Painting With Light

The Project

You’ll need to turn in at least TWO different painting with light photos.

  • Find a dark area to photograph and a movable light source (flashlight, phone, glow stick, laser pointer…)
  • If you have a tripod, use it! If not, make sure to set the camera on a solid surface
  • When the shutter is open, move the light source around. Always make sure the light is aimed at the camera

Click here for crazy awesome examples of light painting photography

Click here to check out a few incredible photographers

Student Examples

Tips and Tricks

  • Paint on flat surfaces to bring out the textures (you can stand on the side)
  • Try using different camera angles
  • It’s very rare to get the shot correct on the first try. Keep track of your settings for each shot. What was the shutter speed set to? How much movement was required for the shot?
  • Click here for awesome tips

Cameras With Manual Controls

  • Set the camera to Shutter Priority Mode
  • Select a slow shutter (start at 2″)
  • Steady the camera
  • Click the shutter
  • Move the light source around as the shutter is open
  • If the photo looks too dark and did not record light, increase the time. If the photo is too bright and you can barely see the light, you will need to decrease the time

Lightroom

DIY Tripod Alternatives for Phone: https://fixthephoto.com/diy-iphone-tripod.html

  • Open the Lightroom App
  • Make sure Long Exposure Mode is enabled on the camera
  • I recommend using the self timer and finding a solid surface to rest the phone/tablet/iPad on (You can choose between 2, 5, and 10 second delays)
  • When you are ready to take your first photo, set the camera to 1 second
  • You might need to wait a few moments after you take a photo to be able to see
    the full preview. Lightroom takes a moment to process the photos (if you click on
    the cloud icon, you will be able to see if it’s processing)
  • If the photo looks too dark and did not record light, increase the time. If the photo is too bright and you can barely see the light, you will need to decrease the time