BRISBANE
FESTIVAL 2026
PHOTO GENIUS PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE
Your guide to capturing the best moments and memories at
Brisbane's largest annual event.
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Riverfire flyover Brisbane
Missed Riverfire.... there's still plenty to capture!
Whilst Riverfire may be done and dusted for another year, the Brisbane Festival runs for three weeks with plenty of photo-friendly events taking place in South bank and around Brisbane.
Here are just a coupe of events that we recommend checking out...
DRONE SHOW (see pic)
Hundreds of drones take to the Brisbane skies for a spectacular show telling the story of culture, country, and connection to place through Skylore 'Nieergoo: Spirit of the Whale'.
Free show at 7:15pm, 8:15pm & 9:15pm on 25, 26 and 27 September.
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BRIGHT NIGHTS by ANZ
Transforming the Brisbane River into a dazzling, choreographed canvas of water, light, and sound. Floating fountains, waterscreens, amazing animated water features and water jets shooting up to 80 meters high, all pierced by a stunning laser light show.
Free and on show nightly throughout the Festival at 6pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm (Tuesday - Sunday)
Camera settings 5" f8 ISO250
SEP
4-26
Undoubtably the highlight of the Brisbane calendar with 23 days of theatre, dance, music, spectacles and celebration across the city, the Brisbane Festival is not to be missed. For photographers this is an opportunity to explore the city, capture a wide range of subjects and test your camera skills.
Whilst the majority of events will centre around South Bank / Festival Village", also look out for events taking place at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Brisbane Powerhouse, Riverside parks, as well as surprise pop-ups around the city and Brisbane suburbs.
Please note: Event details can change, and events may be cancelled or postponed. Please check the official event website before making plans or purchasing tickets.
Festival highlights - Riverfire & Airforce flyovers.
SEP
5
Riverfire
Flyovers from the Royal Australian Air Force and a spectacular firework display make Riverfire one of Brisbane’s events nights for photographers.​ A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet and a
C-17A Globemaster III will conduct flypasts and flying displays as part of Brisbane Festival’s celebrations at approximately 4:50pm (Super Hornet) and 5:20pm (Globemaster III).
★ See below for tips on capturing the action.
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Make sure you are all set for the fireworks which blast off at 7pm, launching from bridges, barges and city rooftops, there will be countless opportunities to capture dramatic firework photos, city scapes, reflections, and more. Find your vantage point early, set up your camera, do some test shots and get ready for one of Brisbane’s most spectacular photography opportunities.
★ See below for tips on how to photography fireworks.​​​​
Recommended locations to photograph the Royal Airforce flyovers
South Bank, Wilson Outlook Reserve and the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
Recommended locations for firework photos.
​South Bank, Queen's Wharf Brisbane,Kangaroo Point Cliffs, City Botanic Gardens, Wilson Outlook Reserve, Howard Smith Wharves, Mt Coot-tha Lookout and Highgate Hill Park. ​​​
SEP
5
Photo opportunities
★★★★★
South Bank / Various
Travel
Selected services free from 7:30 PM – 9:30PM
Free event
No ticket required
Photography tips for capturing the flyover.
Camera settings 1/3200 f5.3 ISO800
GEAR
A mirrorless, DSLR or bridge camera is recommended.
You will also need a telephoto lens, at least 200mm, but the higher the number (longer focal length) the better if you want to get really close and fill the frame.
CAMERA SETTINGS
Consider using a priority mode rather than shooting full manual, shutter priority (S or Tv) is ideal so you can lock in the shutter speed and the camera can adjust the aperture. You may also want to consider setting the ISO to auto if the light is fading. For sharp images, select a fast shutter speed (around 1/2000 -1/3200).
To ensure your subject is in focus, turn on the continuous / servo focus mode so the camera will adjust the focus as the distance between the subject and camera changes, but do ensure you keep the shutter button pressed half way down to active Auto Focus.
Choose a suitable focus area. Select a group of AF points (if available) to make it easier to track the subject.
Finally ensure the continuous / burst mode is turned on, so you can hold the shutter button down so your camera will take multiple photos.
BONUS TIP : If your camera has a viewfinder, we recommend you use that rather than the screen which may have some lag.
BONUS TIP : Make sure you have plenty of room on your memory card.
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​WATCH OUR TUTORIAL VIDEO BELOW
Camera settings 1/100 f6.3 ISO400 (slower shutter speed to blur rotor blades)
Firework photography tips
GEAR
A mirrorless, DSLR or bridge camera is recommended with standard lens (around 18-50mm) or a wide angle lens (around 10mm) if you have one for a wider field of view.
You will also need a tripod to keep the camera steady.
CAMERA SETTINGS
If you are shooting manual then start by selecting a low ISO setting (around 200 - 400 should do the trick) to ensure a cleaner noise-free image. Then set the shutter speed to 5 seconds and adjust the aperture until the cameras light evaluation meter is balanced at zero. We recommend doing some test shots prior to the fireworks starting, then adjusting the aperture (or shutter speed) if necessary to get the exposure and effect you desire.
If you don't wish to shoot Manual, select the Shutter Priority mode (S / Tv) so you can set the shutter speed and the camera will adjust the aperture for you.
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BONUS TIP : Consider using the cameras self timer to avoid any shake caused by pressing the shutter button.​
Watch our tutorial video for even more tips
YOUR EVENT
If you are involved in a photography event that you would like to see listed, please get in touch and tell us more.
Event details are provided for information and inspiration only. While we do our very best to keep this guide up to date, dates, times, locations, ticket prices and event details can change, and events may be cancelled or postponed at short notice. Please check the official event website before making plans or purchasing tickets. Photo Genius is not responsible for changes, cancellations or any costs incurred as a result of the information provided on this page.
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