Blurry, boring photos of fireworks — that were plenty exhilarating in person — have become staples of modern July 4 celebrations.
For the most part, taking photos with an iPhone is as simple as it gets — point, then click.
Capturing images in dark environments with dynamic lighting can be somewhat challenging for amateur photographers, whether you’re photographing sparklers or witnessing awe-inspiring public light displays.
According to the experts at Apple, however, there’s a really easy way to make your photos go from subdued to stunning.
Of course, it goes without saying that the first thing you need to do is make sure the flash is turned off.
Here’s a crucial tip to enhance your photos: switch your camera settings to Live Photo mode, which enables your device to catch the quick-moving action of the night.
Live Photos lets users replay the moments from a second and a half before and after the shutter button is pressed—allowing you to sift through the frames to find the clearest still. Just tap the “Make Key Photo” option to secure your chosen shot.
It’s as simple as that, the pros promise.
Looking to up your game? A popular application called Slow Shutter Cam will allow you to lengthen the exposure, resulting in photos that capture the trails of light that things like fireworks and sparklers leave behind, Apple said.
The tech titan recommends setting the capture mode in the app to Low Light, and following it up with Noise Reduction at medium, and Shutter Speed at four seconds, but once you snap a few shots, playing around with the app’s settings can yield some more experimental photos that you’ll barely believe were shot on an iPhone.
Going even further, iPhone photography experts say that if you’re serious about getting a good shot of the seasonal fireworks, a tripod isn’t a bad investment — especially if you tend to have shaky hands.
Even the smallest tremor, like the one that comes from clicking the capture button, can result in blurry beams of light exuding from the fireworks.
The time lapse and panorama functions on iPhones can also prove for some cool shots, depending on where you’re holding your impromptu photoshoot.
New York City is home to one of the country’s most impressive displays, and this year, the Macy’s July 4 fireworks show is back on the East River, and literally bigger than ever.
80,000 shells are expected to be set off from the Brooklyn Bridge, compared to last year’s 60,000.
The show is also expected to boast over 30 colors to spot, and 11 new effects to keep an eye out for.
The show is slated to start at 8 p.m, but it’s likely the fireworks portion won’t begin until well after the sun sets, at around 9:45 p.m.
Lower Manhattan and areas near Brooklyn Bridge Park are prime viewing spots to be sure, but don’t rule out non-traditional spots and decks elsewhere in the city.
