I met Yasmin Chadwick at the event I was photographing. The combination of the night and fire is magical and my favourite, but those shows can happen any time of the day. Perfect idea to entertain your guests during a wedding party or any other type of celebration. Fire is offering endless creative opportunities. Not only can beauty be found in the flames themselves, but they also bathe the surroundings in wonderful warm light. Photographing fire performances, such as fire dancing or fire breathing, can be both challenging and exciting. These performances often involve fast and dynamic movements, making it important to capture the energy and intensity of the fire.

Here are some tips to help you capture stunning photographs of fire performances:

1. Communicate with the performer: Before the performance begins, have a conversation with the performer to understand their routine, movements, and any safety considerations. This will help you anticipate their actions and capture the most captivating moments.
2. Use a fast lens: Fire performances are often held in low-light conditions or at night, so having a lens with a wide aperture (low f-stop number) will allow you to capture more light and maintain faster shutter speeds. A lens with a focal length of around 50mm to 85mm is versatile for capturing both close-up shots and wider angles.
3. Choose the right camera settings:
   • Set your camera to Manual mode (M) for full control over the exposure settings.
   • Use a higher ISO setting (e.g., ISO 800 to 1600) to compensate for the low light conditions. Keep in mind that higher ISOs may introduce some noise, so find the right balance for your camera.
   • Select a wide aperture (low f-stop value) to allow more light into the camera and achieve a shallow depth of field, isolating the performer from the background.
   • Start with a faster shutter speed (e.g., 1/250th of a second or faster) to freeze the motion and capture sharp images of the fire. Adjust your shutter speed as needed to accommodate the speed and movement of the performance.
4. Use burst mode: Fire performances involve fast movements, so using your camera’s burst or continuous shooting mode can increase your chances of capturing the perfect moment. This way, you can capture multiple frames in quick succession and choose the best shots later.
5. Pay attention to composition: Compose your shots carefully to capture the energy and grace of the performer. Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and framing techniques to create dynamic and visually appealing images. Consider using the rule of thirds or leading lines to create a more balanced and engaging composition.
6. Focus on the performer’s eyes: The eyes are often the most expressive part of the performer’s face. Try to focus on their eyes to capture their emotions and intensity during the performance. If autofocus struggles to lock onto the subject due to the fire, switch to manual focus for more control.
7. Capture the fire trails: Fire performances involve swirling, spinning, and waving of fire props, which can create captivating fire trails. Experiment with longer shutter speeds (e.g., 1/15th of a second or slower) to capture the motion blur of the fire trails. Combine this with a steady hand or tripod to avoid camera shake.
8. Use creative lighting techniques: Fire performances often have their own ambient light sources. Experiment with the available light and try using long-exposure techniques to capture the movement of the performer with the fire trails in the frame. This can create dynamic and artistic images.
9. Post-processing: After capturing your fire performance photos, use photo editing software to enhance the images. Adjust the exposure, contrast, and colour balance as needed to bring out the details and create a more impactful image. Be mindful not to over process the images, keeping the authenticity and atmosphere of the performance intact.

Remember to respect the performer’s space and prioritize safety during the fire performance. Also, ensure that you are adhering to any regulations or guidelines related to photography at the event.