Shooting this night portrait of yukata and sparklers in April, looking back I can still feel the comfortable temperature of the evening breeze interwoven with the fireworks. The photos were originally scheduled to be posted in summer, but it got delayed until now. However, pulling out this set of pictures on an early summer night gives a more seasonal sense of coziness.
A lot of thought went into the preparation before the photoshoot. The costumes chosen were relatively light Japanese kimono photography styles. One was paired with a warm-toned orange-red butterfly obi, while the other featured a cool-toned blue-violet large flower pattern. This warm-and-cool contrast in colors brings more depth visually. For hair, one had light blonde short hair with a pink hair ornament to create a light texture; the other had half-tied black hair adorned with a matching flower accessory, echoing the yukata's color palette and creating a visual contrast with the coolness of the night. For footwear, we intentionally didn't choose heavy wooden clogs but wore lightweight sandals instead, making it easier to move around the terrace and railings.
The shooting location was a high observation deck, with hazy distant mountains and scattered city lights in the background. Twilight is the golden hour for outdoor shooting, when the blue tones of the sky are very rich. We wanted to capture a blend of dynamic and static elements, so sparklers were essential. We tried them indoors a few times beforehand to get a handle on the burning rhythm of the sparklers, otherwise it would be easy to rush after lighting them. During the actual shoot, the lines of the sparklers and railings provided a sort of guidance, opening up the sense of space in the frame significantly.
The atmosphere of a summer night vibe and dual interaction was the top priority in this shoot. To avoid rigid poses, we designed various standings and postures, such as holding fireworks one in front and one behind, or holding hands side by side while letting the sparklers burn right in front of them. This way, the subjects weren't blocked, and the bright light source provided a very natural warm-and-cool contrast lighting on their faces. Because the brightness of the sparklers is limited, the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture parameters were constantly adjusted according to the burning stage. Slightly lengthening the shutter allowed the sparkler paths to form beautiful lines, but we also needed to ensure the figures remained sharp despite slight movements.
For post-processing, we didn't do any overly exaggerated stylized color grading. We mainly preserved the blue tones of the original night view and slightly enhanced the starburst effect of the sparks, maintaining a realistic yet slightly dreamlike visual effect. During breaks, we exchanged props and adjusted collar ornaments; these behind-the-scenes moments were precious experiences beyond the photos themselves. When two people shoot together, that natural chemistry cannot be faked, especially when the sparklers are crackling right before their eyes; the relaxation and joy in their expressions are truly captivating.
This set doesn't have a complicated concept; it's simply about recording some fresh and bright moments amid the ordinary warmth of life, giving a tangible freeze-frame to this day in April. I hope it can deliver a bit of summer coolness during the hot season.