Hi, Today I’m going to share with you a Trick
Photography and Special Effects technique that produces beautiful images called Light
Painting.
A quick background
Light painting photography was first done as far back as 1914 by a husband and wife
team named Frank and Lillian Gilberth. The technique was developed by this couple to
improve work methods in factories and later became popular in 1935 when an artist by the
name of “Man Ray” put out a series called “Space Writings.” Next there would be
self taught photographer Gjon Mili who would take this art to another level before inspiring
world renowned artist Pablo Picasso with the technique; who within one session produced
one of the most famous light paintings known as “Picasso Draws a Centaur.”
So basically what light art is; is the use of small lights being moved across the lens
of a camera while the shutter is open.
You can use a number of light sources such as flash light, match, sparklers, light pens
etc. You do need a manual camera; though a digital one that has a manual setting is easier
because you can see the results immediately. The Nikon D50 is pretty cool and you can get
a good one on Amazon used for about $250. Another item you would need is a tripod for
about $25 bucks also on Amazon, or a table; something sturdy.
Now that you know what tools to use, the next thing you need to know is how to set up and
select your camera settings:
1. Select the area
2. Mount your camera on the tripod or something sturdy .
3. Set your camera dial to M using the dial circled in the image.
4. Next turn the control circled to your left until the screen on top of the camera reads
“bulb”
5. Next turn your camera dial to A using the dial circled in the image and turn the control
to the left until it reads 4.5
6. Turn the dial back to M
7. Turn off the lights
8. Press the shutter button down until it makes the sound of taking the picture
9. Next move your pen light or whatever light source you have chosen across the lens of
the camera until you feel satisfied.
10. Press the shutter button down again to stop taking the photo.
11. Look at the screen on the back to determine if you like it and if it’s a keeper. If
not try again. Digital don’t cost ya a thing.
12. Keep experimenting and before you know it you’ll be capturing awesome light paintings
like these.
So there you have it. Light Painting. But this is just the tip of the iceberg of what
you can learn in photography. I’ve been a photographer for over 15 years and recently
found a book that I consider to be one of the best photography books out there. It is
photography for beginners but seasoned photographers like myself are opened to many new concepts
as well which you will find in this book. If you are interested in photography for fun,
to make money, to impress family and friends, or to make money, or to enter contests to
make money or gain notoriety; then I recommend this book. You will learn quickly and you’ll
have fun.
Click on the link below this video to join the ranks of the many professional photographers
today who use these tricks!
