Photo techniques: Light painting

Night photography is full of challenges; low light forces photographers to either slow their shutter speed or use higher ISO’s and that in turn creates either blurry or noisy images respectively. However, the darkness of the night is perfect for a photo technique called light painting.

Light painting embraces the slower shutter speeds needed at night to create artistic renditions of motion and light. For this technique a tripod is vital, also a camera with either manual mode or shutter priority – you need to be able to tell the camera how long the exposure will be.

Exposure: 30 sec. / F8 / ISO 100

Be prepared

This technique takes place at night, in the dark. Aside from the camera you will need a tripod; other good tools to have handy are flashlights and a remote shutter release.

A tripod is essential because the slow shutter you will need to paint with light will create motion blur if the camera is handheld. Always use a tripod for this technique.

A flashlight will work wonders when trying to find lenses, filters or other tools you might use; also, to see the buttons and settings of your camera. Another good use for the flashlight is to use it as a paintbrush to draw with light across your photo. If you are creative, you can take amazing and creative images just using your flashlight.

Exposure: 30 sec. / F11 / ISO 100

Finally, a remote shutter release will eliminate camera shake when pressing the shutter. This small shake might go unnoticed when taking photos during the day because of the faster shutter speeds; but at night, using the slower speed needed for this technique (even with a tripod) the press of the shutter might create some blur. A remote shutter release will eliminate this issue. Another good way to eliminate camera shake is to use a 2 second timer, most cameras have this feature and using it to take night photos makes sure that the press of the shutter doesn’t affect the final photo.

Scout a location

If you want to try this technique, select a place and a subject you want to explore. Do you want to photograph streaks of light that show car traffic through night streets? Choose a safe place to place your tripod, set up a good composition (Maybe using the road as lines to accentuate your composition. Either straight or curving lines will work depending on the photograph you want) Do you want to show the motion of carnival rides or other attractions? Again, choose a spot where you can compose your photo and get the best result.

Exposure: 15 sec. / F11 / ISO 200

Another thing, be careful. Because the shooting is taking place at night, avoid dangerous places where you might get mugged; a good idea is to avoid going alone. A friend can help you either as a lookout, as a helper setting up your equipment or painting light designs while you work the camera.

Exposure: 30 sec. / F4.5 / ISO 100

Camera settings

For this technique the most important setting will be your shutter speed. This will determine how much motion and light will appear on the final photo. For fast moving objects (like cars) a shutter speed of 5 – 10 sec will often be enough. A slower shutter speed should be used on slower subjects or if the object is random or moving in and out of the frame (like thunder or fireworks).

Exposure: 15 sec. / F11 / ISO 200

For the aperture setting keep in mind the following: smaller apertures will let in more light allowing you to use faster shutter speeds, the tradeoff is a narrower focus; on the other hand, a larger aperture number will let in less light and will force you to use slower speeds, but the wider focus will make getting a sharp shot easier. I prefer using a larger aperture for light painting, but you can use whatever you want if you keep in mind these tips.

As for ISO, lower is better because it will eliminate noise in the photo. By nature you will use a slow shutter speed while doing light painting; because of this, ISO shouldn’t be a problem. A lower ISO will return darker photos, but a slow shutter will counteract this because the camera will take in light for a longer period of time.

Exposure: 20 sec. / F8 / ISO 100

Have fun, be creative

In the end, all of these are tips and pointers. If you want to take great photos with this technique, go out and practice. Have fun, try different settings, designs and be creative.

Good luck!!