Being a type of photo that is now very trendy on social networks, light painting attracts a lot of questioning. For professionals, light painting is an art form. Thanks to the evolution of technology, however, it has become easier to accomplish for amateurs. Here's what you need to know to make a light painting.
What is light painting?
Light painting is a term that literally translates into painting with light. However, it is not about a canvas, but only about a photo.
as a basic principle, light painting is done in a dark place where only the light and the objects to be highlighted are visible. If you have the right equipment, you only need a few adjustments to complete your light painting. The settings and tools vary depending on whether you want to do a lightgraff, an illumination, a portrait, a long exposure or a highlighting. You need to make a list of the essentials according to the technique that suits you.
What tools are needed to make a light painting?
In order to make a light painting, these few tools will be useful to you:
- A light source: You will need a small light source to make your picture; a torch, a smartphone, etc. can do the trick.
- A camera: even a very simple one will do. However, a DSLR will definitely give you a better result.
- A stand: professional photographers use a tripod. However, a tree, a post or a wall can be a good alternative.
- Darkness: for the light to be visible, you need a dark background. You don't need to bathe in total darkness though as you only need slight darkness to accentuate the light.
- Space: since you will have to move to make patterns with your light source, you will need enough space.
How to make a light painting?
Light painting is a step-by-step process in which you must:
- Set up your camera on the stand
- Frame your photo
- Activate the delay if you are alone
- Adjust your camera manually
- Aim the camera in accordance with your light source
- Start to draw your pattern
- Quickly exit the frame to avoid appearing in the photo
As far as the settings are concerned, you need to set an aperture between 10" and 20" and a minimum ISO of 100. If you want to appear in the picture, you need to come back once your light design is finished.