Tips for taking firework pictures with your phone

Happy Independence Day from YML!  As the evening is setting in, many of you will be watching (or in some cases, running from) fireworks at home our at professional shows.  Since our phones are typically the only cameras that we have at our disposal, it is important to understand how to use the camera properly to capture the colorful explosions.  By following several tips that I found at this article on Mashable, you can take brilliant pictures with your smartphone that are perfect for sharing.

Note: Do NOT take pictures while in the Instagram application - save all the fancy editing for after you capture the great pictures.

Choose the right location
The most important part of firework displays is having the perfect view of them as they are being set off.  Make sure to have a clear view, but also keep in mind that landmarks or cities can give the perfect foreground or background for your pictures.

Support your camera
Since these pictures are happening at night, it is important to support your camera to prevent blurred pictures. Make sure to use a professional tri-pod, prop yourself against a building, or lean down and support your elbows.

No flash
While this may seem obvious, some camera phones have an automatic flash feature. Go into your settings and disable this option to prevent over-exposed pictures that don't capture the firework show.

Slow Shutter Cam app
This application requires that you invest in a tri-pod for your camera.  However, it gives you the ability to control the shutter speed and get the perfect exposure for your firework shots.

Have enough memory available
Another obvious tip, but still important.  You will most likely take a lot of pictures (especially using an app) before getting the right ones for sharing.  Make sure you can capture the perfect ones!

Fast Camera app
This application is a bit much for me, but it still gives users the ability to take a LOT of photos.  800 per minute to be exact.  If you are worried about missing something, this is the application for you!

Use the right angle
At first, you want to use a portrait display to capture individual explosions.  Change this to landscape for the grand finale so you can capture many blasts in one frame.

Be safe and enjoy the moment! 
Make sure that you aren't trying to take any stupid pictures that can risk injury to yourself (or your precious smartphone)! Edit your pictures later, and quit taking pictures if you aren't able to enjoy the actual show!

Have a great night tonight! Upload any pictures that are worth sharing to our Facebook page.