The science of light painting

Light painting is a type of photography that allows artists to use light as their brush to create stunning images. It is a fun and creative way to experiment with photography, and anyone can try it with just a few simple tools. 

How does light painting work? 

To understand how light painting works, we first need to understand the basics of photography. Photography is the art of capturing light with a camera. When you take a photograph, the camera captures the light that enters through the lens and records it onto a sensor or film. 

The amount of light that enters the camera is controlled by the aperture, which is like the pupil of your eye, and the shutter speed, which is like the eyelid of your eye. The longer the shutter is open, the more light can enter the camera, and the brighter the photograph will be.

In light painting, the photographer uses a handheld light source, like a flashlight, to create patterns and designs in front of the camera while the shutter is open. By moving the light around in front of the camera, the photographer can create lines, shapes, and even words that are captured in the photograph.

Get started 

To get started with light painting, you will need a few simple tools. First, you will need a camera that allows you to manually control the shutter speed. Many digital cameras and even smartphones have this feature. You will also need a tripod or stable surface to rest your camera on, as well as a handheld light source, like a flashlight or glow stick. 

To create a light painting, find a dark space, like a room or a park at night. Set up your camera on the tripod and set the shutter speed to a long exposure, usually between 5 and 30 seconds. Press the shutter button to start the exposure, and then use your handheld light source to create patterns and designs in front of the camera. You can move the light around to create different shapes and patterns, or you can use stencils or other objects to create specific designs. 

Popular techniques 

One of the most popular techniques in light painting is called “drawing with light.” To do this, you can use a flashlight to “draw” in the air in front of the camera. By moving the flashlight around quickly, you can create a continuous line of light that is captured in the photograph. This technique can be used to create simple shapes or complex designs, like spirals or loops.

Another popular technique is using “light orbs.” To create a light orb, simply attach a light source, like a flashlight or glow stick, to a string or wire and swing it around in front of the camera. The result is a circular pattern of light that can add a magical and whimsical element to your photographs.

Create unique and cool images 

Light painting is a fun and creative way to experiment with photography and express your artistic side. With just a few simple tools and some creativity, you can create stunning images that capture the magic of light.

So grab your camera and a flashlight, and start exploring the world of light painting!

Not sure where to start? Book one of our Light Painting Workshops today!