Capturing the Fourth of July: How to Photograph Fireworks & More

The 4th of July is a cherished tradition in America. Every summer, people gather all over the country to mark the anniversary of the day the Declaration of Independence was signed, and America was born. The fourth of July is a birthday party that everyone attends for our country._x005F _x005F It's never been easier to capture photos of significant events like the fourth of July. Everyones got a phone with a camera in their pocket now. What does this mean? It means that youre just a click away from remembering your favorite moments of the day!_x005F _x005F Ive put together a list of cameras that will help you capture great photos of Independence Day, all that will fit into your pocket or a bag. Each product has its own benefits, so if youre looking for a new device that is known for high-quality photography, read on._x005F

1. GoPro Hero4 Silver Edition

_x005F _x005F _x005F Youve probably heard of GoPro cameras €” theyre the small cameras that adventurers and professional photographers use to get amazing shots outdoors. These are some of the best cameras to get underwater shots and come in handy for shooting spectacles like fireworks._x005F _x005F The GoPro Hero4 Silver Edition is a newer generation camera that has a few exciting features. First, it can record 4K video, which is high-resolution, meaning that you will be able to document every moment of the 4th of July and see all the little details clearly._x005F _x005F Another feature is that for the first time, GoPro has introduced a touchscreen. This screen, which is only one and a half inches in size, allows you to interact with your settings, save and delete photos, fix focus and exposure, and more with just a few touches._x005F _x005F The camera comes in a kit, complete with mounts, waterproof housing and more. The camera is small enough to fit into your pocket and is great for people who love to get unusual angles or want to capture all the action, in real time, from their point of view._x005F

2. iPhone 6s Plus

_x005F _x005F _x005F This phone has excellent features, but the most essential element is that this camera has optical image stabilization. This means that its now easier to get crisp and clear photos, even if the camera moves a little. Thats great if youre trying to take pictures of fireworks or your friends running around and because its a passive feature on the phone, you dont even have to worry about setting this up._x005F _x005F Other great features include the ability to record 4K video on the camera and the fact that the camera and its gallery now utilize 3D Touch €” a feature that allows you to change settings and view the gallery within the camera without ever leaving the app._x005F _x005F Its an excellent phone for beginning photographers and people who like the ability to take high-resolution photos and share them instantly to social media._x005F

3. Samsung Galaxy S7

_x005F _x005F _x005F The Samsung Galaxy S7 is a marvel of a phone that happens to have one of the best cameras embedded into it. With 12-megapixel photos available in an instant, autofocus for photos taken on the go and bright captures even in the dimmest of places, the Galaxy S7 is in a class of its own._x005F _x005F What sets this camera apart from others that you see in smartphones is the ability to enable preview mode, which allows you to instantly delete or share your captures right from the app. Now your friends can see what youre up to on the 4th of July in real time, with no need to switch in between apps._x005F _x005F This is a camera that lends itself to the moment, ensuring that every photo you take with it is clear, in focus, and lit with just the right amount of exposure._x005F

Fourth of July Photography Tips & Tricks:

_x005F Now that weve covered some of the most mobile and easy-to-use cameras, lets move on to some tips and tricks for capturing the best moments of your 4th of July. Dont worry, these are tips you can use to make any photo better, no matter what type of camera youre using, so be sure to keep them in mind during the holiday._x005F

Tip #1: Dont Use Flash

_x005F We all know that flash is an excellent way to get enough light in your shot, but the truth is that many flashes on cameras are just too bright and too harsh of light to do your photos any justice._x005F _x005F So what do we suggest? Try ignoring the flash and use available light. Its a scary proposition, we know, especially if youre shooting outdoors, but try it. With the lights from the fireworks and all the other lighting thats around you, youll get a better picture without the flash._x005F _x005F If youre still worried about exposure, many cameras have an auto-exposure feature that allows you to choose your level without using flash. Check your cameras instruction manual to see how to enable auto-exposure._x005F

Tip #2: Composition and Focus are Key

_x005F So we all know a good picture when we see it, but did you know theres a secret on how to do it? The secret is €” wait for it €” composition and focus. Pretty simple, right?_x005F _x005F The trick is to make sure your subject €” whatever it is, whether it be a person or an object, like fireworks €” is always in focus and in a place within the frame so that a viewer can clearly see it. Thats called composition, and there are hundreds of videos on Youtube about how to get the right composition. If shooting with a DSLR camera, use the right lens._x005F _x005F The focus is also important. You dont want to create a photo where your friends arent in focus, even though theyre your subject, right? Right. To enable focus on your camera €” many have a setting just for this €” and keep them clear in the frame. Trust us, your friends will thank you for this._x005F

Tip #3: Shoot for Long Exposure

_x005F A pretty neat trick to use for the 4th of July is to shoot long exposure photos. The term €œlong exposure€ means that the camera stays open longer to let more light in, resulting in an artistic photograph. This is great for taking pictures of fireworks or nighttime barbecues._x005F _x005F So how do you do this with a phone? Well, if you have a smartphone camera, there are apps you can download that can enable this feature on your phone. For regular cameras, theres plenty of information on the internet on how to do that, so make sure to read up on long exposure photography for your camera's brand on the company forums._x005F

Final Thoughts

_x005F The 4th of July is a fun event during the summer for Americans. We tend to go all out for it, and more often than not, we want pictures to remind us of the great fun we had that day. Do yourself a favor and take some time to read up on fun ways to photograph the day! If you have any other tips and tricks on how to shoot the fourth of July, leave them below and send us your best photographs of how you spent Independence Day!