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@ Mafu Fuma
2025-06-04 15:18:17What is lightpainting?
Light painting is a photographic technique where you use a moving light source to "paint" in a dark environment while capturing the movement with a long exposure. To give it a try. It´s fun! You just need 3 things:
🧰 Essential Gear
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Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual (M) or bulb (B) mode.
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Tripod: To keep your camera steady during long exposures.
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Light Sources: Flashlights, glow sticks, or even your smartphone screen for different textures.
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Dark Environment: A room with blackout curtains or an outdoor space at night.
📸 Camera Settings
Start with these settings and adjust as needed:
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Mode: Manual (M) or Bulb (B)
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Shutter Speed: for instance 30 seconds
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Aperture (f-stop): f/8
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ISO: 100
These settings provide a good balance between exposure time and image clarity.
🔍 Focusing in the Dark
Achieving sharp focus in low light can be challenging:
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Illuminate the Subject: Use a flashlight to light up the area where you'll be painting.
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Autofocus: With the light on, use your camera's autofocus to focus on the lit area.
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Switch to Manual Focus: Once focused, switch to manual focus to lock it in.
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Turn Off the Light: After focusing, turn off the flashlight before starting your exposure.
If you're unable to use autofocus, manually focus on a lit object placed where you'll be painting.
🎨 Painting with Light
Now, the fun begins:
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Start the Exposure: Press the shutter button to begin the long exposure.
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Move Your Light Source: Walk into the frame and use your light source to draw shapes, write words, or create patterns.
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Experiment: Try different colors, speeds, and movements to see how they affect the image.
Remember, the camera captures all the light movement during the exposure, so be creative!
🧪 Tips for Success
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Wear Dark Clothing: To minimize your visibility in the final image.
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Plan Your Design: Sketch out your light painting ideas beforehand.
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Use Colored Gels: Place colored gels over your light sources for vibrant effects.
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Practice: It may take several tries to get the desired result, so be patient and have fun.
Enjoy this luminous journey! If you have any questions or want to share your creations, feel free to reach out.
Lightpainting Picture: created by Mafu Fuma with a Torch and a blue bottle.
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