10 Burning Man Photography Tips

I will not be going to Burning Man this year, and probably won't return to playa for many years to come. However I would like to give something to the Burner community : humbly sharing my experience as a photographer and giving some tips about what I've learned over my last 6 years on playa. My first Burn was 2012 and my last one was 2018 (I skipped 2017 to attend Afrika Burn instead). I had the honor of being selected by Burning Man Project to exhibit my best shots during the Burning Man European Leadership Summit held in Nantes, April 2018. (Gilles Bonugli Kali)

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Don’t shoot as if you had a AK-47 in you hand ! I know, there are so many things around but... Observe first, bike around to find the angle, and evaluate your shot ! It’s more rewarding and this will save you time when editing. Even when applying this rule you will end up with tons of pictures. I usually unload thousands from my camera after each Burn. Just try to visualize before pushing the button, and work on your composition, angle and light beforehand as if you were shooting analog films.
(Neverwas Haul Composition work)

Shooting during dust storms is my favorite thing at BM, I am kind of “Meh” and enthusiastic about shooting when the weather is too clear. I am not talking about shooting during complete whiteouts. On the contrary that can be annoying and damage your equipment. But shooting during light dust storms allows you to be more creative, change light and shapes, and create absolutely unreal visual atmospheres. You just have to be fast enough to capture the instant since the storms move fast. Avoid changing lenses during these conditions.

It’s fine to document Playa Art, but it’s even better to create your own photographic art and participate. A few techniques include : long exposure shots, multi exposures shots, polaroid instant giveaways, photowalks etc… You can be creative in post production and retouching too !

Our rule during our last Burning Man was to go to bed around midnight and wake up around 4Am. I would say that sunrises represent 50% of my best shots. In addition to the pure aesthetic of the sunrise light, you will find the Playa so peaceful and calm. It’s an amazing time to discover the Art, visit the Temple, meditate or simply cruise around deep playa. Don’t forget to take an extra layer, it’s often colder just before sunrise than when you wake up.
(Temple by David Best)

If you want your shot to stand out, think different. Position yourself at the opposite of where everyone wants to be. A good example of the type of shot you can achieve is portrayed below. During Burn Night 2015, I chose to photograph the Man burning from deep playa and got this amazing shot showing Marco Cochrane's sculpture illuminated by fireworks, flames, and smoke.
(R-Evolution Sculpture by Marco Cochrane)

We are talking about consent and respect here. If you want a candid shot because you are absolutely sure it’s a wonderful one, go for it. Then kindly go and show the photos to your subject(s) and ask if they are ok for you to keep it. Ask their email so you can send it to them later. In this way you gift your photography to the people you photograph on playa.
(Her a Mom and her Daughter, but who is who ? :))

Even if it’s totally possible to create spectacular shots being with a group, you absolutely want to allow yourself to go on solo sessions. Follow your instinct, explore with no specific goals. Remember two things : “Playa Provides”, and “Don’t Force Things, Things Happen”.
(Lhassa eating his dusty Breakfast)

During the day the playa acts as a giant reflector itself. If you are experienced enough you still can experiment with a studio light to create surrealistic scenes, just be aware that it is not an easy task. For sunset and night portraits I recommend a ring led light. The playa by night is also very colorful and full of lights, use them to light your scene !
(Fire Blowers during Burn Night)

When you post pictures (because everyone does…), give credit to the installation and the artist, or camp name and founders IF they want to. That requires knowing the name of the art you are documenting and the artist who created it. This can be found after the event, but it’s best to find out on the fly. It will allow you to meet cool new people, ask consent and maybe take a portrait of the artist !
(Tantalus - by Peter Hudson - Burning Man 2013)

I know it’s not easy… But allow yourself to go without your camera for little rides (or long ones). It can be frustrating not to have your digital eye with you but it allows you to let it go too.

Decide of one lens you want to explore with and adapt your eye to it during your ride. I usually take one lens during the day, then depending on the mood, I change for the night. You will have plenty of opportunity to go back to your camp and change. Just take extra batteries for sure.