Light Painting
Instructional Tutorial on Light Painting
Light painting is a creative photography technique where you use a light source to “paint” in your
scene while the camera shutter is open for a long exposure. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to
master light painting.
Equipment Needed:
Camera with manual mode Tripod
Remote shutter release or timer function
Light sources (flashlights, LED lights, glow sticks, etc.) Dark environment
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: Set Up Your Camera
1. Mode Selection: Set your camera to Manual mode (M on the mode dial).
2. ISO: Set your ISO to a low value (100-400) to minimize noise.
3. Aperture: Choose a medium aperture (f/8 to f/16) to ensure a good depth of field.
4. Shutter Speed: Set a long exposure time. Start with 15-30 seconds and adjust based on
your light painting duration.

5. White Balance: Use auto white balance or set it manually based on your light source for more
consistent results.
Step 2: Compose Your Shot
1. Stabilize Your Camera: Mount your camera on a tripod to prevent any movement during the long
exposure.
2. Frame Your Scene: Compose your shot in a dark environment. It’s easier to work in a pitch-black
room or during nighttime outdoors.
Step 3: Focus Your Camera
1. Manual Focus: Switch your lens to manual focus mode. Autofocus might struggle in the dark.
2. Pre-Focus: Use a flashlight to illuminate your subject and set your focus manually.
Alternatively, focus on a distant light or set focus to infinity for landscape light painting.
Step 4: Light Painting Process
1. Prepare Light Sources: Gather your light painting tools (flashlights, LED lights, etc.).
Covering the light source with colored gels or cellophane can add different colors.
2. Start the Exposure: Use a remote shutter release or your camera’s timer to start the exposure
without shaking the camera.
Step 5: Painting with Light
1. Move the Light Source: Move your light source around the scene or in front of the camera to
“paint” with light. Keep the light source moving to avoid overexposing any one area.
2. Create Patterns: Experiment with different movements, such as waving, spirals, or drawing
shapes.
3. Illuminate Objects: Shine the light directly on objects to illuminate them. Vary the distance
and duration of the light on different parts for creative effects.
Step 6: Review and Adjust
1. Check Results: Review your shot on the camera’s LCD screen. Look for proper exposure and the
desired light painting effect.
2. Adjust Settings: If the image is too bright, reduce the exposure time, aperture size, or
intensity of the light source. If it’s too dark, increase the exposure time or intensity of the
light source.
Additional Tips:
Experiment with Different Light Sources: Use glow sticks, LED strips, steel wool, or any other
light-emitting objects for varied effects.
Use a Variety of Movements: Experiment with different speeds and movements to create unique
patterns and textures.
Light Painting with People: Have a person stand still while you paint around them to create
interesting silhouettes or outlines.
Incorporate the Environment: Use the natural environment to enhance your light

painting. Reflective surfaces can add interesting dynamics to your photos.
Longer Exposures: For more complex scenes, use bulb mode (B on the mode dial) to keep the shutter
open as long as you need. Use a remote with a lock feature to hold the shutter open.
Example Projects:
Project 1: Light Writing
1. Setup: Choose a dark environment and set your camera as described above.
2. Execution: Use a small flashlight to write words or draw shapes in the air. Keep the light
source facing the camera.
3. Tip: Write or draw backward if facing the camera, so it appears correctly in the photo. Project
2: Illuminated Landscape
1. Setup: Set up your camera to capture a landscape scene at night.
2. Execution: Use a powerful flashlight to illuminate different parts of the landscape, painting it
with light.
3. Tip: Move the light smoothly to evenly illuminate larger areas. Project 3: Steel Wool
Photography
1. Safety First: Perform this in a safe, open area away from flammable materials. Wear protective
clothing and goggles.
2. Setup: Attach steel wool to a string and set your camera to a long exposure.
3. Execution: Ignite the steel wool and spin it around to create a shower of sparks.
4. Tip: Use a faster shutter speed if the sparks are too bright.
By following these steps and experimenting with different techniques, you’ll be able to create
stunning light painting photographs. Remember, practice and creativity are key to mastering
this technique. Happy light painting!