It’s that time of year again. Over the next few days, millions of people will be posting blurry pictures of Bonfire Night fireworks on Instagram. Photographing fireworks is trickier than it looks; even the best mobile phone does not offer great technology for nighttime photography.

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Here we offer ten pointers for capturing and sharing your fireworks photographs on Instagram.


  1. Get as close as you (safely) can. Many fireworks photos are grainy because they are taken too far away. The closer you are, the lights will be clearer and you won’t have other spectators’ iPhones blocking your way.


  2. Don’t take a photo of the first explosion in the sky. Work out where the action will be and frame the shot beforehand so you’re ready to angle the shot. However, don’t wait too long or the sky will get smoky and cloud up your picture.


  3. Make sure your flash is switched off. The colourful lights will be enough as camera LED flashes make awful night pictures. If you’re in a crowd, you will only see the backs of people’s heads.


  4. Don’t bother zooming in as it diminishes the quality of the photo. Crop the picture later if needs be.


  5. Shoot like a real photographer with your whole body, not just waving your arm high in the air hoping for the best. Use your arms and torso as a tripod or take an actual tripod with you to guarantee a steady shot.


  6. To take lots of photos at once, hold down the capture button.


  7. The filter and editing tools on Instagram allow you to adjust the brightness, contrast, shadows and highlights on each photo but don’t let the filter overtake your image.


  8. Recommended Apps to enable better nighttime photography include Google Camera, Camera ZOOM FX, Camera+ and Slow Shutter.


  9. Suppress the urge to publish on Instagram if your picture is hopeless. You will regret your decision in the morning.


  10. Or... the best bit of advice: ignore the above, keep your phone in your pocket and enjoy the glittery show in real time.




FAQs: How to Take Good Firework Photos

How do you take good firework photos on your phone?
To take better firework photos, switch off your flash, keep your phone steady and frame your shot before the fireworks begin. Position yourself at a safe distance from the display and take several photographs to capture the best moments.
What is the best camera setting for photographing fireworks?
Use your phone’s night mode or manual camera settings if available. Keep the ISO low to reduce graininess and use a slower shutter speed to capture the trails of light. If your phone has an exposure adjustment, lower it slightly to prevent bright fireworks from appearing overexposed.
Should I use flash when taking pictures of fireworks?
No, it is best to switch off your camera flash. Fireworks provide their own light, and the flash will not illuminate them effectively. It can also distract other spectators and cause unwanted glare in your photographs.
How can I stop my firework photos from being blurry?
Keep your phone as steady as possible by holding it with both hands, bracing your arms against your body or using a tripod. Avoid moving your phone while taking the picture, and use your camera’s burst mode to capture several frames and select the sharpest one.
Should I zoom in when photographing fireworks?
Avoid using digital zoom, as it can reduce the quality of your photographs and make them appear grainy. Instead, compose your shot at the widest suitable setting and crop the image afterwards to bring the fireworks into focus.
How do you capture the trails of fireworks in a photograph?
Use a slower shutter speed or your phone’s long-exposure mode, if available. This allows the camera to record the movement of the fireworks as they travel through the sky, creating colourful trails of light. Keep your phone steady throughout the exposure.
What is the best time to take firework photos?
The best time is usually during the early part of the display, when the sky is still relatively clear. Photographing fireworks before too much smoke builds up will help you capture sharper images with more vibrant colours.
How can I take better firework photos for Instagram?
Compose your photograph before the fireworks begin, making sure the display is the main focus. Take several shots, then choose the sharpest image and make subtle adjustments to brightness, contrast and highlights. Avoid heavy filters that can make the colours look unnatural.
Which apps are best for taking firework photos?
Camera apps with night photography, manual exposure and long-exposure features can help improve your results. The Guide’s original article recommends Google Camera, Camera ZOOM FX, Camera+ and Slow Shutter. Availability and compatibility will depend on your phone.
How can I take firework photos safely?
Always follow the event organiser’s safety instructions and stay behind designated barriers. Never move closer to fireworks being launched or stand in a restricted area to get a better photograph. Use your phone from a safe viewing position and keep your attention on your surroundings rather than your screen.