With the return of Paint the Night for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary—a glowing favorite that first wowed guests during the 60th—it’s clear that nighttime spectaculars continue to be a core part of the magic. Whether it’s projection-mapped castles, colorful water shows, or dazzling parades, theme parks know how to keep the excitement going long after the sun goes down.

And for photographers? These shows offer some of the most visually stunning—and challenging—opportunities to capture unforgettable shots.

If you're looking to improve your nighttime photography in theme parks, here are some tips and practices to help you get the most out of these unique moments:

1. Stake Out Your Spot Early

Location is everything. Each nighttime show is designed with specific vantage points in mind, whether it’s along Main Street, a hub facing the castle, or around a lagoon like in World of Color. Get there early. The best views go quickly—especially if you want a clean line of sight with no heads or phones in your frame.

Showing up 30–60 minutes early can be the difference between getting a portfolio-worthy image and fighting for scraps of visibility. And if the shows are run more than once per night, consider waiting until the later show for smaller crowds.

2. Use a Tripod (Where You Can)

Night shows push even the best cameras to their limits. A tripod—especially a small travel or tabletop version—can be a game-changer in low light. It allows you to use slower shutter speeds without the blur that comes from handheld shake.

Some areas discourage large tripods due to crowding, so be mindful of your surroundings. A compact alternative like a GorillaPod or monopod might be easier to work with in busy areas.

3. Trigger Without Touching

If your camera or phone supports it, use a remote shutter or timer delay. Touching the shutter button can introduce just enough vibration to ruin a long exposure. Even a 2-second timer can eliminate this.

4. Consider Your Composition

In fireworks photography, framing is key. While it’s tempting to point your camera straight up and chase the bursts, the most compelling shots include recognizable park icons in the foreground—whether it’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, Spaceship Earth, or a stretch of Main Street.

Foreground elements give your photos context and make it immediately clear this isn’t just a backyard fireworks show—it’s a piece of theme park magic.

5. Don't Fear Unconventional Views

While some angles are designed as “premium viewing,” others offer creative perspectives. The back side of World of Color, for instance, may not show you the water screen projections, but the view of the fountains can be just as beautiful—and much less crowded.

Other sections of the park may offer alternative experiences. Using Disneyland as an example, while the bulk of the crowd tries to be in the hub and down Main Street USA for projection shows and fireworks, you can escape the crowds over by the Rivers of America or over by it's a small world and still see a great show with the projections often shown on the its a small world facade and the Fantasmic mist screens for continuity with what is being shown on Main Street USA.

Parking lots and hotel balconies can also offer interesting wide-angle fireworks views. You won’t always get the soundtrack or projection effects, but you might discover a fresh framing nobody else has.

6. Embrace the Crowd (Or Find Ways Around It)

If you find yourself at the back of a crowd, lean into it. Try composing shots that include silhouettes of guests, or the glow of light on their faces as the show plays out. The crowd is part of the experience—sometimes those human elements make the photo feel more alive.

Alternatively, if you find a higher perch—like a raised planter edge or stairs—you may get a cleaner view over the heads.

7. Capture the Colors of Parades

Nighttime parades like Paint the Night are moving light shows. Unlike fireworks, these shows are on the move, which can complicate your camera settings. You'll need to balance ISO, shutter speed, and aperture carefully to freeze motion without introducing too much grain.

If your gear allows, try using continuous autofocus and burst mode to increase your chances of nailing that sharp, vibrant frame mid-motion.

8. Don’t Forget the Details

The big bursts of color might steal the show, but some of the most memorable nighttime shots come from smaller moments—a character lit by dramatic lighting, a colorful float reflected in a puddle, or even the ambient glow of the crowd's bubble wands.

Look around between the big moments. Magic hides in the margins.

9. Practice Makes Progress

Nighttime photography is tough. Expect a few blurry or missed shots. But the more you shoot these shows, the more comfortable you'll become with your settings, timing, and framing. Try different spots, angles, and lenses. You’ll start to recognize which compositions work best—and which ones don’t.

10. Show Respect and Be Present

Finally, remember that you’re sharing the space with others. Avoid blocking views, and be mindful of your equipment and screen brightness. And once you’ve gotten your shots—take a moment to soak it all in. After all, these shows were created to be experienced, not just photographed.

Nighttime spectaculars are a blend of art, technology, music, and imagination—and for photographers, they’re a playground of light and storytelling. With a bit of planning and practice, you can walk away with images that capture the heart-pounding, eye-popping wonder of it all.

Want more tips like these? 📸 Download my free ebook at fairytalephotoacademy.com and start capturing unforgettable travel and theme park photos today!