How to Make the Most of the Last Weekend of Vivid

It’s your last chance to soak up Sydney’s most luminous celebration before the lights go out! As the city’s skyline pulses with neon hues and jaw-dropping projections, now’s the time to hit the streets, camera in hand, and chase that perfect shot.

Whether you’re a pro behind the lens or simply keen to level up your night photography game, we caught up with acclaimed photographer G Gunawan and Nikon Australia who shared his go-to creative tricks, technical hacks and pro photo tips for Vivid 2025 to help you capture the magic before it disappears for another year.

Ready, set, snap – before the city dims.

1. Catch the beams

The dynamic light beams shooting through the sky are a signature feature of Vivid. They can move fast but if you’re patient, they pause briefly every few minutes. To freeze their motion in crisp detail, use a shutter speed of 1 or 2 seconds, or even faster if you’re handholding. Timing is everything here, so be ready!

2. Catch the light trails

To create those dreamy, flowing light trails, slow things down. Set your camera to bulb mode or a long exposure of 30 seconds or more. This technique works wonders on moving lights like ferries, installations, or passing crowds, turning motion into magic.

3. Create abstract art

Feeling experimental? Grab your zoom lens and try a 1–2 second exposure while twisting the zoom barrel during the shot. This intentional blur creates wild, abstract streaks of colour – turning your camera into a paintbrush. It’s unpredictable, but that’s the fun of it!

4. Find reflections

Light always looks more dramatic when reflected. If it’s been raining, keep an eye out for puddles, wet pavement, or even windows to double the visual impact. These mirror-like surfaces can help you create stunning compositions with added depth and dimension.

5. The right equipment

G Gunawan shoots with a Nikon Z-series mirrorless camera. “Whether you’re using full-frame or APS-C, the Z system is more than capable of handling the low-light challenges of Vivid. It offers excellent image quality, reliable autofocus, and great dynamic range; all essential for night shooting,” he says.

The Nikon Z5II is a full-frame mirrorless camera that punches well above its weight. With excellent low-light performance, dual card slots for backup, and intuitive controls, it’s ideal for capturing the rich colors and fine details of light installations even in tricky lighting conditions! For those serious about snapping the festival in all its glowing glory, the Nikon Z5II is the gear to get. Purpose-built for low-light brilliance, this compact powerhouse makes it easy to freeze-frame the electric energy of Vivid from just about any angle.

6. Try long exposure for star trails

Blend city light with celestial motion. If you can find a darker spot on the outskirts, try combining the vivid colours of Sydney’s lights with a two-hour long exposure to capture star trails. This advanced technique requires planning, but the results can be breathtaking.

7. My go-to lens

G Gunawan nominated his Nikon 24–70mm lens as Vivid workhorse. “It’s versatile enough to handle wide landscapes, tight portraits, and everything in between. Whether I’m shooting a full light installation or zooming in on fine architectural details, this range keeps me covered,” he says.

8. The classic shot

Sometimes, going back to basics pays off. The Sydney Opera House is the undisputed hero of Vivid. Don’t be afraid to revisit the classic angle from Circular Quay or across the harbour. With each year’s unique projection, it’s a timeless subject that never disappoints.