Vivid Sydney, set to take place on 24 May until 15 June 2024. is such a stunning spectacle. You wouldn’t want your photo memories of this famous festival to be blurred, dark and impossible to share. Get your social media feed looking bright and beautiful with nine photography tricks of the trade from Vivid Sydney photographer Daniel Tran.
Each year, we’re blown away by the stunning photos across social media of Vivid Sydney, so we’ve also included below some stand-out snaps for inspiration, too, all taken by Vivid Sydney visitors! And when you take your best pic (after following Daniel’s advice, of course), be sure to use the #VividSydney #holidaytours across socials, allowing us to share your beautiful shots with the world.
Look sharp at vivid sydney
The most challenging thing about shooting Vivid Sydney is working with low-light levels: photos can appear too dark, have motion blur due to longer exposure, or look washed out with an unnecessary flash. Tran says the easiest way to combat blurry snaps is to stabilise the camera as much as possible when taking your photo: “Use a tripod or place your camera on a sturdy surface to reduce the likelihood of blurry images.” Tran also suggests using your camera’s self-timer function or a remote trigger via remote cable release/headphone cables so that you can avoid physically pressing the shutter button and creating movement during the exposure.
Forget the flash
“I hardly ever use a flash when photographing Vivid Sydney lights and installations,” Tran says. “Though a flash can sometimes be useful as a subtle fill light when photographing people in front of installations, often the flash will be too powerful — especially on-camera flashes — and will need to be dialled right down.” Tran suggests a better way to light up your subjects at Vivid Sydney is to reposition the shot and use the lights of the installations to brighten up friends and family. Faraway subjects like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House won’t need a flash at all.
Let your phone do the work
While a professional set-up and special camera equipment is essential for Tran to produce the high-quality images needed for Vivid Sydney, the photographer says a smartphone can definitely capture great night-time shots. “Some phones allow you to switch into manual mode which gives you complete control over the settings. You can then adjust the shutter speed and experiment with long-exposure photography,” he says. “When you are setting up the photo on a phone you can also tap around the screen to select the area that you want to be in focus and expose for that specifically. If you long press on the screen you can then adjust the exposure to have a brighter or darker image if needed.”
Engage your Night Mode
Some of the latest smartphones have night mode, which Tran says makes it easier than ever to capture great night-time content on your phone. This function detects the surrounding darkness and automatically increases the exposure of the photo to let in more light. You’ll need to keep your phone still during this long exposure — a small tripod can help stabilise your shot. On Apple iPhone models 11, 12, 13 and 14, look for the moon icon in the top left corner: if it’s yellow, Night Mode is auto enabled. On a Samsung Galaxy S22, open the camera app, swipe ‘more’ and tap ‘night’ or use the Night Portrait mode.
Stay focused
After you’ve taken your shot, double check the focus to make sure the photograph looks sharp. “When images appear to be out of focus, adjust the focus ring or auto focus point, take another shot and review the photo again by zooming in. Repeat the process until the images look sharp,” Tran says. “Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do if you realise the photo is out of focus afterwards, so it’s best to double check to make sure you have the photo in focus before you move onto another location.”
Get arty with the artwork
As well as using the light installations to brighten up your subjects, Vivid Sydney light art can also work well as a frame or, focus in on details so that your photos look more creative and unique. “While exploring Vivid Sydney keep an eye out for any interesting angles such as symmetry or leading lines to help frame your photo,” Tran recommends.
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Consider the exposure
Many of Vivid Sydney’s light installations and projections move and change, in this case you will need to set a faster shutter speed as long exposure shots will result in a blur. “In these situations, it’s best to experiment with different shutter speeds until you reach the desired result,” Tran says. “Keep in mind, when you are using faster shutter speeds you will need to compensate for less light entering the sensor by increasing the ISO or aperture to let in more light.”
Don’t take a rain check
Rain, rain, don’t go away! “Don’t be afraid if it rains as this weather can sometimes produce interesting and unique photos — the lights and installations can look really cool with the wet reflections on the ground,” says Tran. Another good time to visit is on a weeknight when it may be easier to photograph installations without other visitors getting in the way of your shot.
Pick the perfect spot
You don’t necessarily need to be right on the harbour to get a good shot of Vivid Sydney, in fact some of the best shots are photographed from a distance. Tran recommends: “Sydney Harbour Bridge Walkway (near south pylon) for a view of the Sydney Opera House projections from an elevated perspective; Cahill Expressway for a view of both the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge with ferries and boats on the Harbour; and Lavender Bay for a view of Luna Park, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House in one photo.”
WHERE TO STAY
Whether you’re planning a holiday in Sydney or you’re a festival fan and has Vivid Sydney in your sights, place yourself right in the heart of the city (and Vivid Sydney) with these two hotels. Plus, enjoy amazing perks when you book via Holiday Tours.
InterContinental Sydney
Located in the heart of Circular Quay, InterContinental Sydney offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Housed in the beautifully restored Treasury Building of 1851, InterContinental Sydney is one of the city’s prized icons. It features 509 guest rooms, including 28 luxury suites, an award-winning Club InterContinental lounge, and vibrant dining venues. Following a $120 million refurbishment, which enhanced the rooms, public spaces, bars, and restaurants, a new era of luxury awaits.
CAPELLA SYDNEY
For generations, the Department of Education building stood quietly, its golden sandstone facade blending seamlessly into the city’s rhythm. Now reborn as Capella Sydney, this heritage-listed icon opens its doors to guests for the first time, setting a global standard for luxury accommodation, cuisine, and cultural immersion. Combining storied architectural features with contemporary design, Capella Sydney celebrates the Australian panorama through its interiors, location, and experiences.
MAKE YOUR WAY TO SYDNEY WITH HOLIDAY TOURS.
REACH OUT TO US AT +603 2303 9100 OR [email protected]
Article source: Vivid Sydney