South Africa's fireworks season falls in December and January, when displays go up over harbours, stadiums and waterfronts on warm nights that stay light until well after seven. Photographing them looks harder than it is. The subject is bright, its shape is predictable even when its timing is not, and it sits against a black sky that does most of the compositional work for you. Get the exposure settings and the lens right and the rest is patience. This guide covers both.
What you need for fireworks photography
Fireworks photography asks for a wide field of view, a long exposure and a camera that does not move. That combination sets the kit list. Here is what to have with you before the first shell goes up.
Capture the whole display with a wide-angle lens
A wide-angle lens — roughly 35mm or shorter — is what lets you fit an entire display into the frame without clipping the tops off the highest bursts. It also gives you room to include what sits underneath: a harbour wall, a crowd, a city
