5 Steps to Photographing Sparkler Exits
A sparkler exit is the perfect end to a perfect wedding day. What better way to send off newlyweds than to surround them with family, friends, and FIREWORKS? Not only are sparkler exits fun and exciting at the moment, but they can make absolutely gorgeous photos for later. However, photographing a subject surrounded by bright lights at night is not a simple task. Here are my top five tips for photographing beautiful sparkler exits.
Step one | EDUCATE YOUR CLIENTS
Before the big exit, take a moment and teach your clients how to get the most out of this photo op. Help them know what to expect and what they should do. For example, tell them to hold hands, walk slowly, stop and kiss or dip her multiple times, and be sure to stop at the end of the line for a kiss. Explain why going slowly is crucial for good, clear photos.
Make sure you go over safety tips as well. Hairspray catches on fire so easily, so make sure that everyone knows to point their sparklers up to the sky rather than toward the bride.
step two | Practice before guests come outside.
You will always want to make sure your camera settings and lighting setup are working before inviting the guests outside. Your second shooter or videographer is a perfect test model for this. It is never a bad idea to put fresh batteries in your camera before the last dance and sparkler exit to ensure that your speedlight fires as quickly as possible, and there is no lag in your equipment.
STEP THREE | Use a small video light.
Using a small video light or the modeling light on your flash will faintly illuminate your client as they walk towards you. This will help your camera focus on the couple. If the bride and groom are doing a rose petal toss, confetti, or another exit that doesn’t light up, having a video light will be crucial for your camera to successfully focus on your client.
step four | Use a MagSphere or MagBounce.
Use an on-camera flash with a MagSphere or MagBounce to create a natural-looking light on your clients' faces. Modifiers are crucial because they’ll soften the flash and be more flattering than direct flash. Set your flash to low power and raise your ISO for the most light and airy results!
STEP FIVE | Add an extra flash.
Add an extra flash behind the aisle of sparklers to add depth and dimension to your photos. A flash placed behind everyone on a tall stand is perfect for adding flair and drama to the sparkler exit images. The stand needs to be at least 10 feet tall, though, especially if your line is long. The taller the stand, the further your backlight can spread and reach across the crowd.
A sparkler exit is a magical send-off for the new couple as they head out to start their new life together. It is a moment that you want to have documented!
Bonus tip — use orange gels on your flash to match the color of your flash with the color of the sparklers. That will help the light in your images to all be the same color and not distract from the bride and groom.
