With another year drawing to a close, everyone is gearing up to send off 2025 with a bang, literally and figuratively. Fireworks have long been a mainstay in New Year’s celebrations across the world, and Singapore is no different, with multiple NYE 2025 fireworks events planned all around town.
For drone enthusiasts, this presents a rare chance to capture otherworldly images of the night sky ablaze in a kaleidoscope of colours. If you’ve seen those breathtaking cinematic aerial shots of fireworks glowing above iconic skylines, you now have the perfect excuse to try creating something similar yourself.
However, unlike typical aerial subjects such as buildings, landscapes, or coastlines, filming fireworks from a drone is far from straightforward. It demands planning, strong flight awareness, and technical camera knowledge. Safety is also a major concern, especially when flying near crowds or large public events.
If you’re motivated to elevate your videography skills and safely capture such explosive spectacles, here is everything you need to know.
Can you fly a drone around fireworks?
In general, you can fly drones near fireworks in Singapore, but there are strict rules you must follow before getting airborne. Understanding the official framework, especially the latest drone regulations in Singapore, will help you avoid safety risks and legal trouble.
Below are some of the key Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) rules to keep in mind:
1. Visual line of sight (VLOS) only
You must always maintain direct visual contact with your drone. You cannot rely solely on first-person-view (FPV) feeds or binoculars. The drone must be visible to you in real life so you can monitor its position, altitude, and orientation at all times.
Night flights require extra visibility measures, such as anti-collision strobe lighting, and may also require prior CAAS approval.
2. Keep away from crowds and roads
It is prohibited to fly directly over crowds, public gatherings, or any situation where a malfunction could endanger people. Likewise, avoid flying over active roads or moving vehicles.
A common safety practice is to stay at least 50 metres away from people and buildings, and 100 metres away from large groups.
3. Prioritise good weather and visibility
Only fly in favourable weather. Avoid heavy rain, strong winds, haze, and fog. Wind can easily push your drone off course, and limited visibility increases the risk of losing sight of your aircraft.Check NEA’s weather forecast before heading out.
4. Know your no-fly zones
Singapore has many restricted no-fly zones and controlled airspace segments due to its size and aviation density. Always check official maps, such as the OneMap Drone Map, to confirm whether you are allowed to fly in a specific area.
In summary, familiarise yourself with the rules, understand the risks, and secure the necessary permits. Doing this ensures a smooth and stress-free experience when filming fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
How to photograph fireworks with a drone
Capturing spectacular fireworks footage involves a mix of timing, proper camera settings, and safe flying. Below is a complete breakdown of everything you should prepare before the night begins.
1. Nail your timing and positioning
Timing is everything when it comes to fireworks photography. You’ll want to be in the air before the first burst happens so you can observe the launch rhythm and adjust your framing accordingly.
1a. Scout the location
Visit the venue in advance to identify:
- Unobstructed views
- Safe take-off and landing spots
- Potential hazards like tall buildings or cranes
- Vantage points offering interesting foreground elements
Knowing your surroundings also helps you avoid restricted zones during flight.
1b. Get airborne early
Aim to launch your drone 5–10 minutes before the fireworks begin. This gives you time to:
- Adjust your exposure
- Locate the centre of the action
- Stabilise your drone at your chosen altitude
1c. Position for maximum contrast
Fireworks look best against a dark, open sky. If possible, frame them with landmarks, waterfronts, or architectural silhouettes to add depth and storytelling to your shots.
Experiment with:
- Different heights
- Forward- or downward-facing angles
- Wide versus tight framing
Varying angles helps you produce more dynamic and cinematic results.
2. Optimise your camera settings
Good camera settings can make or break your fireworks footage. Shooting in low light requires precision, especially when capturing fast-moving bursts of colour.
2a. Use manual mode
Switch to manual settings, so you have full control over exposure.
Recommended starting points:
- ISO: 100–400 (to reduce noise)
- Aperture: f/2.8–f/5.6 (lets in more light)
- Shutter speed: 2–10 seconds for long, elegant light trails
If your drone allows it, use bulb mode for extended exposures.
