As communities across the country prepare for Independence Day celebrations, many people will be reaching for their phones to capture fireworks and drone shows lighting up the night sky.
While nighttime displays can be difficult to photograph, a few simple smartphone camera settings and techniques can help improve the results. Verizon shared several tips for getting better photos and videos during fireworks and drone performances.
Many newer smartphones include a night mode designed to improve photos in low light. Checking whether a phone has that feature can help capture the contrast between bright fireworks or illuminated drones and the dark night sky.
Keeping a phone steady is also important. Using a tripod or another stable surface can reduce blur, while turning off the camera's flash allows the light from the fireworks or drones to remain the focus of the image.
For action shots, burst or live photo mode can capture multiple images in quick succession, making it easier to choose the best frame. Users can also experiment with long exposure settings for photos or slow motion for videos to highlight colorful fireworks trails or the synchronized movement of drone displays.
For longer shows, the time lapse feature can provide a different perspective by recording the event over an extended period and condensing it into a shorter video.
