Since obtaining my first DSLR camera in October last year, I haven't had the opportunity to try fireworks photography. So yesterday I found myself at the Maldon Promenade Fireworks Display fully kitted out to make a first attempt.

Before this event, my only other tries at photographing fireworks was by using handheld compact cameras. This time I had my DSLR, 18-55mm lens, tripod and remote release.

The worst element was deciding where to set up. By the time I arrived, the venue was already busy, so I choose a spot behind a bench (useful to protect the camera from knocks and bumps). Unfortunately a tree was right in front of me, but not having attended this event before, it really was guesswork for determining where the fireworks would launch from. As it happens the tree was directly between me and the fireworks but for the most part I don't think it mattered.

As the event started, I found myself franticly adjusting the position of the camera. I soon learnt that despite the stability requirements, I wouldn't be able to tighten the tripod too much as I'd need to frequently re-adjust for high up rockets, and lower fireworks.

Timing was another interesting variable which I had to learn fast. I was using the camera on bulb mode, so the shutter was open as long as I held the release. Early on I'd figured out a rough idea of how long to open the shutter, only to have that scuppered by brighter explosives. Throughout the evening I did spot checks to ensure that the pictures I was taking were coming out. Due to the fast nature of fireworks I couldn't check every picture.

So I've now been through the images and out of 166 taken, I've settled on 49 that I will keep. That's not to say that others were technically poor (although some were), but I was releasing the shutter so frequently that there was many similarities between some pictures.

In summary, from this one event, these are the tips that I am giving myself for next time:

• Use a tripod to ensure the camera is stable.

• Use a cable release so that the camera doesn't shake when the shutter is opened.

• Anticipate the best location to set up, being mindful of potential obstacles like trees and other people. Find a place where the camera/tripod is less likely to be knocked.

• Set the focus to manual so that the camera doesn't have to auto focus each time the shutter is released. Pre-adjust the focus so that this is ready before launch.

• Try and aim the camera before the first fireworks go up to minimise the amount of time taken to get that final position. Quickly use the first fireworks to confirm that the focus is sharp.

• Remember that brighter fireworks need a shorter exposure time than darker ones. I had exposure times varying between 2 seconds and nearly 10 seconds in a few instances.

• If using a digital camera, do spot checks on the pictures to ensure that the timings are good. Don't check every picture.

• Check through the viewfinder from time-to-time to ensure that fireworks are in-frame and to re-adjust the focus if necessary.

So for the most part, I'm quite pleased with my results. Therefore, I've published the selected 49 photographs in an album which can be found in the photography section, or by clicking on the link below.

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Tags: photography