I love taking pictures. I am my family’s official picture taker. This gets stepped up when we head to Walt Disney World (usually once or twice a year). I have Digital SLR camera, a Nikon D60. I love it and it is great for getting those perfect shots. Each year when we go to Disney I take thousands of pictures.
Today, however I want to talk about taking pictures of the fireworks. I have rented lens and bought a tripod just to get good fireworks pictures, but you do not need to go that far. A “point and shoot” camera and a trash can work also.
I start with a tripod, you can use a monopod, or a gorillapod. I like to set up on Main Street right a crossed from Casey’s. But another spot I love is the Tomorrowland Terrace. It helps to get there early (45 minutes or so) and stake out your spot and the surrounding area (so your tripod doesn’t get bumped). I usually use my husband, a book bag, myself and a folded towel (I take the towel to save seats during the parade).
The settings I have found that work best for me are – Aperture: F/8 – F/16; Focus: set to infinity; and the shutter speed 2-4 seconds and ISO 100-200. I use a remote to control the shutter release as to not jar the camera and cause any blur. Make sure your flash is off, since it will do nothing but over expose your photo. If you have a Point and Shoot camera with a fireworks setting use that, if not use the landscape setting.
Here are a few of my favorite “Wishes” photos.
Some additional tips….
Make sure you have a backup battery and Memory Card ready to go. Remember most fireworks shows build to a big finale you want to make sure you have enough memory to capture this. You also want to change your aperture to F/16-F/20 or so once the big ending starts due to the extra light.
Takes tons of pictures you never know which on with be “The One”!
Learn more about souvenirs in the Walt Disney World parks plus Destinations in Florida can help you choose your souvenir purchases on your next Walt Disney World vacation.
Lisa loves all things Disney and truly enjoys capturing all her family’s memories on film.
Brenda says
THanks for the photo tips. On our last trip in 2006 I used a Canon point and shoot on the fireworks setting and got some great pictures. This time I want to use my Nikon D80. I was wondering if I could take my tripod in and set it up without disrupting others. Glad you mentioned that – and the settings so I dont spend have the time fighting the camera! haha. I think my camera has a fireworks setting, but may try manual settings for a change. Now for the Spectromagic parade….anyone with tips on that? :)
Linda Nelson says
I follow your column every day. My husband and I were at Disneyworld this week too. We stayed in a condo off-site from Disney. We seem to have seen and done almost everything you guys did, just one day later. The weather was perfect too. We almost had “too much fun”! Thanks for sharing your family and their fun with everyone, I really enjoy it.
Deann says
Wishes is one of my absolute favorite things about Disney World. I watch it on youtube and our home videos and just cry like a baby! Every time I see it at the parks I cry too. I like to rotate out pretty pics of it on my desktop too :) Thanks for sharing!
Melody says
I have a DSLR and wish I new how to use it better. Great post Lisa and LOVE the picture.
I have a Canon Rebel XSI. On the second day at Disney last month it quit working! I had a melt down and bought a point and shoot : ( When I returned home and could not find no one local to work on it, I called Canon. Should have done this at Disney because it was something simple that they told me and now it works fine.
Karen A says
Those pictures are amazing!!!
Pamala says
Great pictures. I am also the family photographer with a dslr. I can’t wait for our trip to take tons of photos.
JenniFer L. says
Great Post…Awesome Pictures. I will be saving this one so I too can take fireworks pictures. Last time I was at Disneyland the fireworks show was cancelled because of wind. I should of had a back up plan so we couold have ended the day with a bang.
Randi says
Great how to! Also don’t forget to turn off your flash for things like the electrical parade. Photos like these make for excellent endings to a scrapbook. Don’t forget to set you camera before the shows start though, I forgot to do that and was frantically resetting everything, lol
Jeananne says
beautiful pictures!
Sara says
WOW! I can see why you are the family photographer!!!! Amazing photos.
Anna D says
BEAUTIFUL pictures!
I need to pull out my point-and-shoot manuel and memorize it.
HeidiR says
Nice Job. The second picture in the list is my favorite. I will have to check out your other pictures at your blog.
Christina says
Wonderful post! I haven’t been able to see the fireworks the past few times we’ve gone because our daughter goes to bed before they start, but I’m definitely going to keep these in mind.
Karen says
Those are great pics! When we went, I didn’t even attempt fireworks photos, but on our next trip I am definitely going to try! Thanks.
Lesley says
The pics are beautiful!!!!
Dawn says
Great pictures! We have the Nikon D80 and love it
Judy says
What beautiful pictures, made me feel like I was there.
Lisa G says
Great pictures!!! That is what Disney is all about the end of the day to be spectacular.
beth gormley says
BREATHTAKINGH
Glenda says
Great pictures and tips. I’m going to show DH this post when he gets home tonight.
Your pictures are postcard perfect!
Glenda
SusanB says
Those photos are amazing ~ thanks for the tips!
Jen says
Those pictures are awesome!!! Thanks for the tips.
LISA says
AWESOME
Marnie says
I love these pictures! They are great! And thanks for the tips, I hope I can keep these tips so I can get pictures like these.
Lisa says
Oh I don’t mind! Just don’t go putting them into a contest and winning a million dollars without sharing it with me! LOL
CJ says
I love the pics. I hope you don’t mind I saved them for my background on my computer. Thanks for the tips
Brittany says
I am a photographer and cannot wait to take pics of the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. I will have my DSLR, tripod, extra battery, and extra memory card ready to go.
Tami says
Great tips Lisa! Thanks for all the info, your photos are stunning! I’m thinking about getting a new camera soon, so I’ll keep the Nikon D60 in mind.
Ryann says
great tips and awesome photos!
Lisa says
YAY! It’s my Castle Picture! I was so excited to be able to guest blog. Check out my blog http://www.goldeelox9.wordpress.com for lots more Disney Pictures and Trip Reports!
Christy says
Forgot to mention those are gorgeous photos! I love them all.
Christy says
Love this post! Thanks for the tips Lisa, I will be using these when we head to Disney in 3 months.