Light painting

[SensePhoto]

Tried it for the first time tonight, used a single external flash, set camera on long exposure (30sec, iso-100, 7.1f, @17mm). Wasn't very satisfied, does anyone have personal experience with this? I would really appreciate any tips.


First try at light painting by [weekendwarrior], on Flickr


First try at light painting by [weekendwarrior], on Flickr

 

[WesternGuy]

I must confess to being a bit confused by your title. The first picture looks like it was just taken using the light from the street light. The second looks like it was taken using some sort of diffused flash. The first image is actually quite nice - I like it...the second one - does nothing for me.

To me, Light Painting is a technique in photography that involves long exposures and the movement of light, using glowsticks, sparklers, flashlights or other light sources... I expect to see the "traces" or "rays" made by the light source, for example look here and scroll down through the site... Light Painting Photography | CreativeFan and this one - Light Graffiti: 10 Masters of Light Painting Photography

You can see how my understanding of how Light Painting looks, is different from yours. HTH.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

 

[DavidSutphin]

This involves some experimenting! You're going to have a hard time doing any light painting unless the light you are painting with is at least as bright, or brighter, than any lights in the scene. In your first photo, unless you are painting with a light brighter than the street lamp, it's not going to work. Suggest you try finding a dark place and do some experimenting there!
Best,
David

 

[FitzTML]

First, give us an example of what you are trying to achieve (remember to use a link if the photo is not your own).

Second, my guess is that you are using a flashlight and running the beam across your subject. I’ve never done this before, If the light is too diffused, you may want to try to use a narrower beam, on a most Maglite flashlights you can turn the head to adjust how wide or narrow the beam is. If you can’t you may need to get closer to the subject.

 

[rokvi]

I think I know what you mean, try finding a darker place so that most of the light is coming from your external flash then flash it once on each side of the subject.

 

[cyngus]

yah, not sure where the "painting" comes into these shots.. =/

 

[Tor]

Not sure if you would call it painting. Have used a good flashlight and lit up sections of the photo over a 1-2 minute exposure,,,say you were in a grave yard. If you use the right technique, you would be able to (using a good flashlight) light up grave stones individually over the time of the exposure. I assume this is the technique the OP is trying to accomplish. If so, I would exclude all ambient light and use the flashlight exclusively. You just have to experiment as to what works best you you. Some people use huge 1 million candlepower flashlights to do this, with good results. I happen to use a small, but strong led flash light. Good luck.

 

[FitzTML]

Here's an elaborate example of what I think about when someone says "Light Painting":

The "Behind the scenes":

Another example of light painting I like: Denis Smith Photography

 

[Destin]

**DOUBLE POST** A mod can delete this if they want...

 

[Destin]

Light Painting can also be using a flashlight to "PAINT" light onto your subject during long exposures. There is a very very good photographer that does this, but I can't remember his name to post a link.

EDIT: HERES THE LINK

 

[dylanstraub]

LMFAO Grand Theft Auto comes to light painting. Awesome.

 

[KmH]

Most light painting is done with continuous light sources, rather than strobed light (flash).

 

[FitzTML]

All this got me thinking about doing my own:

014/366 Light Painted Guitar by FitzTML, on Flickr