Flashlight Photography- Light Painting 101

[jellydonut]

I've tried 'light painting' with long exposures, the photo just ends up blurry and having multiple shadows. I use a tripod indoors, what on earth is causing the stupid thing to blur my photos? Maybe if I had more patience I would figure it out but some times the behavior of a digital camera, even with everything on manual, is completely impossible and illogical. Like trying to take care of a toddler. :shakehead

 

[chanjyj]

I've tried 'light painting' with long exposures, the photo just ends up blurry and having multiple shadows. I use a tripod indoors, what on earth is causing the stupid thing to blur my photos? Maybe if I had more patience I would figure it out but some times the behavior of a digital camera, even with everything on manual, is completely impossible and illogical. Like trying to take care of a toddler. :shakehead

This may sound like a simple question but: did you focus on the subject before you started painting? Was your focus continuous-on?

 

[jcw122]

Frisco...light painting is one of the coolest photographic techniques ever. I've always wanted to get into it, but haven't had the chance. Great work!

 

[Narcosynthesis]

An awesome picture, and an excellent example of light painting.

I find it a fairly useful technique when trying to capture large areas in the dark/at night - you can open the shutter then vary how long you light various areas to get nice even lighting front to back, or add in a bit of creativity and highlight points of interest of subjects.

My avatar is another example of what can be done with torches and cameras capable of long exposures - that example somewhat on the sillier end, but instead of 'painting' your subject with light, aim it back at the camera and you can 'draw' in the air. Amusing, though I don't know what my neighbours must have thought about me waving a torch madly around in my garden...

 

[DM51]

Bump for oldie, but goodie demonstrating flashlight use in photography.

Worthy bump. Since the thread was first posted we have added a photography sub-forum (The Dark Room) so I'll move this there.