And the rocket’s red glare

[Bob Cole]

Here is a bit of a hit-and-miss approach, but when it hits, it’s very authentic.

I just shot a fireworks display, and the families watching it. When I turned the camera around on the families, the only light was from the fireworks themselves, and it captured the mood beautifully, as the lighting changed colors, and brightness. I used +18 gain, which ordinarily is terrible, but the graininess accentuated the effect nicely.

If I were to use any auxiliary lighting (and I wouldn’t) I’d try minimal front lighting, and something from the back and side, just to define the facial contours, and I would still let the fireworks act as the “key.”

There probably is a more “professional” approach if you are staging the whole thing. I believe the Shadowmaker device has a fireworks setting. https://www.magicgadgets.com/mg_ol_04.htm

Good luck.

— BC

[John Sharaf]

Steve,

I think you’ll be suprised just how bright the fireworks will be in the sky! For this reason, lighting the foreground subject should be done with supplemental lights. Because it’s basicly a night scene you’ll want to avoid flat front lighting; I’d suggest a back cross light to seperate your subject from the dark sky and soft fill light from the least flat direction that still reaches into both eyes. Small bettery lights should suffice. Lately I’ve been using the Lite Panel LCD’s which are very convenient and have a built in dimmer and many precut color and diffussion gels. They are pricey but perhaps you could rent a few for this assignment.

Good luck,

JS