How to photograph sparkler wedding exits with off camera lighting
How to photograph sparkler wedding exits, is a question every newer photographer asks at some point. There are a number of ways to do this, and a number of different results you can create with a little bit of lighting. Here’s what I do so no matter what the lighting conditions at the venue are, I can photograph the sparkler exit.
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UPDATED MARCH 16TH, 2025
My sparkler wedding exit photography recipes – no photoshop overlays:
I didn’t become a photographer to spend my time in photoshop, I prefer to create in the camera. “I’ll fix it in post” are words I prefer not to say. I have listed 3 variations below for photographing sparkler exits.
The Lighting placement for photographing sparkler wedding exits
This can make such a difference in the outcome of your photographs! I encourage you to try different methods until you find what works for you.
Photograph sparkler wedding exits OFC lighting and video light
Backlight for separation of the couple and to illuminate the smoke from the sparklers and A video light for fill light and quick focusing if the couple is moving fast.
Light placement
- 1 OCF behind the couple
- 1 video light for fill
I use an 8′ light stand as low a it’ll go and place it in the center of the path. I place one ad200 for backlight on a light stand pointed slightly up with a double blue gel at about 1/8th power.
I use one video light for fill lighting at a 45 degree angle on a boom. I have my assistant outside the line of guests holding sparklers holding a video light on a boom about 10′ ahead of the couple. This does require the assistant to peek between the guests to match the couple’s pace.
Camera Settings
ISO-2500, 1/200 sec, F/2.8
Camera positioning:
center of the aisle
Photograph sparkler wedding exits with Continuous lighting AND OCF
I’ve recently experimented with photographing sparkler exits by adding in a continuous light in addition for backlighting at very dark venues. This instagram reel shows me setting up the Godox ML60 along with an ad200
Lighting: OCF AD200 with a double blue gel and continuous light, the Godox ML60 at probably 30-50% power setup centered in the walkway.
Camera settings: ISO-2500, 1/200 sec, F/2.8. on-camera flash ttl -2 stops with modifier to limit light spill.
Camera positioning: center aisle..
Continuous lighting only sparkler exits
this recipe works well with some ambient lighting and a couple who are willing to walk slowly.
Lighting: continuous light, the Godox ML60 at probably 30-50% power setup centered in the walkway.
Camera settings: auto ISO -a stop. 85mm fairly wide open.
Camera positioning: side of the aisle to get bokeh from the sparklers in foreground and background.
Gear list, What I use and where to get it
- Godox ad200
- Bracket: S Bracket
- Video light
- Light stand: 8′ Air cushioned stand
- Controller: XPro Sony xPro Nikon or xPro Canon
- modifier/Gel kit Godox AK-R1
- Adapter for the modifier to ad200
Bonus tips for photographing sparkler exits
A straight line on a walkway is best for the guests naturally knowing where to line up. Otherwise a good wedding coordinator can help. I like to encourage any camera aware people to stand in the middle of the line along the aisle as they are likely to end up in the background of the best photo.
If there’s time before sparklers get lit I check guests for misc. cluttery items in their hands and encourage them to set those items out of the way for the exit photos.
I tell the couple if the sparklers aren’t out, we will turn around and go back down the walkway again and again until the sparklers are out. This does two things, one I have a second chance to photograph them. And two, this eliminates the guests wandering around with fire on a stick potentially setting something on fire.
With 18-20″ sparklers we have a minute and a half of burn time. If they were all lit at relatively the same time we usually make 3 trips, down the walkway, back to the door and then down the walkway a final time.
What are the best Sparklers to Use?
For the best photographs at sparkler exits, I either recommend using so-so sparklers from A local fireworks super store, or order the nice low smoke kind that burn a gold tone and look prettier in photos. Low smoke is key for a good sparkle.
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Find OCF from Amazon
To buy a V1 you need to choose a brand specific model for your camera.
All items used off-camera are universal and work with all camera brands
Love how, if time permits, you have them walk the exit a time or two. Sometimes people get so busy & rushed with the excitement of the wedding day, that it’s nice to be able to just take in that moment and do it once or twice.