Painting with light is a fun technique that gives great results. It is called painting with light because this is what you are actually doing while taking the shot – painting with light.
This is one of the things we do when we go camp out on a beach when it’s dark and the only lights are coming from the moon and stars.
This is actually very fun and it’s easy to do, just make sure you have the following items:
1. A digital camera capable of long exposures (15-30 seconds) – You will be able to see the results in “real time” and make corrections as you go.
2. A nice tripod. Since you will be doing some long exposures you want to make sure your camera sits still. If a tripod is not available, just improvise.
3. A flash light, or any source of light you can turn on/off easily. We personally like to use those lighters that comes with an LED light on the opposite side.
4. A dark location, like the beach!
Here is how it’s done:
Set the exposure of your camera to a relatively long value (15 to 30 seconds). Stop down the aperture as much as you need.
Make the click. Once the shutter is open use your flashlight to light the stuff that you want to “paint”. You can use the flashlight as a brash, and “smear” the light, just like you would have done with brush and paper. Or, you can use the light as a pen, and do precise work. Areas where you go slowly will be more lit then others. Be careful not to linger to much over the same spot. Just think of something and be creative.
Once the shutter closes, you are a free person again. Inspect your image and make corrections.
Try it out with your friends!