6 Common Fireworks Photography Mistakes (And How to Fix Them Like a Pro)

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Ah, fireworks photography. One of the most magical and maddening things to shoot – especially as a beginner.

You gear up with the best intentions, get your camera in place… and then boom 💥: blurry blobs, smoke-filled frames, or total overexposure.

Don’t worry—you’re far from alone. Every beginner (and plenty of pros) has made plenty of fireworks photography mistakes.

The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what’s going wrong.

Let’s break down the most common “oops” moments and how to dodge them like the true adventure photographer you are!

My Go-To Travel Cameras: Canon EOS M50 mark II | Canon EOS 5D mark IV

Mistake #1: Overexposing Every Shot

The problem

You would think that since you are photographing at night, everything would be underexposed. I actually found that it’s easier to overexpose, especially during a finale.

Fireworks are basically exploding light bulbs in the sky.

If your shutter is open too long or your aperture is too wide, you’ll get blown-out bursts with no detail, no color, and definitely no “wow” factor.

How to fix it

• Set your ISO low (100–200) to reduce noise and light sensitivity
• Use a narrow aperture – start around f/11, and adjust between f/8–f/16 depending on distance and brightness
• Keep your shutter speed around 2–5 seconds to capture the trail without overcooking the scene
• Check your histogram if there are breaks in the show. If the graph is slammed up against the right edge, it’s too bright.

Fireworks may be bright, but the environment around them is dark.

Let your camera underexpose a little – it’s better to preserve detail than to lose it.

If you have no idea what I just said with all of those fancy camera settings – don’t panic – get my FREE travel photography cheat sheet👇

Mistake #2: Autofocus Goes Wild in the Dark

The Problem

Your camera keeps trying to focus…and keeps failing.

Why? Because autofocus needs contrast to lock onto something – and an empty night sky isn’t cutting it.

So while you’re hunting for focus, the firework pops – and you miss it.

How to fix it

• Switch to manual focus mode before the show begins
• Focus on a distant light source or the skyline
• Use Live View + zoom to fine-tune manually
• Once set, don’t touch the focus ring again unless you completely change your angle or subject

If you camera is capable, I also found success in using the touch screen to focus and take a picture.

This gives less control and you can’t focus on specific fireworks, but it will do in a pinch.

Mistake #3: Arriving Late and Getting a Crummy Spot

The problem

This is one of the more hidden fireworks photography mistakes.

You get there five minutes before the first boom, squeeze between two strangers, and realize your “epic firework shot” now includes a light pole, a funnel cake stand, and the back of someone’s trucker hat.

How to fix it

• Scout your location during the day – look for a clear line of sight to the sky, plus interesting foreground options (water, buildings, trees, silhouettes)
• Arrive 1–2 hours early to claim your ideal spot
• Avoid standing downwind – smoke will blow right into your lens
• Use Google Maps street view, Instagram location tags, or past event photos to preview the best angles

Sometimes the best view isn’t front and center. Look for reflections in water, elevated views, or off-angle compositions for something unique.

Mistake #4: Pressing the Shutter Button by Hand

The problem

You click the shutter, and even that tiny movement is enough to blur the entire shot – especially during a long exposure.

Your hands might be steady, but your camera is more dramatic than that.

How to fix it

• Use a remote shutter release – wired or wireless
• Don’t have one? Use your camera’s 2-second timer so the shake settles before the shutter opens
• Some cameras have an interval timer mode – set it to take a series of shots automatically, so you can focus on the moment (or your funnel cake)

If you’re feeling fancy, connect your camera to your phone with a remote app (Canon Camera Connect, Nikon SnapBridge, etc.) for remote shutter control without the extra gear.

Mistake #5: Trying to Shoot Every Single Firework

The problem

You panic-shoot. Every. Single. Boom.

Result? 200 random photos that all kind of look the same, and you missed the best bursts because you were constantly clocked on your screen.

How to fix it

• Slow down. Wait for the big moments – multiple bursts, colorful combos, or when something epic happens in your foreground
• Be intentional. Pick your moments, frame the shot, and shoot with purpose
• Use Bulb Mode with a remote to hold the shutter open only for the bursts you want, then close it after they fade
• Let the show breathe – shoot a few, watch a few, repeat.

Some of your best photos will come from holding the shutter during 2–3 fireworks in the same frame. Don’t just shoot one at a time – think layered light stories.

Looking for more gear? Here are all of my favs for adventure photography and videography!

Mistake #6: Forgetting to Actually Enjoy the Fireworks Show

The problem

I know this seems weird, but this is actually THE most common of the fireworks photography mistakes I’ve listed.

You get so caught up in the settings, the shutter timing, the composition, the smoke, the histogram – next thing you know, the show’s over…and you barely looked up.

You captured the fireworks, but you missed the moment.

How to fix it

• Set a goal: Get 5–10 solid shots you’re proud of – then put the camera down.
• Let your interval timer or remote take a few while you watch with your own eyes.
• Build a break into your shoot: Start wide, grab some bangers, and then pause during the slow parts of the show to just be there.

Real talk: The best photo isn’t always the one that gets the most likes -it’s the one that reminds you of how you felt in that moment.

Don’t trade the magic of fireworks for a memory card full of stress.

Final Spark on Firework Photography Mistakes

Fireworks photography doesn’t have to be complicated – but it can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to look out for.

The good news? Every single “oops” on this list is fixable, and now you’ve got the insider know-how to dodge the most common beginner mistakes like a total pro.

Whether you’re setting up on a lakeside dock, a city rooftop, or deep in a festival crowd, just remember:

• Keep your settings simple
• Watch your focus
• Choose your spot with intention
• Don’t overthink every burst
• And for the love of sparkles…don’t forget to actually enjoy the show

Because while it’s amazing to come home with bucket list–worthy photos, it’s even better to have been fully there for the moment they happened.

Fireworks don’t last long – and neither do the best memories if you miss them chasing perfection behind the lens.

So go out, play with your settings, make a few mistakes, learn, and live it up.

That’s where the magic (and the best photos) really happen.

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