Light painting is the process of using a torch/flashlight to ‘paint’ (or light) a scene or an object whilst photographing it using a long exposure. This is done in a dark room, usually at night, so that only the moving torch lights up the subject. A long exposure, usually around 5-15 seconds, allows the photographer to selectively ‘paint’ light onto the subject or scene in different ways, to create unique images involving different mixes of shadow and light. Often around 50 or more shots will be needed to get the desired mix of lighting for that particular scene. I then use Lightroom to refine the image – enhancing shadows or light in different parts of the scene as needed.
The other key element, as with any still life, is creating the scene – that is, arranging the subjects and items to be photographed in a way that is pleasing to the eye. Once the scene is more or less in place one must compose the shot – ensuring sharp focus and sufficient depth of field. Perspective is also important, for example I use a 50mm lens (in full frame terms) to ensure a natural view, as if one were looking at the object(s) in real life. This part of the photographic process (arranging the scene) is as creative and rewarding as the ‘light painting’ process itself!
Recently I completed a series of seven still life photographs using light painting – see Recent Images gallery. This series, called ‘Everyday Things’, comprises the following images: Listen, Lubricate, Read, Calculate, Measure, Clean, Shave & Trim.
The idea with this series was not only to capture the beauty in everyday household items, but to also create somewhat dark shadowy images that draw out the shapes and entice the viewer to explore the scene. As well, each image also includes one or two incongruous elements (maybe a fairy or a gnome or a flower) to intrigue the viewer’s curiosity…
There are other still life light paintings in the Recent Images gallery (for example see Healthy Coke), and in the Still Life gallery.
Footnote: Light painting need not be just an indoor activity – the web has many examples of drones being used to paint landscape scenes and so on. Likewise a still life can be photographed under natural light, for example using the light coming through a nearby window.