It is all about the light

Introduction:

TheNapa Lightened Festival is happening again! The festival is a spectacular fusion of light, color, and imagination that turns the city into a glowing canvas of neon brilliance.

For photographers, the festival offers a rare chance to capture the radiance of neon after dark. In this post, I share practical tips and camera settings for night photography, with a focus on showcasing neon lights at their best during the Napa Lighted Festival.

Planning and Preparation:

Before heading to the festival, familiarize yourself with the festival layout and identify key locations where the neon displays are most impressive.

Camera Settings for Neon Lights:

Here are some recommended settings:

a. ISO: Begin with a low ISO (around 100–400) to keep digital noise to a minimum.

b. Aperture: Choose a wide aperture (low f-number) to let in more light. Settings between f/1.8 and f/4 work well for preserving the intensity and saturation of neon colors.

c. Shutter Speed: Match your shutter speed to your focal length. When using wide-angle lenses (24–50 mm), I typically shoot around 1/60 s. Check the live view and fine-tune as needed. I usually meter for the neon itself and let the surroundings fall into darkness. With these settings, a tripod is generally unnecessary.

d. White Balance: Set white balance to tungsten or fluorescent to emphasize neon hues, or shoot in RAW for maximum flexibility in post-processing.

Framing and Composition:

Neon lights invite creative exploration—play with angles, perspectives, and framing to craft visually striking images.

Patience and Timing:

Capture the magic of the Napa Lighted Festival with patience, waiting for those fleeting, perfect moments. Watch how the neon lights shift in color, pattern, and intensity, and be ready to adjust your camera settings on the fly to match the festival’s ever-changing energy.

Post-Processing:

Once captured, bring your images to life in post-processing. Fine-tune brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness to amplify the neon’s vibrancy. Experiment with creative filters or a subtle vignette to guide the viewer’s eye toward the heart of your composition.

Conclusion:

The Napa Lighted Festival offers a captivating stage for exploring the enchanting world of neon. With thoughtful planning, the right camera settings, and creative framing, you can produce striking images that capture the spirit of this vibrant celebration. Grab your camera, set up your tripod, and immerse yourself in the festival’s magical glow. Happy shooting! This year, the festival runs from January 17 to February 15, 2026. The images below were taken in 2025.

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