Sparkler Photography

In honor of today's holiday, we thought it would be fun to share some photography tips for writing with light.  Since just about all of us in the states will be playing with sparklers or firecrackers tonight (be careful), this is an easy way to capture some fun images.  Writing with light can be done in a dark room with a pen light or even a phone, but these summer shots we did in the backyard with some super long sparklers left over from our friends' wedding.  Here are some simple tips for your sparkler photography:

• Set up your camera on a tripod and plan your shot 10-15 feet away
• Turn your shutter speed down to a really low setting (10-30 seconds) so that it will stay open for a long time.  10 seconds is fine for a quick image like a star or heart, but go with 30 seconds if you are trying to spell something out
• Use a timer if you're taking the shot yourself so you have time to get in place, or have a friend click the shutter for you
•  Get your shot in focus by lighting a match or holding up a phone so your camera can find the light
• Remember that words have to be spelled out backwards unless you are going to edit the photos later
• Move fast and take the shot!

Have fun with all of your fourth festivities!