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Light Paintings

Workshop at the Ranch
January, 2003 Edition

A Light Painting is simply a photograph taken with a timed exposure using a mobile, constant light source to illuminate the scene.

The light painting technique creates a bold, dramatic style of lighting far different from conventional strobes. Originally I used light painting primarily for small product shoots and still lifes, but found that the technique could be modified for use outdoors and even with live subjects.

The photograph is taken in almost complete darkness. Total control over exposure is essential. While the shutter is open, a mobile light source is used to illuminate only those objects or subjects chosen to create a complete picture.

Sound impossible? Here is an example:

      What I will use:

Camera:
Nikon D100 (Great file size, Noise reduction mode during timed exposures, Affordable)
Lens:
Nikkor 17-35mm AF
Tripod:
Bogen (Any sturdy tripod will work, but camera movement elimination is essential)
Light Source:
Calumet's "Hose Master" Mobile Light Source
Exposure:
20 seconds @ f16, ISO 200

     Before you begin:

Set up your scene, still life, etc. Place your camera at the desired position, check focus. Expose one frame of your scene without any illumination from your light source, and check the LCD for stray light that may have polluted the scene. I do not want random light from doors or windows. The image on the screen should be dark and well underexposed. As I create a Light Painting, I will use the LCD screen as my light meter to study where the light is recorded onto my image.

     Now, lets make an image:

I want this picture of a 1953 fly rod and fishing net to have a soft, golden light feel. Light Painting is a perfect technique for this.

I open the shutter for the 20 second exposure.

Step 1: I project 3 seconds of light onto the fly. I then take 2 seconds to reposition my light source.
Step 2: I project 3 seconds on the reel. I then take 2 seconds to reposition my light source.
Step 3: I project 4 seconds on the handle. I then take 2 seconds to reposition my light source.
Step 4: I project 4 seconds on the net. The 20 seconds is up and the shutter closes.
This is the image, one frame lasting 20 seconds with light illuminating the parts of the scene I want to reveal out of darkness.

Examine each image using the LCD screen, Nikon's histogram and "flashing highlights". It will take several exposures to achieve the correct distance/ intensity of light and the total time/ time of exposure you illuminate each part of the picture.

As you project the light you can achieve soft light and edges by moving the light source slightly, or a hard light and edges by holding the light source steady. I tend to like a soft look so I constantly move the light source in a small circular motion.

Here is an example outdoors of a 30 second exposure at f4 and ISO 400 using two 2 million candle power portable flood lamps and walking though nearly two acres of barn and coral. I set my exposure for the sky so as to reveal both a silhouette of the Tetons and the star field with the Big Dipper. This image was made one hour after sunset.

Light painting is not a technique mastered overnight. It will take many attempts and numerous hours to teach yourself how to achieve correct exposures and a stylistic look.

 

 

Each month I will be teaching techniques and sharing information about photography. I hope to address not only how images are made, but also aspects of business and the industry. I hope you find the time to log on each month here at "Workshop at the Ranch" If you have a question or comment about an area of photography not covered yet in Workshop at the Ranch, contact me to suggest a topic for a future issue.

* For additional examples of Light Painting, go to Gallery West/ Light Painting

WORKSHOPS and PRESENTATION Schedule


June 27- July 2 ... Sports Photography Workshop, Colorado Springs, Co. www.sportsphotographyworkshop.com

August 1-5 ... Long Island Photo Workshop, Long Island, NY. www.liphotoworkshop.com

August 12-15 ... American PHOTO Mentor Trek to Acadia National Park, Maine. www.mentorseries.com

September 9-12 ... American PHOTO Mentor Series Trek to Tetons, Wyoming. www.mentorseries.com

October 3-8 ... Photography at the Summit, Jackson Hole, Wy. www.photographyatthesummit.com

Past Workshop at the Ranch Issues

July, 2010
"Moto Light"

June, 2010
"West Coast Flash"

May, 2010
"Little Lights, BIG Arena - PART 2"

April, 2010
"Little Lights, BIG Arena - PART 1 "

March, 2010
"Workshop Wonders"

February, 2009
The D3s Advantage

January, 2010
"New Nikon D3s"

December, 2009
"Year in Review"

November, 2009
Return to Neverland

October, 2009
"Dramatic Gym Light"

September, 2009
"Saratoga Light"

August, 2009
"Graduation Class"

July, 2009
"FourSquare Sensation"

June, 2009
"Print On Demand publishing is for you"

May, 2009
"Sports Shooter Academy"

