It is a good idea to use a cable release to trigger your camera, but if you don't have one, use your camera's self-timer. This will cut down on the vibrations that may blur your photos.

The accompanying photo was made in the following manner: On my Canon A2E, I set the camera to make four exposures on one frame. I use Fujicolor 800 ISO film, and set the shutter speed at 4 seconds and the aperture at f4. The 4 exposures combined to expose the film for 16 seconds at f4. If your camera does not hve multiple-exposure capability, you can try setting your camera for 15 or 30 seconds with 800 ISO film. If you prefer a higher quality photo with less grain, try exposing 100 ISO film for about one minute at f4 or f2.8. Use a dark piece of paper to cover your lens, allowing the fireworks to be exposed for a few seconds only after they have blossomed to their full size in midair.

I recommend the multiple-exposure approach, because it allows you to wait, triggering your camera only after the individual fireworks have exploded and expanded in mid-air. Be patient when shooting; attempt to shoot only when the "blooms" have completely expanded. And keep away from shooting too many explosions on one frame, the best fireworks pictures are usually simple in composition (there are exceptions!).

When you take your film to the photofinisher, be sure you leave instructions that the warm tones from the explosions are intentional.

Photo Class is a series of lessons in photography by Billy Calzada for beginning and intermediate students. Visit Photo Class often, as new lessons will be posted periodically.