2b. Set focus to infinity
Autofocus struggles in the dark. Switch to manual focus and set it to infinity to ensure your fireworks remain sharp.
2c. Shoot in RAW
RAW files give you:
- More detail
- Better colour accuracy
- Greater flexibility during editing
2d. Use ND filters (if needed)
Neutral density filters can help control exposure if the foreground is bright or there are strong city lights in frame.
2e. Check your histogram
Use your histogram often to avoid blown highlights. Fireworks are bright, but you still want rich colours and detail in each burst.
For beginners who want to strengthen their photography fundamentals, taking a mobile photography course can be surprisingly helpful since many of the concepts apply directly to drone work.
3. Learn the right flight techniques
Fireworks displays move fast, and your drone needs to move smoothly to keep up. Proper flight handling will give your shots that clean, cinematic quality.
3a. Hover steadily at a safe distance
Maintain a stable hover and avoid sudden movements. Keep a safe perimeter, as fireworks explode unpredictably and debris can travel far.
3b. Use slow, controlled movements
Fast pans or jerky altitude changes will ruin your footage. Stick to:
- Gentle forward glides
- Slow tilting of the camera
- Smooth lateral tracking shots
Let the fireworks provide the action; your drone only needs to complement the scene.
3c. Frame the sky, not the launch point
Point your camera towards where bursts happen, not the fireworks’ origin. This avoids oversaturated light flashes from the launch and focuses on the actual spectacle.
4. Don’t neglect post-processing
After the shoot, editing will help your fireworks look crisp and vibrant.
4a. Start with colour and exposure
- Adjust white balance (cooler tones often work best)
- Increase contrast to make fireworks pop
- Recover highlights if needed
4b. Reduce noise
Night-time footage often has noise – apply light noise reduction, but avoid making the image look overly smooth.
4c. Sharpen the trails
Carefully sharpen edges in the fireworks’ light trails to bring out detail.
4d. Enhance selectively
Use masks or selective editing to:
- Boost vibrance in the fireworks
- Darken the sky
- Add depth through controlled dodging and burning
Good post-processing balances clarity with realism.
Preparation tips for your drone shoot
Before you take off, thorough preparation ensures a smooth and safe aerial photography experience.
1. Develop a “runway” for launching and landing
Launching and landing your drone safely in the dark is often the trickiest part.Survey the area carefully and identify:
- Telephone wires
- Antennae
- Trees and branches
- Fences
- Lighting fixtures
- Banners or flagpoles
Mark out a clear, obstacle-free path for take-off and landing. Visiting the site beforehand makes this much easier.
2. Use beacon lights for orientation and consider a visual observer
Strong lighting is essential for night flight. Beacon lights help you:
- Identify your drone’s orientation
- Improve visibility for others
- Maintain compliance with safety rules
Also, having a visual observer isn’t always mandatory, but it is incredibly helpful for night flights. Another set of eyes can warn you of hazards, monitor the surroundings, and help you avoid breaching regulations, especially when fireworks are involved.
3. Understand wind direction and firework flight path
Before the show begins, fireworks teams check wind speed and direction because wind influences the path of explosions after launch. You should do the same.
Knowing:
- Where the bursts will drift
- Whether smoke will obscure your view
- How wind might push your drone
…will help you avoid dangerous situations and ensure you stay clear of the fireworks’ trajectory.
Conclusion
Capturing New Year’s Eve fireworks with a drone is an exciting challenge for any aerial photographer. With proper planning, the right camera settings, safe flying habits, and thoughtful post-processing, you can create stunning images that showcase the magic of the night from an entirely fresh perspective.
By preparing early, keeping safety at the forefront, and understanding how fireworks behave in the sky, you’ll be well-equipped to record the celebration in all its colourful brilliance and welcome the new year with unforgettable aerial shots.
Take control of the skies with The Academy of Design Arts and Media (A.D.A.M.). Our drone courses in Singapore cater to all levels, whether you’re flying a small recreational drone or operating large commercial UAVs. Gain hands-on experience, master flight techniques, and understand the regulations to soar safely and confidently. Join A.D.A.M. today and elevate your drone skills to professional heights.
