{"id":6082,"date":"2026-03-14T08:00:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T07:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arteventia.fr\/?p=6082"},"modified":"2026-03-14T12:02:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T11:02:53","slug":"frederic-lepla-capturing-the-moment-and-extending-the-magic-of-fire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arteventia.fr\/en\/frederic-lepla-capturing-the-moment-and-extending-the-magic-of-fire\/","title":{"rendered":"Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla, capturing the moment and extending the magic of fire"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla, capturing the moment and extending the magic of fire<\/h2>\n

A pyrotechnic show lasts only a few minutes.
Once the last spark fades, only memories remain.<\/p>\n

And sometimes, a photograph.<\/p>\n

For several years, photographer Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla<\/strong><\/a> has accompanied certain ARTEVENTIA shows, capturing their most striking images. His perspective extends the emotion of a naturally ephemeral moment. <\/p>\n

Through his photographs, light becomes matter, the pyrotechnic composition transforms into a painting, and the show continues to exist long after the final shot.<\/p>\n

\"Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric
Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric LEPLA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A passion for photography above all else<\/h2>\n

Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla did not come to pyrotechnics by chance. A professional photographer, he initially worked in event photography, particularly wedding photography. <\/p>\n

Over time, the desire to diversify his perspective and subjects naturally led him to other visual worlds: shows, events, light.<\/p>\n

His encounter with firework photography happened almost by chance, during a family outing to Ambleteuse<\/strong><\/a>, on the Opal Coast.<\/p>\n

That evening, he photographed the August 15th fireworks launched from Fort Vauban.<\/p>\n

The experience was immediately striking.<\/p>\n

Photographing light<\/h2>\n

Photographing fireworks is a very particular exercise.<\/p>\n

Unlike video, which captures an extremely short moment, pyrotechnic photography often relies on long exposure<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

For a few seconds, the camera sensor records the complete trajectory of the product: the ascent, the explosion, and the fallout.<\/p>\n

This technique transforms the show.<\/p>\n

\n

“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.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The final image is no longer just a moment: it becomes a composition.<\/p>\n

\"ARTEVENTIA
Oziris Peur sur le Parc – Photo by Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Between poetry and power<\/h2>\n

When photographing a show, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla seeks to capture two complementary dimensions.<\/p>\n

The raw power of fire\u2026 and the poetry it can produce.<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Each photograph then becomes a balance between technique and sensation.<\/p>\n

A landscape before the fire<\/h2>\n

Unlike many photographers passionate about pyrotechnics, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla does not solely seek to immortalize explosions in the sky.<\/p>\n

His approach is that of a landscape photographer.<\/p>\n

According to him, a successful fireworks<\/a> photograph first begins with the setting: a monument, an emblematic building, or a striking landscape.<\/p>\n

The pyrotechnic composition then enhances this backdrop.<\/p>\n

\n

“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.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"ARTEVENTIA
The 500th Anniversary of the Ch\u00e2teau de Chambord – Photo by Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Anticipating the show<\/h2>\n

Photographing a show also requires an understanding of its dramaturgy.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla anticipates key moments, seeks to understand the designer’s intentions, and positions himself in the right place.<\/p>\n

Anticipation is essential to capture the precise moment.<\/p>\n

But once the show begins, he also enjoys becoming a simple spectator again and letting himself be carried away by the emotion.<\/p>\n

Montreal, a memorable experience<\/h2>\n

Among the shows he has photographed with ARTEVENTIA, the one in Montreal<\/strong><\/a> remains particularly striking.<\/p>\n

The site of La Ronde<\/strong><\/a> amusement park, with its illuminated rides and unique atmosphere, offers a spectacular setting.<\/p>\n

The international competition held there is often considered one of the most prestigious in the world.<\/p>\n

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“Montreal is an iconic site. A true grail of pyrotechnic competitions.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"ARTEVENTIA
La Ronde Montreal – Photo by Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Technique at the service of the moment<\/h2>\n

Pyrotechnic photography requires meticulous preparation.<\/p>\n

Tripod stability, choice of viewpoint, wind direction, weather: every parameter counts.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla sometimes uses several cameras simultaneously to capture different visions of the show.<\/p>\n

But despite all this preparation, the most difficult element always remains the same.<\/p>\n

The moment.<\/p>\n

Understanding the exact moment when the image must be captured to convey the artistic intention of the show.<\/p>\n

Photographing collective emotion<\/h2>\n

When photographing a show in front of thousands of spectators, the dominant feeling is one of privilege.<\/p>\n

Certain events, such as the F\u00eate du lac d\u2019Annecy<\/a>, offer exceptional observation positions.<\/p>\n

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“We feel privileged. It is a great source of pride to be able to capture these moments.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"ARTEVENTIA
Les Masters de Feu – Photo by Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A visual memory of the show<\/h2>\n

Photography possesses a unique quality.<\/p>\n

It freezes a moment that would otherwise disappear immediately.<\/p>\n

For nearly two centuries, photography has remained one of the primary means of preserving the visual memory of an event.<\/p>\n

\n

“Photography remains the reference element for remembering this poetry of ephemeral stars.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Video reproduces the show as it is experienced.<\/p>\n

Photography, on the other hand, magnifies it.<\/p>\n

The transmission of a passion<\/h2>\n

Photography has also become a family adventure.<\/p>\n

For several years, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla has shared this passion with his son Arthur<\/strong>, who accompanies him to certain shows.<\/p>\n

It all started when Arthur, as a child, simply helped carry the equipment.<\/p>\n

Little by little, his father entrusted him with a camera, a bag, and a tripod.<\/p>\n

The first shots were guided by voice:<\/p>\n

\n

“press… release… look at the result…”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Today, Arthur is sixteen and takes his own shots during certain shows.<\/p>\n

The two photographers sometimes work from different viewpoints to obtain complementary images.<\/p>\n

A true team effort\u2026 and a family affair.<\/p>\n

\"Arthur
Arthur Lepla in 2018 – Photo by Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Composing a tableau of light<\/h2>\n

If Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla had to summarize his approach in one sentence, it would be simple.<\/p>\n

\n

“I seek to compose a tableau that magnifies the setting by associating it with the pyrotechnic show.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He often evokes The Starry Night<\/strong><\/a> by Van Gogh<\/a> to describe this vision.<\/p>\n

A calm landscape, a vibrant sky.<\/p>\n

In the case of fireworks, the stars simply become\u2026 ephemeral.<\/p>\n

Horizons yet to explore<\/h2>\n

After photographing shows on several continents \u2014 from Canada to Vietnam, from Chile to Papua New Guinea \u2014 there are still many horizons to explore.<\/p>\n

Two destinations are particularly dreamlike for the photographer:<\/p>\n

Australia and Japan.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Perhaps, one day, he will set up his tripod facing a Japanese landscape to capture a hanabi show.<\/p>\n

And once again, compose a sky of ephemeral stars.<\/p>\n

\"Malta
Malta International Fireworks Festival – Photo by Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Lepla<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Performance and Event Photographer
ARTEVENTIA Photographic Collaborator<\/p>\n

Specialties:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    pyrotechnic show photography<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    event photography<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    long exposure and night photography<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    artistic capture of shows<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Photographer’s website: https:\/\/www.fredericlepla.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/h3>\n

    Also read<\/h3>\n

    \u00c9douard Gr\u00e9goire, l\u2019art de mettre le ciel en sc\u00e8ne<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n