Click, Sparkle, Shine: A Diwali Photo Guide!
- aayushivaidya280
- Nov 1, 2024
- 5 min read
How to Capture Diwali Decor and Lights in Stunning Photos
Diwali is here! Houses gleam with diyas, rangolis paint the ground in a riot of colors, and fairy lights turn everything into a twinkling wonderland. Capturing all this magic in photos can be as tricky as balancing a thali full of sweets without dropping one (good luck). But fear not! Here’s your ultimate guide to photographing Diwali’s festive charm—packed with technical tips, creative ideas, and enough quirk to keep you entertained.
1. Timing Is Everything: Golden Hour to Twilight
The beauty of Diwali isn’t just in the lights; it’s in the warm, magical ambiance they create. Shooting around the golden hour—that golden moment right before sunset—lets you capture the warmth of both natural and artificial lights.
Golden Hour Magic: Shoot from around 5:30-6:30 PM. This timing gives you a soft, diffused glow that complements the lights.
Transition Shots: Capture the shift from natural to artificial light. Start with the glowing sky, and as it darkens, bring in your diyas, fairy lights, and rangoli details for a beautiful contrast.
Post-Sunset Glow: If you’re shooting right after sunset, switch to a low ISO (100-200), use a tripod, and capture the remaining ambient light before it’s completely dark.
Techy Tip: Switch to “Aperture Priority” mode if you’re using a DSLR, with a wide aperture (f/1.8 or f/2.8) to let in as much light as possible while keeping the background softly blurred.
2. Get Close and Personal with Diyas
Diyas bring that authentic Diwali glow, but capturing their warmth without washing them out can be tricky. Here’s how to make them the star of your frame.
Low ISO and Low Shutter Speed: To capture the diya’s soft, warm glow, use a low ISO (around 100-200) and a slower shutter speed (try 1/60 sec or slower).
The Depth of Field Trick: With your camera’s aperture set to a wide setting (f/1.8 or f/2.8), you’ll create a shallow depth of field, so the diya is in focus and the background is nicely blurred. This effect gives a dreamy, focused shot of the diya.
Natural Frame: Place the diya among other elements like flowers, leaves, or other diyas for a framed shot. Get in close, let the edges blur, and let that glow take center stage.
Creative Challenge: Try arranging multiple diyas in a pattern. Use symmetry to create a visually balanced image that reflects the order and warmth of Diwali.
3. Fairy Lights: The Bokeh Effect
Nothing says “Diwali” quite like those twinkling strings of fairy lights. But capturing them well requires a bit of finesse.
Bokeh Bonanza: Set your lens to a wide aperture (the lowest f-stop your lens allows, such as f/1.8 or f/2.8) to create a beautiful bokeh effect. The out-of-focus lights will appear as soft, circular spots, adding depth to your shot.
Focus Control: Pick a central subject (like a diya, flower arrangement, or festive prop), and let the fairy lights be your out-of-focus background. This technique draws attention to the subject while adding a subtle, festive glow.
Creative Light Trails: Position fairy lights in the background but let a few strands drift into the foreground. This “foreground bokeh” adds layers to your photo, making it feel more immersive.
Pro Tip: Use the manual focus on your camera to ensure that the foreground subject stays sharp, even as the fairy lights blur in the background.
4. Rangoli Realness: Capturing Colorful Patterns
Rangolis are a feast for the eyes, but getting those colors to pop in photos requires some tricks. Here’s how to make your rangoli shots vibrant and eye-catching.
Bird’s-Eye View: Get directly above the rangoli for a symmetrical shot. Standing on a stool or chair might be required for this, so steady yourself (and your camera) to avoid shaky shots.
Use a High Saturation: Increase the saturation just a bit in post-processing to make the colors pop. A little contrast boost will add definition without overpowering the shot.
Texture Play: If your rangoli includes leaves, petals, or powder, capture those textures. A narrow depth of field can add a touch of softness while focusing on one element, like a leaf or petal, to show the detail.
Extra Touch: Get creative with shadows. Rangolis shot in early morning or late afternoon light can capture soft shadows that add dimension to the design.
5. Mastering Sparklers and Fireworks
Now, onto the pièce de résistance of Diwali—the fireworks! Capturing sparklers, in particular, is all about creating magical light trails without losing sharpness. Here’s your guide.
Use Long Exposure: Set a low shutter speed (1-2 seconds) to capture those light trails from sparklers. Longer exposures will create gorgeous, glowing trails without you needing a sparkler in each hand.
Low ISO, Steady Hands: Keep ISO between 100-200, and use a tripod if you have one. For phone users, prop it up on a stable surface and use a timer to avoid hand shake.
Capture Burst Fireworks: Use a fast shutter speed (1/250 or faster) to freeze the moment of explosion. Adjust your ISO to 200-400 to keep noise low but allow enough light.
Safety Note: Stay a safe distance away and capture from an angle that minimises smoke or unwanted glare. Safety first, photos second!
6. Candid Shots and Family Moments
The magic of Diwali is in the people—the laughter, the surprise, the joy of lighting the first diya or sparkler. Candids are perfect for capturing the essence of this festive time.
Try Burst Mode: This is where burst mode shines. Whether it’s kids racing to grab sparklers or family members laughing, burst mode lets you capture split-second expressions that feel real and unscripted.
Use a Fast Shutter Speed: For indoor shots with family, especially kids, keep your shutter speed high (around 1/125 or 1/250) to capture movement without blurring.
Frame the Emotions: Get close to capture the expressions—the moment of joy when the diya lights up, the surprise as the sparkler burns bright. These are the moments people will remember long after Diwali is over.
Pro Tip: Focus on someone lighting a diya or sparkler, capturing their expression and the soft glow on their face.
7. Editing for that Final Festive Flourish
Editing is the cherry on top of a good photo session. Here’s a quick guide to make your Diwali shots look as vibrant and warm as the festival itself.
Brightness and Contrast: Increase brightness slightly, especially for night shots, to avoid a dark and muddy image. Add contrast to give definition to your photos.
Boost Saturation: Diwali is all about color. Increase saturation carefully to make those colors pop, especially reds, yellows, and oranges, but be cautious to avoid overdoing it.
Warm Tone Adjustment: Use the warmth slider to give the photos a cozy, golden tint that enhances the glow from diyas and fairy lights.
Creative Hack: For photos with a lot of fairy lights, try adding a slight vignette in editing to pull the viewer’s eye to the centre.
With these tips, you’ll be fully equipped to capture the joy, warmth, and sparkle of Diwali. So grab your camera (or your phone), steady yourself, and go capture the moments that make Diwali special! From rangolis to diyas to fireworks, each photo will tell a story of the light and love that fills this festive season. Happy clicking, and may your Diwali be as bright as your photos!
Very informative I'll try these🎇