New Year’s Magic: Capturing Stunning Firework Shots

2025 has been a remarkable year, for many reasons.

Skagit Valley has become an enchanting place to call home. I’m so grateful and proud of the community in our little county. There have been some special events (such as Red Falcon Road’s debut), magical moments, and all sorts of unexpected weather. And through it all, the community has gotten through it, together. It’s been an exciting year to celebrate, and I cannot wait to see what 2026 may bring Skagit Valley.

Tonight, the sky will be illuminated in all kinds of festive colors as we welcome 2026.

Now, let’s make sure you’re ready to capture it all.

Let’s talk about fireworks and how to capture tonight’s magic.

A longer exposure can bring more depth to firework’s colors.

DO:

• Use the Rule of Thirds!
  Be sure to give room for the firework’s burst. Try including foreground elements such as silhouettes, trees, or landmarks.

• Turn off Flash
  Let the fireworks do their magic— it will only wash out foreground elements and (likely) ruin the shot.

• Lock the Focus & Exposure
  Tap and hold where the fireworks will appear to prevent the camera from refocusing during the burst. If the option becomes available, try lowering the exposure for richer colors.

• Keep Your Phone Steady
  Use two hands and hold the phone against a sturdy surface such as a ledge or a table; or use a tripod or other prop to secure its position.

• Experiment with Different “Modes”
  Most camera apps come with pre-designed “modes” such as Portrait, Pro-Mode, or use Burst Mode by holding down the shutter button. Experiment with the modes to see which aligns with your style preferences early.

• Prepare Before You Shoot
  Plan how to stabilize your phone, disable flash, and get ready to make some magic!

Each mode handles exposure (light) and color differently, so experimenting helps you find the look you want

DO NOT:

• Exclusively Show the Sky
  Tell a story, capture a moment— there’s more to a New Year’s story than pretty colors.

• Take Only One or Two Shots
  Fireworks are unpredictable, phones can lag, and you never know what magic you may find upon review. Don’t chase perfection— find the story. Shoot liberally, and delete later.

• Move While Shooting
  Motion will cause blur that can ruin even the best composition. Stay still and let the fireworks do the moving.

Stay safe tonight! And please share your magical moments from this evening. I’d love to see YOUR New Year’s Story and celebrate the magic you capture!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!