Light painting is a photographic technique that involves the movement of light whilst the cameras shutter is open. In order to capture the moving light source you will need to set your camera to a long exposure, this can be anything from 10 seconds to several minutes depending on how much light you want to expose.
A sturdy tripod or solid surface: If you're using a long exposure then you will need to keep the camera still to avoid any blur, so a tripod is a must.
A camera that allows you to set your shutter speed. Not all light painting activities require a lengthy exposure, anything from 10-20 seconds will be enough to get you started.
Light painting tools: Glow stick, torch, matches, sparklers, a flashgun (to light up your scene), your phone, etc.
Wireless remote (recommended): A remote enables you to release the shutter and keep it open for as long as the camera will allow without having to hold down the button yourself. Remember to set your camera to "Bulb" so that you have full control over the exposure.
A flashgun: This isn't essential and something I didn't need to use myself but if you have one it can be used to light up or freeze a particular object or scene before starting your light painting.
The good thing about painting with light is there are no rules and experimenting with the different set-ups is all part of the fun. Of course, if you're using a digital camera you can instantly review your shots and tweak your settings if your images are coming out over or under exposed. If you're new to light-painting, here are a few basic guidelines to get you going:
Aperture: You can use anything from a large aperture (small f-number) at f/4 to a small aperture (large f-number) at f/22. As long as you stop down enough so that your point of interest is in focus and sharp then that is all that matters.
Shutter speed: The shutter speed depends on your location, the type of effect you are going for and how much light is around you - taking into consideration any ambient light too. If you're in a dark room experimenting with an object then 10-15 seconds is usually fine to start with.
ISO: Use the lowest ISO setting possible to avoid grain (noise) creeping into your shot.
Focusing: Set the lens to manual focus and focus by twisting the focus ring at the end of your lens. Because you will be shooting in the dark if you set the camera to autofocus it will struggle to focus and the camera will try to refocus each time you press the shutter button.
Setting up and taking the photo
Position your camera or object to where you want it - try experimenting with a variety of perspectives
Attach your camera to your tripod and set it to the right height
Manual focus on the subject whilst the lights in your house are switched on. Alternatively, if you're shooting outside then you can use your torch instead
Once the focus has been set, adjust the shutter speed and turn off the lights
Release the shutter, either by using a remote or by manually pressing the shutter button
Once the shutter has been released (listen out for the click sound) quickly get into position and then turn on your light source (EG. torch, glowsticks) and begin painting
TIP: It is best to get into position before you expose your light source, otherwise you will capture a trail of light leading up to your object
Source - WEXPHOTOVIDEO.COM
In this image the emphasis is on the lighting
ISO 100, f/8, exposure time 35 seconds, no flash, Canon RC-6 Remote & a tripod
To show that the vase was resting on something and not floating in mid air the torch was shone towards the bottom of the vase for a few seconds before experimenting with the glow sticks.
In this one I am drawn to the concept
In this image the subject matter is key
