As the lights switch on for Vivid Sydney 2025, the cameras come out. With surreal light installations, epic harbour backdrops and retro-futuristic roller rinks, this year’s festival is a dream for photographers of all persuasions. 

To make your festival experience extra photogenic, we’ve assembled the top Light installations, projections and events guaranteed to light up your feed. Not sure how to capture lights at night? Check out our pro photography tips for Vivid Sydney. 

Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light  

Celebrate the life and activism of artist David McDiarmid in this year’s powerful Lighting of the Sails. Saturated colour, bold aphorisms and emotional resonance make this a must-shoot moment from multiple harbourside spots. Plus, it’s projected on the Sydney Opera House so it’s already an incredible shot.  

Neon Dreams  

A grounded mail plane turned DJ booth. Retro diner eats by Shannon Martinez. A roller disco under kaleidoscopic light. Need we say more? Capture the energy on and off the rink and toast a neon cocktail under the glow. 

Tumbalong Nights  

The stage glows, the crowd sways and the city is all lit up. Whether you’re front row for Zaeden or catching a candid of your child at Vivid Kids, this is Sydney’s ultimate open-air, music-meets-light photo spot. With 23 nights of free music, there’s plenty of opportunity to capture the perfect stage-side shot.  

King Dingo  

Vincent Namatjira’s bold, satirical dingo projection fuses humour and protest on the Museum of Contemporary Art facade. As one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists and a strong First Nations voice, this is a must-capture.  

House of Romance: Dreams Collide  

See the wildest looks from Australian Fashion House, Romance Was Born, become a shifting projection on Customs House. Fashion meets fantasy in a maximalist explosion of colour – ideal for playful selfies and dreamy video pans. 

Dreamscape at Aster  

InterContinental Sydney's rooftop bar becomes a luxe lens to the festival below. Capture curated cocktails and dream-inspired dishes from the bespoke festival experience at one of the best perches to photograph Vivid Sydney. 

Vivid Fire Kitchen  

Snap chefs mid-flame, grab a bite and a selfie by the glowing pits and hit the caravan stage for a shot of Lolo Lovina’s high-energy gypsy jazz. Smoke, spice, colour and energy – there’s so much to capture at this Vivid Sydney favourite.  

Fantasmagoria  

A little girl steps into a vortex and out into vivid storybook world. This high-res projection is a nostalgic, dreamlike tribute to the magic of reading – best captured front-on for that full fantasy book cover vibe. 

Bloom  

The Argyle Cut becomes a glowing botanical tunnel with surreal, bioluminescent flora and fauna bursting and blooming overhead. It’s a vibrant, immersive spot that lends itself to video – especially when capturing its interactive AR component. 

SomniUs  

Beneath a canopy of responsive LEDs, you become part of the artwork. Dance, twirl or simply walk as each movement ripples light and sound across nearly 1,000 rods. Great for video or a stunning portrait under the glow.  

Eye of the Beholder  

Massive blinking eyes peer from the iconic Frank Gehry building in this surrealist projected work inspired by Salvador Dalí. It’s weird and whimsical – capture it with a low-angle shot or video for full effect. 

Dreaming Skies at Infinity  

A native ingredient-led feast meets 360-degree views of the glowing city below. This fine dining experience is as photogenic as it is flavourful, with traditional dance and uninterrupted Vivid Sydney views. 

Samsung Space to Dream  

Three luminous waterfalls shimmer and shift using pixel mesh technology. Walk across the bay. Step into an AR Dream Generator. It’s big, bold, and 100% shareable – especially from the pedestrian bridge. 

Cygnus  

Twelve glowing swans pirouette across the water in a hypnotic ballet. Capture the mirrored glow and graceful dance of these life-like robots. Hot tip: use a slow shutter speeds to enhance the motion on stills. 

The Lucid Dream Collective  

Transform your portrait with AI and add it to a growing projection mural of shared dreams. Part photo booth, part living artwork, it’s a community-powered canvas that evolves each night. Make sure to snap your inclusion as it goes live.