Photographer's Guide: Pro Tips for Capturing Riverfire Fireworks

Brisbane's Riverfire is a spectacle that draws photographers from across the country. With its dazzling pyrotechnics, synchronised flyovers, and dramatic reflections on the Brisbane River, it's a rare opportunity to capture vibrant, high-impact night shots. The challenge lies in timing, exposure, and composition — but with the right preparation, you can produce truly professional results.

Camera Settings for Crisp, Colourful Shots

• Shutter Speed: 2–5 seconds — long enough to capture full firework bursts and light trails without overexposing.
• Aperture: f/8 to f/11 — a sweet spot for sharpness and adequate depth of field.
• ISO: 100–200 — keeps digital noise low while retaining detail in the dark sky.
• Focus: Manual, set to infinity — prevents autofocus hunting in low light.
• White Balance: Daylight — preserves natural fireworks colours.

Best Riverfire Shooting Locations

Kangaroo Point Cliffs: Elevated vantage with panoramic river views.

Story Bridge Walkway: Iconic framing, but expect heavy crowds.

South Bank Parklands: Close proximity to the action and vibrant reflections.

Wilson's Outlook Reserve: Lesser-known, with spectacular skyline backdrops.

Riverside rooftops or bars: Great for avoiding street-level congestion.

Timing & Positioning Strategy

• Arrive 3–4 hours early to secure a prime, unobstructed spot.
• Capture pre-fireworks crowd shots and golden hour cityscapes for variety.\
• Start shooting as soon as the first bursts appear — the sky is clearest early.
• Mid-show, experiment with wider compositions for layered effects.
• Finish with the grand finale — anticipate multiple bursts for dramatic frames.

Essential Gear Checklist

• Tripod: Rock-solid stability for long exposures.
• Remote Shutter Release: Eliminates camera shake when pressing the shutter.
• Wide-Angle Lens (14–24mm or 24–70mm): Captures both skyline and fireworks.
• Telephoto Lens (70–200mm): Isolates bursts or crowd reactions.
• Spare Batteries & Memory Cards: Long events drain both quickly.
• Lens Cloth: Fireworks haze can coat glass with residue.

Post-Processing Tips

• Boost Vibrance, Not Saturation: Keeps colours punchy without overcooking.
• Increase Contrast Selectively: Enhances separation between bursts and sky.
• Use Noise Reduction Carefully: Preserve detail in light trails.
• Crop for Composition: Remove dead space, centre bursts, or create panoramas.

Final Thought: Riverfire offers both technical and creative challenges. Learn the rules, then bend them — try multiple exposures, composite bursts, or shoot through foreground silhouettes for unique storytelling. The best Riverfire images don't just show fireworks — they capture the feeling of the night.