For my final photo shoot of 2025, I decided to tackle something I’d been dreaming about for years—a fire photography shoot. If you’ve spent any time on Pinterest looking at creative photography ideas, you’ve probably seen those dramatic shots of flames, burning newspapers, or models standing confidently near roaring fires. These images always stopped me in my tracks, and I knew I had to create something similar.
Why Fire Photography?
There’s something undeniably captivating about fire as a photography element. The warm glow against a winter backdrop, the unpredictable movement of flames, the raw energy it brings to an image. Fire as a prop in photography creates bold, unforgettable portraits that stand out in any portfolio.
But here’s the thing: I’d been hesitant to attempt this type of shoot in Nashville. Fire safety was my biggest concern, and I simply didn’t have the right setup or space to manage an open fire safely.
The Perfect Opportunity
When I knew I’d be heading home to Wisconsin for Christmas, everything clicked into place. My parents have acres of open land, the perfect location for a fire photoshoot. Even better, my dad is experienced with managing fires and could act as our safety supervisor throughout the session.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Fresh snow covered the ground, which not only created a stunning visual contrast but also added an extra layer of fire safety to our shoot.
Planning the Fire Photography Session
My dad had been meaning to clear some dead brush and fallen trees from one section of their property, so we decided to use that material for our fire. The only challenge? Everything had been sitting under snow and was completely waterlogged.
To get the fire hot enough to burn the wet wood, we had to use cardboard as kindling. I’ll be honest, it’s not the most environmentally friendly approach, and I definitely recycle religiously the rest of the year. But for this one special shoot, the creative opportunity was worth it, and the results speak for themselves.
Fire Safety Note: We took every precaution for this shoot. My dad managed the fire at all times, we had plenty of snow-covered open space, and we never left the fire unattended. If you’re considering fire photography, always prioritize safety and have an experienced person managing the flames.
The Vision Comes Together
I reached out to my cousins Laura and Erica to be my models, sending them inspiration photos and explaining the concept. Their enthusiasm was immediate and infectious. They completely understood the vision and showed up with perfect outfits that were, quite literally, fire.
For props, I kept it simple but impactful:
- A gas can
- Property barricades that happened to be nearby
- Cigarettes from a gag gift exchange (none of us smoke, which made for some hilarious moments)
- A lighter
We used a bit of tiki torch fluid to boost the flames for certain shots, creating that dramatic height and intensity I’d envisioned.
Creative Photography Ideas: Working with Fire
Shooting with fire presents unique challenges. You have to:
- Plan your shots quickly and precisely
- Account for changing flame heights
- Determine safe distances for models
- Work with unpredictable light and movement
- Capture the moment before conditions change
Looking back, I wish I’d had even more time to plan specific shot compositions. But that’s the beauty of creative photography. Sometimes the variables you can’t control lead to the most authentic moments.
The Results That Made My Jaw Drop
When I imported these images into Lightroom for the first culling process, my jaw literally dropped. Some of these shots are among the best photos I’ve ever taken.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a vision you’ve held for years finally come to life exactly as you imagined—or even better. The warm glow of the fire against the snow, the confident poses from Laura and Erica, the edgy props, the raw energy of the flames. Everything came together.
Why This Shoot Matters
As a photographer, I’ve experienced that frustrating disconnect between vision and reality, when a shoot doesn’t quite capture what you imagined, when variables throw everything off, or when the final images fall short of your expectations.
But lately, my shoots have been different. They’ve been living up to the vision, meeting and exceeding my creative goals. This fire photography session was the perfect example of that growth, and ending the year on this high note has me incredibly excited and inspired for what’s ahead in the new year.
Could This Work in Nashville?
While I’d love to recreate fire photography shoots regularly, the logistics in Nashville are significantly more challenging. The combination of my dad’s expertise, the open land, the natural materials available, and the snowy conditions made Wisconsin the ideal location for this particular vision.
That said, I’m always exploring new creative photography ideas and pushing boundaries with my work. Whether it’s dramatic fire photography, moody outdoor sessions, or bold conceptual shoots, I’m committed to creating images that stop you in your tracks.
Ready for Your Own Bold Photography Experience?
If you’re looking for a photographer who isn’t afraid to think outside the box and create images that are anything but ordinary, I’d love to work with you.
Book your session today to start planning your own unforgettable shoot. I’d love to hear all about your vision and help bring it to life.
