{"id":81602,"date":"2022-03-31T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-31T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=81602"},"modified":"2022-07-25T15:35:22","modified_gmt":"2022-07-25T19:35:22","slug":"light-painting-photography-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/light-painting-photography-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Light Painting Photography Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In some respects, all photography qualifies as a form of light painting. Light, after all, is the key ingredient in capturing a photo. How we control that light \u2014 and balance it with shadows for effect \u2014 defines the style of our imagery. One photography technique in particular, however, takes painting with light to a near-literal level. Using a long exposure technique known as light painting, photographers create motion with light to add a creative flare to their portraiture. Those new to the technique often find it opens new creative pathways for using light in photography. As a result, this one technique can impact how you approach photography in general. Use the following light painting photography tips to master this technique and take your creative portraits from ordinary to extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Light Painting Photography?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLight painting\u201d in photography refers to a long exposure lighting technique used with a handheld, continuous light source. Some applications incorporate flash as well. Using this technique requires a dark environment and strategic movement of the camera, subject or light source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light Sources for Light Painting Photography<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find three techniques for using light sources when light painting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kinetic<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"light
Dance floor camera twist, created with off-camera flash, long exposure, and twisting motion | Photo courtesy of Wedding Maps<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kinetic light painting requires that you move the camera, as opposed to the light source. In other words, the light source will remain stationary while the camera moves. One example of this would be to zoom in or out while the shutter is open to capture movement. Of the three light sources, this is likely the easiest to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On-camera<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"on-camera
Photo by SLR Lounge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An on-camera light source for light painting is not the same as an on-camera light in flash photography. Instead, using an on-camera light source for light painting simply means you will include the light source in the frame as a visual element. If you\u2019ve ever seen photos that feature words spelled out with sparklers, you\u2019ve seen on-camera light painting. We\u2019ll dive into other potential light sources in the gear section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because you\u2019ll need to step into the frame when using this technique, I recommend wearing darker clothing to avoid making an unwanted appearance. This technique can yield incredible results, but it does require a bit of practice. Also of note, you\u2019ll need a tripod for this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Off-camera<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Off-camera lighting example, combined in post for a light painting composite | Photo by SLR Lounge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For this option, the light source will remain out of the frame. While it won\u2019t appear directly in frame, however, it will add light to your subject. This technique allows you to be highly selective of the specific areas of the frame you choose to illuminate. And again, place your camera on a tripod when using this technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Types of Photography Use Light Painting?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Light painting has been around for quite a while and photographers from most genres have used it at one time or another. Here are some genres in which you will commonly find light painting photography used (in no particular order):<\/p>\n\n\n\n