Top tips for shooting Vivid like a pro

Each year, hundred of thousands of people flock to Sydney to see the city light up with Vivid. And most of them will be snapping away with their phones and cameras. But grabbing that shot at night, in the middle of a crowd and making it look good is a challenge.

Sydney Morning Herald award-winning photographer Wolter Peeters has been capturing Vivid for five years. Here are his top tips to make your photos stand out.

Camera settings

If you're shooting on a digital camera, Peeters suggests the following settings are a good place to start.

• ISO2000
• 3.5 focal stop (Fstop)
• 1/200 shutter speed.

Given Vivid is often swarming in crowds, Peeters said, "it's okay to capture people", otherwise you'll be "waiting all night" for a clear shot.

If you're in a crowded area, you can increase the shutter speed (leaving it open for 10-15 seconds), so that "people will become a blur, and the photo becomes about the subject," he said.

You don't need to try and capture the entire light installation, sometimes focusing on the smaller details can create for a stunning photo. Credit: Wolter Peeters

iPhone settings

If you are shooting on an iPhone, use the High Dynamic Range (HDR) function which will lift shadows. You can also tap and hold the screen to lock the camera's focus and slide your finger up and down the screen to change to exposure.

Equipment

Travel light, taking too much equipment can slow you down and become cumbersome in the Vivid crowds. Peeters suggests taking your camera body and one lens (such as a 24-70mm lens).

Incorporating the environment into the photograph can create for a unique shot. Credit: Wolter Peeters

Post-production

While you want to try and capture the perfect shot when you're out in the field (by playing with the settings), you can always "tweak" the photo, by "playing with the brightness and contrast" afterward, Peeters said.

Take it all in

No matter how stunning the installation is, you don't have to capture it all. Walk around the subject before you shoot. "Look at details and look at how the artist has set up the installation with the environment," Peeters said. "Incorporate the city lights or the background."

If the display has flashing or moving lights you can leave the shutter open for longer which will "capture the movement of lights".

Dress for comfort

As Vivid is spread across the city, you want to make sure you've got a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes.

Going solo means you can spend as much time as you like capturing the perfect image.Credit: Wolter Peeters

Go by yourself

Heading out by yourself means you can spend as long as you want at each installation. The worst thing is having someone waiting for you or trying to hurry you along.

Don't forget to have fun

"Shoot for yourself and come back with pictures you are happy with," Peeters said.

Lights will switch on in the city from 6pm to 11pm each evening and Chatswood will light up at 5.30pm - 10.30pm. Vivid runs from May 24 until June 15.