It’s that season again—when Singaporeans and tourists gather around Marina Bay to catch the weekly fireworks leading up to National Day. The skyline glows, the energy’s high, and for photographers, it’s one of the most exciting times to shoot.
But let’s face it: photographing fireworks isn’t easy, especially for beginners. You don’t get a second chance once they light up the sky. In this post, I’ll share my go-to setup and practical tips so you can walk away with stunning shots—even if you’re just starting out.
🧰 Gear You Need (It’s Simpler Than You Think)
You don’t need a flagship camera to shoot fireworks. Even entry-level cameras can capture crisp, dramatic images with the right setup:
A sturdy tripod – I recommend using a Sirui A-1205 + Y-11 ball head (my personal go-to)
A remote shutter release – prevents camera shake
Your camera – entry-level, mirrorless or DSLR, all work!
📍 Step 1: Find the Right Spot
Location is everything. Choose a clear vantage point with an unobstructed view of the fireworks (check out my National Day 2025 post if you need help!).
Set up early, mount your camera on the tripod, and get comfortable. You’ll be there for a while.
⚙️ Step 2: Camera Settings That Work Every Time
Here’s my trusted setup:
Shooting Mode: Manual (M)
Aperture (f-stop): f/16
Shutter Speed: 6 seconds
ISO: 100 (Lower if too bright)
Focus Area: Wide
AF Mode: AF-S (Single Servo)
Take one test shot to let your camera lock focus. Once confirmed, turn off Vibration Reduction (VR) on your lens and camera, and switch to Manual Focus. This avoids unnecessary re-focusing mid-show.
🌌 Step 3: Don’t Worry About Underexposure (At First)
Your scene may look dark in the beginning—and that’s okay! The fireworks themselves will light up the shot. Starting slightly underexposed helps you avoid overblown highlights later.
🧨 Step 4: Adjust Mid-Show If Needed
As the show begins:
If your image is overexposed:
Reduce ISO or raise your f-stop (e.g., f/18 or f/20)If underexposed:
Increase ISO—but avoid going beyond 8 seconds shutter speed. Longer exposures might stack unrelated bursts and cause messy images.
💡 Why not just use f/8?
Yes, it’ll brighten your shot—but you’ll lose those signature spiky flares in the fireworks. A smaller aperture (like f/16 or f/18) gives you those beautiful starburst effects.
🎯 Final Tip: Listen for the Boom
Timing is everything. Once you hear the “boom”, press the shutter. That’s the sound of fireworks launching—give your shutter the full 6 seconds to work its magic.
🚀 Ready to Shoot?
With the right prep and a bit of patience, you’ll come home with epic shots that capture the joy of the season. Don’t forget to have fun while you’re out there—and share your work after!