Make Unique Fireworks Photos Using Focus Blur

To nudge the odds in your favor, follow these simple guidelines:

• Shoot from a tripod.

• Estimate your exposure, and adjust camera settings based on the results. A good starting point: 2 sec at f/5.6 and ISO 100 to suppress noise.

• Because long exposures drain batteries, charge yours fully beforehand and bring an extra.

• Standard and tele lenses produce more pleasing focus blur than wide-angles. Lenses with loose-turning focusing rings are preferable to those with stiff, overdamped focusing actions.

• For more info, visit flickr.com/groups/focusblur.

Looking for more traditional strategies for shooting fireworks? Check out these tutorials

HOW TO: PHOTOGRAPH A FIREWORKS DISPLAY

PHOTOGRAPHING FIREWORKS WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM PHOTOSHOP