Hey there, fellow photographers! Are you ready to elevate your firework photos to new heights? Look no further than the powerful editing capabilities of ON1 Photo RAW. In this article, we’ll explore some exciting tips to transform your firework images into dazzling works of art. 

1. Recover Highlights with the Develop Tab:

The Develop tab in ON1 Photo RAW becomes your best friend when working with firework photos. Start by gently bringing back any blown-out highlights in the fireworks to retain the intricate details. Play around with the exposure and highlights sliders to find the perfect balance and bring back the magic in those bursts of light. Adjust the Camera Profile menu to bring in contrast and color – ON1 Vivid works awesome for this! Also, hold down the J key on your keyboard to reveal any blown-out areas of the photo with a red overlay. 

2. Embrace Creative Color and Style in the Effects Tab:

Fireworks are all about vibrant colors and unique styles. In the Effects tab of ON1 Photo RAW, you’ll find a treasure trove of tools and filters to enhance the beauty of your firework photos. Let’s explore some fantastic filters that work wonders for fireworks:

• Dynamic Contrast: This filter is a go-to for adding detail and enhancing the intricate patterns and textures in fireworks. It brings out the fine lines and edges, making the bursts of light truly mesmerizing.

• Glow: If you’re aiming for a dreamy and ethereal look, the Glow filter is your secret weapon. It adds a soft, radiant glow to the fireworks, giving them a magical and otherworldly appearance.

• LUTs: To take your color grading and contrast adjustments to the next level, explore the world of LUTs in ON1 Photo RAW. LUTs allow you to apply predefined color and tone transformations to your images, giving them a distinctive and professional look. Experiment with different LUTs to find the perfect combination that enhances the colors and contrast of your firework photos.

Learn more about using Effects and Filters here. 

3. Fine-tune with Local Adjustments for Dodging and Burning:

To add an extra touch of finesse to your firework photos, dive into the Local tab in ON1 Photo RAW. Use the Adjustment Brush (Shift + K) and the Adjustable Gradient (Option + K) to brighten or darken specific areas of your image selectively. Lighten up the bursts for extra impact or darken the background to enhance the contrast. You can make precise edits and create a stunning visual balance with local adjustments. In this photo, I’ve used a local adjustment gradient mask to darken (burn) the bottom foreground section and a brush to brighten (dodge) the fireworks in the sky. 

Learn more about using Local Adjustments here.

4. Modify Colors with Color Range Masks:

Firework displays are a visual feast of colors. Use color range masks in ON1 Photo RAW to modify specific colors and make them even more vibrant and impactful. Selectively boost the saturation or adjust the brightness of the specific colors within fireworks to create a captivating color palette. In this photo I’m targeting just the blue color in the fireworks, allowing me to adjust that one specific color region any way I need to. 

Learn more about using Color Range masks here.

5. Unveil the Power of Luminosity Masks:

Luminosity masks are an incredible tool when it comes to firework photo editing. These masks allow you to target specific brightness levels and make precise adjustments. In ON1 Photo RAW, easily create luminosity masks for highlights, shadows, or midtones. Fine-tune the brightness, contrast, and overall look of your fireworks by selectively adjusting different areas of the image. It’s like painting with light, creating a balanced and visually appealing result! In this image, I’ve applied a Curves Filter to the brighter areas of the photo – allowing me to recover highlights or brighten dull regions. 

Learn more about using Luminosity masks here.

6. Blend Fireworks into Other Photos Using Layers:

Let’s take your firework photos to the next level by seamlessly blending them into other compositions using layers. Add in a new layer to the image you’re working on and bring in one of your favorite firework photos. Position the fireworks in the sky of your photo and use the Lighten blend mode to remove the dark, shadowy areas and only reveal the fireworks. From there, experiment with resizing and positioning to find what works for the image you are adjusting. 

Learn more about Layers and blending here. 

Equipped with these editing tips, you’re ready to elevate your firework photos and create breathtaking works of art! So head out into the field, capture those mesmerizing bursts of light, and let your creativity run wild. Have a fantastic time editing your firework photos in ON1 Photo RAW and enjoy a spectacular holiday celebration!