Q&A: How to make quick and easy fireworks?

Question:

I’d like to add exploding bursts of fireworks to an image using Photoshop, as I’ve always had trouble shooting them for real. My firework photos tend to be blurred or underexposed. How can I create fireworks digitally?

Answer:

You first need to create a firework-shaped brush tip, then modify the brush’s attributes so each stroke you make radiates outwards. You can then stroke the modified brush onto a circular path to create a pyrotechnic burst! Here’s how…

Create a tip

Go to the Brush Preset Picker and select a star-shaped tip. Apply that to a new layer and use a soft-edged brush to add a trail. Make sure your background is transparent. Now make a marquee selection around your design and choose Edit> Define Brush Preset. Call it ‘Firework’.

Modify the tip

Your firework tip will be in the Brush Preset Picker. Do a test stroke. The firework-shaped tips will be bunched up and pointing in the same direction. Click the Brushes palette icon. Increase Spacing to 130%. Go to Shape Dynamics and set Angle Jitter to Direction.

Different strokes

Draw a circle with the Elliptical Marquee tool. Now right-click inside the selection and choose Make Work Path. From the options in the Paths palette choose Stroke Path. Set the Tool to Brush. This will cause your firework tips to radiate outwards from the circular path.