How to get the best sparkler photographs at your wedding!

Sparkler shots are one of my favourite additions to a wedding day. I have been photographing weddings for 7 years and the love for sparkler images never fades.

So, whilst sparklers add such a fun addition to your wedding day and create some pretty cool photographs, here I am being the fun police and probably stating the obvious. However, all the below points are really important to consider if you’re having sparklers on your wedding day! At the end of the day, I just want to make sure you’re safe whilst getting these amazing images.

In a snapshot;

• Must be done at a time where you/guests are sober enough to operate.
• Let your venue know in advance that you’re planning on doing a sparkler shot.
• Can’t be done in high winds.
• They are dangerous (basically a firework) and can be very hot so beware of this.
• I can not assist with lighting sparklers.
• Must be done in an open area to avoid risk of fire etc (talk to the venue regarding a suitable space for both sparklers).
• The long 18″ sparklers are best as they burn for a longer time.
• Have a sand bucket ready to dispose of sparklers.
• Please make sure you/guests listen to my instruction as to get the best possible photos!!

Safety First

Mixing drunk guests and a hot piece of metal do not mix… so make sure you’re doing your sparklers at a time where you and your guests are still sober enough to operate. Ideally, just after sunset in “blue hour” is best, however they can be done earlier in the evening.

Keeping Distance

The biggest mistake I see are guests who are all bunched up. I will always tell your guests to make two lines, with lots of space between them.

Hold them high

Guests need to hold their sparklers high so you can walk down the middle of the sparkler tunnel without catching fire.

Get long sparklers

The best sparklers to use are the GOLD 18″ (45cm) sparklers. These burn for around two minutes, giving everyone a chance to get their sparklers lit, giving me the best chance of taking that killer image. Here’s a link to the sparklers I have tried and tested that I know are perfect for the job: link

If you buy silver sparklers they can burn sort of blue, so the best ones are the Gold sparklers, which give off a lovely warm light. The ones I have linked above are also smoke free!! Do yourselves a favour and invest a little bit more on decent sparklers or you’ll be disappointed with the results. 

Lighting the sparklers

As all the sparklers need to be lit at the same time, a sparkler shot can be a logistical challenge so make sure you’re working as a team. I recommend having at least one lighter every 4 people, however the blow torch lighters are the best!! So I massively recommend buying these.

Disposal

Speak with your venue about this but the best way to dispose of your sparklers is a sand bucket, make sure everyone uses this and doesn’t discard them on the ground!!

Listen

As your photographer I will guide you and your guests! If everyone listens then we will have a stress-free, fun time with your guard of honour sparkler line. I will tell you what to do on the day, but its best to just have fun!!! Run down the line, walk slow and stop half way for a dip kiss, wave a sparkler each… you decide!!