Post by Rinconrolla on Jul 3, 2011 11:29:24 GMT -5
In part 2 of our low-light photography series, we'll be talking about how to use long shutter speeds in low-light situations to paint beautiful pictures with light. There's a subtle difference between simply photographing light trails and light painting. Generally, when you're photographing light trails, you're taking a picture of moving lights that you can't control. This could be cars on a highway, airplanes blinking across a night sky, glowing embers rising from a campfire, or even someone riding by on a bicycle with a light.
Light painting, on the other hand, refers to creating pictures using either a hand-held light source like a flashlight, sparkler, or LED light, or actually moving the camera itself to create the patterns of light. Subgenres such as portraiture use light to create words or pictures, and videos use light painting to create animation. With practice, you can create some truly stunning images.
What you need
You don't need any specialized equipment to photograph light trails or light painting — all you need is a digital camera on which you can control the shutter speed. A tripod is definitely a good idea as well, though you can usually find somewhere to prop your camera so that it doesn't move. Since you're going to have the shutter open for much longer than a human being could hold a camera steady, you need to have some way to keep it still and aimed in the right direction.
Also be aware that moving traffic will cause the ground to shake, especially if you're on a bridge or something similarly raised. You'll probably have the best luck setting up at a distance from the place you're photographing. Or try putting a blanket under your tripod to absorb the motion.
As with all photography, you'll probably get better results with a better camera, but it is possible to shoot light trails with a point-and-shoot. Look for a camera that does well in low-light situations, with a large sensor and a good lens. It's also helpful to have a lens hood to block ambient light and a cable release or remote control for your camera.
Start simple with light trails
The simplest introduction to this type of photography is to start with light trails. Just find a location where you have a good view of a stretch of roadway, set up your camera (somewhere safe, of course!), and start playing with exposure settings. Try keeping the shutter open for 1 second, 2 seconds, even a minute or more, and see what happens. Depending on how much ambient light you have, you might want to go up to 20 seconds or more.
This way, you can get a feel for how long you need to keep the shutter open while also learning how to watch the way the movement of the cars turns into streams of light. You can't control where the cars go (presumably), but you can control how you frame the picture to make it the most aesthetically pleasing.
Get out the (light) paintbrush
Now you're ready to try some painting! First, find somewhere nice and dark to take your pictures. A dark interior room will work, but you can also try various places outside — just be careful to avoid hazards on the ground, especially if you're going to be the one both taking the pictures and doing the painting. Be aware of any other potential light sources in your picture, keeping in mind that with a very long exposure, even dim, far-away streetlights will seem bright.
Next, you'll need a light source. This can be just about anything from a flashlight to a laser pointer to the lit-up screen on your phone. There are a lot of smartphone apps that turn your phone's screen into a solid white "flashlight," and many of them even let you choose different colors.
Take a couple of shots with lights on or using the flash, so that you're sure you've set your focus and framing correctly. Remember, you'll have to move around in the dark to get things set up for your real picture, so be sure you make note of where your frame starts and ends, and where your depth of field will keep your painting in focus.
Once you're all set up, start shooting! If you want to be the one doing the painting, set your camera's self-timer so you have a few seconds to get into the frame. Wait till the shutter opens, then start waving your light source around. Experiment! Don't forget, if you're going to try to "write" something, you'll have to do it backwards if you're facing the camera. Also, the longer you hold your light source in one place, the brighter that spot will appear. You can also use your light source as a "flash" to illuminate parts of your image at separate times, which can create a spooky, ghost-like effect.
Experiment, experiment, experiment
The "experiment" refrain is probably getting old by now, but light painting is definitely a realm that requires a great deal of practice and experimentation. Be creative! With so many different lighting effects you can achieve, you're really limited only by your imagination and your willingness to try new things.
Source of this story www.tecca.com/column/how-to-paint-with-light-digital-photography-101/
Light painting, on the other hand, refers to creating pictures using either a hand-held light source like a flashlight, sparkler, or LED light, or actually moving the camera itself to create the patterns of light. Subgenres such as portraiture use light to create words or pictures, and videos use light painting to create animation. With practice, you can create some truly stunning images.
What you need
You don't need any specialized equipment to photograph light trails or light painting — all you need is a digital camera on which you can control the shutter speed. A tripod is definitely a good idea as well, though you can usually find somewhere to prop your camera so that it doesn't move. Since you're going to have the shutter open for much longer than a human being could hold a camera steady, you need to have some way to keep it still and aimed in the right direction.
Also be aware that moving traffic will cause the ground to shake, especially if you're on a bridge or something similarly raised. You'll probably have the best luck setting up at a distance from the place you're photographing. Or try putting a blanket under your tripod to absorb the motion.
As with all photography, you'll probably get better results with a better camera, but it is possible to shoot light trails with a point-and-shoot. Look for a camera that does well in low-light situations, with a large sensor and a good lens. It's also helpful to have a lens hood to block ambient light and a cable release or remote control for your camera.
Start simple with light trails
The simplest introduction to this type of photography is to start with light trails. Just find a location where you have a good view of a stretch of roadway, set up your camera (somewhere safe, of course!), and start playing with exposure settings. Try keeping the shutter open for 1 second, 2 seconds, even a minute or more, and see what happens. Depending on how much ambient light you have, you might want to go up to 20 seconds or more.
This way, you can get a feel for how long you need to keep the shutter open while also learning how to watch the way the movement of the cars turns into streams of light. You can't control where the cars go (presumably), but you can control how you frame the picture to make it the most aesthetically pleasing.
Get out the (light) paintbrush
Now you're ready to try some painting! First, find somewhere nice and dark to take your pictures. A dark interior room will work, but you can also try various places outside — just be careful to avoid hazards on the ground, especially if you're going to be the one both taking the pictures and doing the painting. Be aware of any other potential light sources in your picture, keeping in mind that with a very long exposure, even dim, far-away streetlights will seem bright.
Next, you'll need a light source. This can be just about anything from a flashlight to a laser pointer to the lit-up screen on your phone. There are a lot of smartphone apps that turn your phone's screen into a solid white "flashlight," and many of them even let you choose different colors.
Take a couple of shots with lights on or using the flash, so that you're sure you've set your focus and framing correctly. Remember, you'll have to move around in the dark to get things set up for your real picture, so be sure you make note of where your frame starts and ends, and where your depth of field will keep your painting in focus.
Once you're all set up, start shooting! If you want to be the one doing the painting, set your camera's self-timer so you have a few seconds to get into the frame. Wait till the shutter opens, then start waving your light source around. Experiment! Don't forget, if you're going to try to "write" something, you'll have to do it backwards if you're facing the camera. Also, the longer you hold your light source in one place, the brighter that spot will appear. You can also use your light source as a "flash" to illuminate parts of your image at separate times, which can create a spooky, ghost-like effect.
Experiment, experiment, experiment
The "experiment" refrain is probably getting old by now, but light painting is definitely a realm that requires a great deal of practice and experimentation. Be creative! With so many different lighting effects you can achieve, you're really limited only by your imagination and your willingness to try new things.
Source of this story www.tecca.com/column/how-to-paint-with-light-digital-photography-101/