WHAT IS LIGHT PAINTING? First things first! Light painting (sometimes called light drawing or light graffiti) uses a moving light source, such as a torch, to add light patterns to a long exposure. It's a freeform style of photography, with photographers adding different colors. shapes, patterns or just blocks of light to an image with artificial light.
EQUIPMENT
You will need certain equipment to produce successful light painting photos. Firstly, your camera needs to have full manual controls and a Bulb mode that allows you to leave the shutter open for as long as you choose. Lenses will depend on what you’re photographing, although most light painting scenarios will benefit best from using a wide-angle lens. A wideangle lens gives you more room to play around in and a greater area to create more dramatic effects in.
As you’ll be shooting long exposures a tripod is crucial to avoid motion blur and camera shake. Make sure your tripod is sturdy and won’t be blown around by any breeze! In conjunction with a tripod, you’ll also need a remote shutter release. Pressing the shutter button down can cause slight camera shake, so using a remote release will negate this issue.
Plus, as you will be shooting in Bulb mode and choosing when to stop shooting, a remote release will make life far easier. It’s worth noting that many modern cameras have the ability to be controlled via an app on your phone. And, if you’re moving light sources around yourself, a stopwatch allows you to time your movements and can tell you when to stop firing.
This story is from the Issue 117 edition of Photography Masterclass Magazine.
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This story is from the Issue 117 edition of Photography Masterclass Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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