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Taking Pictures on the Fourth with Your Phone

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Besides the barbeques and parades and spending time with family my favorite thing about 4th of July is taking pictures with smokebombs and sparklers! I think I have some version of them every year going back 7 years.  It’s seriously my favorite thing! We are doing a campaign with Popchips for 4th of July and thought we’d give some tips on how to do this for all your Instagram photos. The smoke bomb photos are pretty straight forward but the sparkler photos get a little technical (but still totally doable!) Find all the details below.

Taking Smokebomb Photos | PopchipsTaking Smokebomb Photos | PopchipsTaking Smokebomb Photos | PopchipsTaking Smokebomb Photos | PopchipsTaking Smokebomb Photos | Popchips

Smokebomb Photos! First off a disclaimer! Follow all directions from the smokebomb manufacturer for safety.
Materials Needed: Smokebombs, Cell Phone  Directions: This is pretty straight forward but here are a few extra tips. Make sure everything is in place for the photo before lighting the smokebomb. You’ll only have about 10 seconds to get the photos. We light a few at the same time in order to get the maximum amount of billowy smoke. The photos look cool and ethereal with plumes of colored smoke!

Taking Smokebomb Photos | Popchips

Sparkler Photos! First off a disclaimer! Follow all directions from the sparkler manufacturer for safety.
Materials Needed: Sparklers, Cell Phone, Slow Shutter App, tape, Flashlight (optional)  Directions: For this you’ll need an app that slows the camera shutter on your phone. There are lots of free ones, the one I have on my phone cost $1 and is called Slow Shutter Cam. Step 1: Tape the phone to something stationary like a chair to create a makeshift tripod. Step 2: Wait until it is dark and make sure everything is all set up for the photo before you light the sparklers (line your friends up etc). Step 3: To get the exposure right takes a little experimenting. We left the exposure open for 15 seconds. We tried a couple settings making it more light sensitive and less light sensitive until we were happy with it. If you want the people to show up a little shine a flashlight moving all over the subjects during the exposure. Step 4: Be sure to remember to spell the letters backwards for the letters to come out right in the photo! Et Voila! You’ve got some pretty snappy photos ready for the 4th.

Taking Sparkler PHotos with your Cell Phone | PopchipsTaking Sparkler PHotos with your Cell Phone | PopchipsTaking Sparkler PHotos with your Cell Phone | PopchipsTaking Sparkler PHotos with your Cell Phone | Popchips

This post is sponsored by Popchips!

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  1. Sam

    July 3, 2014

    This is my favorite time of the year for the same reason!

  2. Jordan

    July 3, 2014

    I love this! So inspired, and feeling good about only bringing my phone so I don’t have to lug the camera around!

  3. Betsy

    July 3, 2014

    I’ve always wondered how to do the sparkler photos. Thanks! Do you mind sharing where the red dress is from?

      • jordan
      • July 3, 2014

      The red dress is from Madewell last season. The striped dress is vintage.

  4. Vanessa

    July 3, 2014

    I didn’t know slow shutter apps existed. Thanks for the head’s-up!

  5. Carly

    July 3, 2014

    It still amazes me how much phone cameras can capture nowadays. And I didn’t know slow shutter speed apps existed for phones either! That’s a neat trick to keep in mind. 🙂

  6. Kristin

    July 3, 2014

    Oooh love the idea of using a chair to help steady the camera phone.

  7. giulia

    July 3, 2014

    this is such a great post idea! lovely lovely!

  8. Bailey

    July 3, 2014

    Hi! I own the red madewell dress, but have yet to wear it for one big problem! When I purchased it, it didn’t have a shift or lining, so I tried it on for friends that said it was kind of see through!
    Is she wearing a lining or such?! I’ve been dying to wear it!

  9. Meabh

    July 3, 2014

    Love your sparkler photos, will definitely be giving this a go in October (when us Irish get our sparklers out for Hallowen) 🙂

  10. KIm

    July 4, 2014

    I love the 4th as well. The best holiday of the year. Such a cute post. I just came across your blog last night and it’s so fun. The dresses are fab BTW. Happpy 4th! ~Kim

  11. 204 Park

    July 4, 2014

    Happy 4th of July! Thanks for the photo tips – I’ve always loved the sparkler photos where people make hearts or spell out words, I’m definitely going to be trying this! XO, D

  12. KrisWithaK

    July 4, 2014

    I love the sparklers! I will have to get an app and try that one night by the campfire this summer 🙂
    xo
    K

  13. Datenrettung

    July 8, 2014

    Nice pictures, you nlook lovely!!

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