Superior Guide to Fireworks Photography with an Action Camera

New Year's Eve, 4th of July, Bastille Day, Chinese New Year… fireworks light up many celebrations—and sometimes, they're the main event.

Challenges of capturing a fireworks show.

If you've ever watched a fireworks show and thought, "I should record this," you're certainly not alone. Chances are you pulled out your phone and hit the record button, only to find out afterward that your supposed epic footage is just an overexposed blur.

Fireworks photography, whether done with a phone, a pro camera, or an action camera can be tricky.

One reason is that almost all cameras today use an automatic metering system to determine the correct exposure. The darker the frame, the more light it will try to gather by lowering the shutter speed, maxing out the aperture, and amping up the ISO. If the subject is a (mostly) dark sky, the result will be an overexposed (but still mostly dark) sky.

@AkifromJapan with an Insta360 Ace Pro 2 capturing fireworks. — @AkifromJapan with Insta360 Ace Pro 2.

Why your action camera can be great at capturing fireworks.

Action cameras are actually one of the best choices for successful fireworks photography: they're small (like Insta360 GO 3S), lightweight, easy to set up, have streamlined controls, and in the case of Insta360 Ace Pro 2—excellent low-light performance.

On an action camera, the best settings for fireworks are simplified—you only need to care about aperture and shutter speed. Plus, with fixed-focus lenses, there's no focus breathing to worry about.

Here's what you should do if you want to capture epic fireworks content with an Insta360 camera!

Essential accessories.

You should always use a tripod when shooting fireworks. We recommend our 2-in-1 Mini Tripod as it won't take up much space in your camera bag. Just remember to also grab a Standard Mount for Insta360 Ace Series or an Insta360 GO 3/GO 3S Quick Release Mount while you're at it.

There's also the Multi Mount which has a rotating ball joint, giving you full control over your camera's composition. Probably not so important for Insta360 X4 users, but you get the idea.

Using Insta360 Ace Pro 2's Photo Mode for fireworks photography. — @AkifromJapan with an Insta360 Ace Pro 2.

Best settings for both photos and videos.

Fireworks photography is all about capturing bright bursts of light against a dark sky, so the secret to great fireworks photos is to slightly underexpose your shots. Counterintuitive? You bet. So the challenge comes down to finding the best combination of settings—keep reading to ace your next fireworks photoshoot.

And remember, if the pitch-black sky is turning gray, yellow, or green, your shots are overexposed.

The best settings for fireworks photography for Insta360 Ace Pro 2, X4, and GO 3S.

Mode: Photo or Interval
We don't suggest using HDR Mode for fireworks photography.
Resolution & Format: RAW + the highest resolution
This combo will allow you to retain the most detail in your shots. If RAW sounds like too much work, we recommend JPG over PureShot.
Shooting Mode: Manual
Color Profile: Vivid or Night
ISO: Between 100–400
White Balance: Auto
Shutter Speed: 2–10 seconds
FOV: Whichever works best for your composition

Be prepared to tweak these camera settings based on how dark the sky is, the size of the fireworks, and how often they're launched. With shutter speeds of over one second, timing is key to catching the action.

The best video settings for fireworks for Insta360 Ace Pro 2, X4, and GO 3S.

Mode: Video
We don't recommend using Active HDR or PureVideo for filming fireworks.
Resolution & Framerate: 4K30fps (Insta360 Ace Pro 2), 5.7K30fps (X4), and 4K30fps (GO 3S)
8K recording in low light is not recommended.
Shooting Mode: Manual
Color Profile: Vivid or Night
I-Log: Off (Keep it on ONLY if you plan on color grading in post)
ISO: Between 200–400
White Balance: Auto
Shutter Speed: 1/30–1/100
FOV: Whichever works best for your composition

Just like with stills, be prepared to tweak these settings throughout the show.

Find the best settings for fireworks photography with Insta360 Ace Pro 2. — @AkifromJapan

Make your life easier with remote shooting.

After setting up your camera and adjusting the settings, you might find it difficult to review your footage or make changes—especially if your camera is mounted on a tiny tripod on the ground.

That's why we strongly recommend downloading the Insta360 app. With the app, you can tweak the camera settings on your phone, change the FOV and framing (X4), and press the shutter button without touching the camera (a big no-no when using long shutter speeds).

The powerful video editing features are just the cherry on top.

Remember to enjoy the show.

With this guide, you're set for success in fireworks photography, capturing stunning photos and videos. Just ensure your battery is fully charged and your lens is clean.

But regardless of all the gear, the settings, and the apps, be sure to sit back and enjoy the show, too!

For more photography tricks, check out Top 10 Tips for Low Light Photography: Master the Night With Your Camera and Light Painting Photography Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Guide for Endless Creative Fun.

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