Light painting

Report Copyright Infringement View in OSM UK

Description

Using torches and long-exposure cameras on tripods to make beautiful pictures in the dark. Best outdoors.

See expert images here for example: http://digital-photography-school.com/25-spectacular-light-painting-images


Also try using Glow Sticks to get italic/wide lines as well as different colours. Have multiple people in the same shot to get whole words


Resources

camera with ability to adjust exposure time
tripod or suitable support to rest camera on
light sources (torches, glow sticks, sparklers)

Instructions

Take some photos

The person using the camera should set it up to take long exposure photos.
We’ve added some information above to help – what you do will be different depending on the equipment you choose to use.
Everyone should work together to decide where they’ll take their photos, frame the scene, and set up a tripod (if they have one). They should try to eliminate as much light as possible from their scene, for example, by avoiding standing directly under street lights.
Even if you don’t have a proper tripod, it’s a good idea to use something to hold the camera still so that it won’t move around while you’re taking the photos. If you have plenty of equipment, you could set up more than one photo space.
Everyone should split into small groups or pairs to plan their ideas for their light painting.
We’ve added some ideas below to get you started.
Each group should get into a space to chat about and practise their light painting ideas.
When they’re ready, everyone should take it in turns to take their photos. One group at a time should move into the photo space and spend a couple of minutes trying out their light painting ideas with the camera. They could use a torch, head torch, or light on a smartphone as a light source.
Remind people to try to keep moving (and avoid standing still) while the photo is being taken. They should stay distanced at all times.
Once all of the groups have had a go, everyone should show off the photos. If there’s time, they could try out some different ideas or camera settings.

Lighting ideas

Once you’ve got the hang of the basics, try some different techniques and torches and see what everyone can create. We’ve come up with a few ideas to help get you started:

If you’re painting words, you’ll need to write them backwards: if you’re facing the camera, write from right to left so that they come out the right way around on the photo. Don’t worry if you forget or find it too tricky – you can always flip the photo post production.
If you’re painting letters, it can help to use a flat surface like the ground or a big log to write on. Use your body as a guide to try and make sure they’re all the same size.
Try taping some string lights to a stick to make your own light bar and create different patterns.
You can include people in your photos if they stand still in your scene. Use a second light source to light up your subject so that you can see them clearly. If you’re using a smartphone, try taking a screenshot of a plain white page to use to light up your subject, instead of using the smartphone torch.
You can include spooky transparent figures by asking someone to stand still in the frame for a few seconds, then quickly move out of the scene.
If it’s really dark, you could ask someone to pose in front of the camera and use torches to light them up from behind – this will create a light silhouette outline of their pose.

Settings to start with.

Using a digital camera:

Use your camera in ‘manual’ mode. This gives you full control of all the different settings when you’re taking photos.
Shutter speed is how long your camera spends taking a photo. It measures the length of time your camera shutter is open so light can reach the sensor. Set your shutter speed to somewhere between 10 and 30 seconds. You may need to try different times depending on what you’re painting – a longer word will take longer to write, for example.
ISO is a setting that can brighten or darken a photo; the higher the number, the brighter the photo. It used to measure film sensitivity, but it’s been adapted for digital cameras. For this activity, you’ll need to use ISO 100.
The aperture is like the pupil of your camera lens. Just like the pupil in your eye, it can open or shrink to change how much light gets through. It’s measured as a fraction and you should set it between f/8 and f/22.
When you’re taking photos, you should manually focus the camera first. On some cameras, you can do this by half pressing down the shutter button before you take the photo.
It’s a good idea to use a tripod too, or rest the camera on a table so that it won’t move during the time you’ll be taking your photos – it could be up to 30 seconds.

Using a smartphone:

On most Android phones, you can set the camera app to ‘manual’ or ‘pro’ mode by swiping left or right when using the camera. This mode will let you control settings like exposure, ISO, and shutter speed in a similar way to a digital camera above.
If you’re using an iPhone that can take ‘live photos’, make sure the setting is turned on in your camera app. Set the timer on your phone and take a photo. After you’ve taken the photo, you can edit it to apply the ‘long exposure’ effect. It might take a few tries to get your timing right with this method.
You can also download a camera app that will let you control the camera settings. This can make it easier to take long exposure photos. for example ProCam X or Camera FV-5
If you’re using a smartphone as the torch for your light painting, you may be able to download apps that can change the colour of the light on your phone.
Like with a digital camera, it’s a good idea to use a tripod to keep your phone steady while you’re taking the photos.


Tags

  • art
  • camera
  • creative
  • Glow sticks
  • Light
  • photography

Badge Links

  • Creative - Activity
  • Photographer - Camera use
  • Photographer - Photos