There will be fireworks!

Awe inspiring as they may be, just pointing your camera at the booming pyrotechnic display in the sky this 4th of July may not be the best way to approach your holiday photo shoot. Over the past few years I've had a lot of fun shooting on the 4th. Below are a few simple things I've played with over the years to keep shooting on this holiday interesting.

The most important I've learned is that you have to have the right film speed, better know now as ISO (or ASA depending on how old your camera is). Here's the basics: The greater the number, the better it is in lower light.

However, higher ISO will also appear grainer. For the 4th I usually use 800-1000 because I'd rather have more poeple in my shots than super crisp fireworks. Here are three great experiments to keep you busy on this 4th:

photography fireworks smoke clearing
Shot with Lomo LC-A and Ilford Black & White 800

1. Open Your Shutter & See What Comes Out:

That "B" setting on your camera stands for Bulb, and it gives you complete control over your shutter. Ideally you should have some sort of tripod and a shutter release cable when you use this setting, but a flat surface and a steady hand can sometimes do the trick. Push down your shutter release and count, 1 one-thousand, 2 one-thousand. Let go. Try it again at different intervals.

photography sparklers
Shot on Film, Olympus Xa and Lomo 800 Speed Color Film

2. Try a flash + sparklers

It's that simple. The flash won't over power the sparks and you'll have both the subject matter and the 4th's magic in the foreground.

photography fireworks people
Shot with Lomo LC-A and Ilford Black & White 800

3. Shoot People, Even if They Are Blurry

Remember you'll want to look back and see who you were celebrating with (not the blue UFO shape firework). So, try and incorporate people into your shots where you can. Fireworks make a great backdrop.