Light Painting

Light painting is one of my favourite photographic techniques. It allows me to draw/write in the air with light, while my camera is taking a long exposure.
To take these photos, you need to make sure you are taking the photos at night or in a dark room.

The tools you need :

1. Flash light or laser pointer (or anything that gives you a strong light) = this is your 'writing' implement.
2. Tripod = this is important so you make sure your camera is not moving while the exposure timer is running.
3. SLR Cam = Nikon is my preference, but just make sure yours has the option of a timed exposure.
4. A lack of light: a dark room or outdoors at night = so the exposure captures only your light source on your subject.

Here is HOW you do it:

Set you camera on the tripod and take a sample shot with flash or the lights on; this helps you to verify that your composition is ok, remember there is a difference with indoors lighting and outdoors lighting, so a practice shot will help.

Set your camera exposure for as long as you want, but make sure it's long enough to draw or write in the air.

Start the timer, and when the shutter is open, use the flashlight on the object that you want to "paint." If you use a person as your object, make sure your model does not move while the shutter aperture is open. You can use the flightlight as a brush to write on something, or you can use the light as a pen to write in the air!
When writing in the air, always remember to write your words in a mirror-image so it will be readable in your photo.
Take several shots, and try different flash lights or laser pointers. The most important thing is to have fun!

Here are some of my favourite shots using this technique:

Indoors in a dark room:

And outdoors:

Hope you enjoyed learning about one of my favourite techniques: Light Painting

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