Frédéric Lepla, capturing the moment and extending the magic of fire
A pyrotechnic show lasts only a few minutes.
Once the last spark fades, only memories remain.
And sometimes, a photograph.
For several years, photographer Frédéric Lepla has accompanied certain ARTEVENTIA shows, capturing their most striking images. His perspective extends the emotion of a naturally ephemeral moment.
Through his photographs, light becomes matter, the pyrotechnic composition transforms into a painting, and the show continues to exist long after the final shot.
A passion for photography above all else
Frédéric Lepla did not come to pyrotechnics by chance. A professional photographer, he initially worked in event photography, particularly wedding photography.
Over time, the desire to diversify his perspective and subjects naturally led him to other visual worlds: shows, events, light.
His encounter with firework photography happened almost by chance, during a family outing to Ambleteuse, on the Opal Coast.
That evening, he photographed the August 15th fireworks launched from Fort Vauban.
The experience was immediately striking.
Photographing light
Photographing fireworks is a very particular exercise.
Unlike video, which captures an extremely short moment, pyrotechnic photography often relies on long exposure.
For a few seconds, the camera sensor records the complete trajectory of the product: the ascent, the explosion, and the fallout.
This technique transforms the show.
“We cheat a little, and we magnify the show. Long exposure allows us to capture the entire trajectory of the product and its full explosion on the digital film.”
The final image is no longer just a moment: it becomes a composition.
Between poetry and power
When photographing a show, Frédéric Lepla seeks to capture two complementary dimensions.
The raw power of fire… and the poetry it can produce.
Certain effects require long exposure times, particularly cascades or falling leaf effects. Others, like very dense final bouquets, require shorter exposure times to preserve image readability.
Each photograph then becomes a balance between technique and sensation.
A landscape before the fire
Unlike many photographers passionate about pyrotechnics, Frédéric Lepla does not solely seek to immortalize explosions in the sky.
His approach is that of a landscape photographer.
According to him, a successful fireworks photograph first begins with the setting: a monument, an emblematic building, or a striking landscape.
The pyrotechnic composition then enhances this backdrop.
“For me, a good fireworks photo is first and foremost a landscape photo with a strong symbol of the place, sublimated by the pyrotechnic composition in the sky.”
Anticipating the show
Photographing a show also requires an understanding of its dramaturgy.
Frédéric Lepla anticipates key moments, seeks to understand the designer’s intentions, and positions himself in the right place.
Anticipation is essential to capture the precise moment.
But once the show begins, he also enjoys becoming a simple spectator again and letting himself be carried away by the emotion.
Montreal, a memorable experience
Among the shows he has photographed with ARTEVENTIA, the one in Montreal remains particularly striking.
The site of La Ronde amusement park, with its illuminated rides and unique atmosphere, offers a spectacular setting.
The international competition held there is often considered one of the most prestigious in the world.
“Montreal is an iconic site. A true grail of pyrotechnic competitions.”
Technique at the service of the moment
Pyrotechnic photography requires meticulous preparation.
Tripod stability, choice of viewpoint, wind direction, weather: every parameter counts.
Frédéric Lepla sometimes uses several cameras simultaneously to capture different visions of the show.
But despite all this preparation, the most difficult element always remains the same.
The moment.
Understanding the exact moment when the image must be captured to convey the artistic intention of the show.
Photographing collective emotion
When photographing a show in front of thousands of spectators, the dominant feeling is one of privilege.
Certain events, such as the Fête du lac d’Annecy, offer exceptional observation positions.
“We feel privileged. It is a great source of pride to be able to capture these moments.”
A visual memory of the show
Photography possesses a unique quality.
It freezes a moment that would otherwise disappear immediately.
For nearly two centuries, photography has remained one of the primary means of preserving the visual memory of an event.
“Photography remains the reference element for remembering this poetry of ephemeral stars.”
Video reproduces the show as it is experienced.
Photography, on the other hand, magnifies it.
The transmission of a passion
Photography has also become a family adventure.
For several years, Frédéric Lepla has shared this passion with his son Arthur, who accompanies him to certain shows.
It all started when Arthur, as a child, simply helped carry the equipment.
Little by little, his father entrusted him with a camera, a bag, and a tripod.
The first shots were guided by voice:
“press… release… look at the result…”
Today, Arthur is sixteen and takes his own shots during certain shows.
The two photographers sometimes work from different viewpoints to obtain complementary images.
A true team effort… and a family affair.
Composing a tableau of light
If Frédéric Lepla had to summarize his approach in one sentence, it would be simple.
“I seek to compose a tableau that magnifies the setting by associating it with the pyrotechnic show.”
He often evokes The Starry Night by Van Gogh to describe this vision.
A calm landscape, a vibrant sky.
In the case of fireworks, the stars simply become… ephemeral.
Horizons yet to explore
After photographing shows on several continents — from Canada to Vietnam, from Chile to Papua New Guinea — there are still many horizons to explore.
Two destinations are particularly dreamlike for the photographer:
Australia and Japan.
Perhaps, one day, he will set up his tripod facing a Japanese landscape to capture a hanabi show.
And once again, compose a sky of ephemeral stars.
Frédéric Lepla
Performance and Event Photographer
ARTEVENTIA Photographic Collaborator
Specialties:
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pyrotechnic show photography
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event photography
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long exposure and night photography
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artistic capture of shows
Photographer’s website: https://www.fredericlepla.com/
