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How can I light paint without getting in the picture?

I've been getting interested in Photography, and I read of a method called Light Painting. I searched for pictures and it amazes me, but how would I be able to successfully do light painting without getting in the picture during the exposure?

Light painting is a fairly easy method, but does involves trial & error. Conditions will vary based on available light, iso, aperture & shutter speed -- among other things. First off, you need an environment that is conducive to light painting. This is usually darker areas -- like night scenes, alleys, corridors, window & dimly lit rooms, etc. Assuming that requirement is met, here are some general tips that have helped me to light paint over the years:

1) Try for the longest shutter speeds, while still yielding correct exposure. This can be accomplished by using low ISOs & small apertures. Why is this important?... So that you have time to light paint, & more importantly -- the longer the exposure, the longer an object must remain still to be recorded. Which brings me to the second main point.
2) Keep moving! With long exposures, only things that are still (or bright) will register in the photo. For example, if you look at the old photos of the "Wild West", you'll notice almost every photo looks like a ghost town... meaning there doesn't appear to have anyone. The reality is that there were a lot of people & business going on, however the lenses back in the day were shot at very small apertures (with very slow film). This resulted in long exposures (sometimes hours) which meant that the only things that registered were buildings, landscapes & the occasional wagons that were parked for a long time. This is the same principle applied for great photos at heavily touristed sites. I used this technique in Rome to photograph the famous Trevi fountain. By tripod mounting and using a shutter speed of about 45 seconds, only the most persistent tourists whom sat still long enough registered as "ghostly" blurs in my photo. The result removed probably about 20 other tourists who would have made a photo of the whole fountain impossible. This brings me to the next tip...
3) Wear black or something very dark. Wearing black will reduce the amount of light that you reflect. Combine this with moving around & most of your problem is solved.
4) Finally, the flashlight itself... this is a matter of personal taste. You'll have to experiment around with different types until you find something that works for the effect you want -- as well as in conjunction with your camera settings (ex: iso, shutter speed, etc.). I've used D-cell maglites, as well as AA maglites with success. If you're using digital, just shoot & check... then make adjustments. If you're using film, you'll have to experiment & keep notes.

Just remember that light painting is an art more than a science, so there is no "right" & "wrong." It really is a matter of personal taste. Another cool effect is painting an object with the light as well. This can create some pretty wild glows, highlights & colors on ordinary items. I once saw a photograph of a pair of high heels that were light painted... they were awesome -- looked like some magical shoes (like what I'd imagine "Cinderella" or "Wizard of Oz" shoes would have looked like as they were having their magical moments). Have fun & don't forget to use a tripod!

Digital Photo Keychain

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