Hints & Tips
Want hints and tips for getting the best images? Read on!
TO AVOID BEING SEEN:
Wear dark clothing - remember you are going to be in the frame moving the light source so you want to avoid being seen on the camera.
Keep moving and move out of shot once you have finished painting.
Position yourself behind your model and stand sideways if possible (if using a model in your shot).
Dress your model in long skirts/dresses etcetera to help hide parts of yourself, such as your legs.
Do not stand between the camera and your light source.
Only turn on your light source on once the shutter opens and switch it off as soon as you have finished your painting.
TO OBTAIN THE BEST RESULTS:
Focus the image before you start light painting - it’s not easy to focus in the dark, so light your scene to focus. Use manual focus if you can.
Remember you are exposing the camera to light - the slower you move, the more light will reach the camera resulting in brighter (and potentially over-exposed images). The faster you move, the less light reaches the camera. These effects can also be offset by altering your camera’s ISO, shutter speed and exposure time, so it may take a few attempts to get the images how you want them.
‘Paint’ like you would with a paint brush! Up/down, left/right, swirls, twists, abstract - the world is your oyster! The best advice we can give is to experiment. Some of our favourite images have been created by ‘accident’; either by a random movement or an attempt at a different image not going to plan! And remember, what works for one tool or light may not for another.
Light the area from different angles and/or different brightnesses or colour to give multi-dimensional effects. This can also include briefly lighting up your foreground or model with a light source, such as a flash, before commencing the main light painting process.
Consider the effects of different surfaces - smoother/shiny surfaces may reflect more light than dull surfaces and therefore the intensity of the light source may need to be altered.
And finally, practise, practise, practise! It can also help to keep notes of what did and didn’t work.