April, 2009
"My New Book is Available"

March, 2009
"The Nikon D3X...Part II "

February, 2009
"The Nikon D3X...Part I "

January, 2009
"Book Ideas Wanted"

December, 2008
Year in Review

November, 2008
Action with the SB-900 Speedlights

October, 2008
Lightpainting Under the Stars

September, 2008
Long Island Photo Workshop

August, 2008
"Best Buy Summit in San Francisco"

July, 2008
"Rich Clarkson's Sports Photography Workshop"

June, 2008
"Seven Photo Techniques"

May, 2008
"Learn Something New"

April, 2008
San Diego TREK

March, 2008
Joe McNally's book

February, 2008
The Nikon D300

January, 2008
Shoot From Where They Ain't (click here)

December, 2007
D3 Questions , Answers and Images

November, 2007
New Nikon D3

October, 2007
Football...A Retro Look

September, 2007
Get Out of the Box

August, 2007
Portrait Session with Frankie Herr


July, 2007
"Cowboy Up at the Double JJ Ranch"


June, 2007
"Light on the Run"


May, 2007
"SB800 Location Lighting in Mexico"


April, 2007
"Take it From the Top"


March, 2007
"Triple Play, Hat Trick, Trifecta" of Design


February, 2007
Principles of Success


January, 2007
Answers to Popular Questions


December , 2006
TREK to Peru and Machu Picchu



October, 2006
Creative Lightpainting (click here)


September, 2006
Tandem SB800 Speedlight Set Up (click here)


August, 2006
Get Pumped Up with Light (click here)


July, 2006
Sports Action SB800 Lighting on Location (click here)


June, 2006
An Artistic Look At Derby Week (click here)


May, 2006
Lightpainting....from the Beginning (click here)


April, 2006
Workshop 40: Arches Mentor Series TREK


March, 2006
Workshop 39: Let the Games Begin...


February, 2006
Workshop 38: My Moody Blue Location Lighting Formula


January, 2006
Workshop 37: Answers to Popular Questions


December, 2005
Workshop 36: Year in Review...
My Favorite Equipment of 2005


November, 2005
Workshop 35: Building a Portrait


October, 2005
Workshop 34: Game Coverage.....My Way


September, 2005
Workshop 33: Equipment...and How It Can Help A Career


August, 2005
Workshop 32, Fill Flash....It's not Just For Portraits


July, 2005
Workshop 31, Rock On!


June, 2005
Workshop 30, Remote Cameras at Churchill Downs


May, 2005
Workshop 29, Arena Sport Strobe Lighting 102


April, 2005
Workshop 28, Arena Sport Strobe Lighting 101


March, 2005
Workshop 27: Nikon's D2X Digital Camera


February, 2005
Workshop 26: Steps to Success


January, 2005
Workshop 25: Own Your Images!


December, 2004
Workshop 24: Step-by-Step Lightpainting


November, 2004
Workshop 23: The Importance of Recognizing Light



September, 2004
Workshop 21: Covering The 2004 Summer Olympics
in Athens, Greece
(click here)


August, 2004
Workshop 20: Nikon SB-800 Speedlight
WIRELESS TTL LIGHTING
(click here)


July, 2004
Workshop 19: Location Portrait Lighting using
Nikon's NEW SB-800 Speedlights
(click here)


June, 2004
Workshop 18: Photography - Just Enjoy it!
(click here)


May, 2004
Workshop 17: Documenting the Masters
(click here)


April, 2004
Workshop 16:
Scene Setters

(click here)


March, 2004
Workshop 15: THE JOY of FILL FLASH
(click here)


February, 2004
Workshop 14: Sports Strobe Photography
(click here)



December, 2003
Workshop 12: "Product Review - The Nikon D2H Digital Camera

(click here)


November, 2003
Workshop 11: "Be More Than a Fan"


October, 2003
Workshop 10: "More Porrage, Please"


September, 2003
Workshop 9: The Nikon COOLPIX 5700


August, 2003
Workshop 8: Using Wireless Remotes


July, 2003
Workshop 7: Approaching The Event


June, 2003
Workshop 6: To be noticed, to be published, to the marketplace


May, 2003
Workshop 5: What Drives an Image Part Two,
Slow Shutter Speed & Pan, (click here)


April, 2003
Workshop 4: What Drives an Image? (click here)


March, 2003
Workshop 3: Fill Flash Techniques (click here)


February, 2003
Workshop 2: Sports Arena Lighting (click here)


January, 2003
Workshop 1: Lightpainting (click here)

 


 

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