Derek Mazur

Original post on the Sitka tourism IG page

To recreate the stunning photo of fireworks over a waterfront at dusk, follow this highly detailed breakdown covering location scouting, timing, camera settings, composition, lighting, and post-processing.

Location Scouting

1. Select a Location:

   • Find a location with a clear view of the waterfront and the area where the fireworks will be launched.

   • Look for elevated vantage points, such as hills, bridges, or buildings, that provide a panoramic view of the scene.

Timing

1. Golden Hour and Blue Hour:

   • Plan to shoot during the blue hour (just after sunset) to capture the deep blue sky and the ambient light.

   • Ensure you are ready to shoot as the fireworks start, typically after dusk.

Camera Settings

1. Aperture (f-stop):

   • Use a small aperture (e.g., f/8 to f/16) to ensure a large depth of field, keeping both the fireworks and the foreground in sharp focus.

2. Shutter Speed:

   • Use a long exposure (e.g., 2-10 seconds) to capture the trails of the fireworks and the reflections in the water.

3. ISO:

   • Set a low ISO (e.g., 100-200) to reduce noise and maintain image quality.

4. Lens:

   • Use a wide-angle lens (e.g., 16-35mm) to capture the expansive landscape, fireworks, and reflections.

Composition

1. Rule of Thirds:

   • Position the horizon along the lower third of the frame to emphasize the sky and the fireworks.

   • Place the fireworks off-center, following the rule of thirds, to create a dynamic and balanced composition.

2. Leading Lines:

   • Use the waterfront and the reflections as leading lines to draw the viewer’s eye towards the fireworks and the skyline.

   • Incorporate boats, docks, and other elements to add interest and guide the viewer’s eye through the image.

3. Symmetry and Reflections:

   • Utilize the reflections in the water to create a symmetrical composition, adding balance and interest.

   • Ensure the reflections are clear and aligned with the main elements of the scene.

Lighting

1. Natural Light:

   • Rely on the natural light of the blue hour for a soft, even illumination. The ambient light will enhance the colors of the sky and the reflections.

2. Fireworks Light:

   • The fireworks themselves will provide additional light, creating bright and colorful trails that illuminate the scene.

Shooting Process

1. Tripod Use:

   • Mount your camera on a sturdy tripod to ensure stability during long exposures.

2. Focus:

   • Use manual focus to ensure sharpness in critical areas, such as the skyline and the fireworks.

3. Remote Shutter Release:

   • Use a remote shutter release or the camera’s timer to avoid camera shake during exposure.

Post-Processing

1. HDR Blending:

   • If you bracketed exposures, blend the images in post-processing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop) to create an HDR image that retains detail in both highlights and shadows.

2. Color Correction:

   • Adjust the white balance to enhance the natural tones of the sky and the fireworks.

   • Increase saturation slightly to bring out the colors of the fireworks and the ambient light.

3. Contrast and Clarity:

   • Increase contrast and clarity to bring out details in the fireworks, the reflections, and the skyline.

   • Use selective adjustments to enhance the sharpness of the key elements while maintaining a soft background blur.

4. Sharpening:

   • Apply selective sharpening to the fireworks, reflections, and key elements in the foreground to make them stand out against the background.

5. Noise Reduction:

   • Apply noise reduction, especially in the shadow areas, to maintain a clean and high-quality image.

6. Final Adjustments:

   • Crop the image to refine the composition if necessary.

   • Make any final adjustments to exposure, highlights, shadows, and colors to ensure the image looks balanced and polished.

Practical Steps for a Similar Photo

1. Preparation:

   • Plan your shoot around the blue hour and the timing of the fireworks. Check weather conditions to ensure clear skies.

2. Equipment:

   • Bring a sturdy tripod, wide-angle lens, remote shutter release, and any necessary filters (e.g., ND filter for longer exposures).

3. Execution:

   • Arrive at the location early to set up and find the best composition. Be patient and ready to capture the changing light conditions and the fireworks.

4. Post-Processing:

   • Spend time in post-processing to blend exposures, adjust colors, and enhance details to achieve a stunning final image.

By following these guidelines, you can recreate a breathtaking photo of fireworks over a waterfront at dusk, with vibrant colors, sharp details, and dynamic composition.