Painting with light

Painting with light is a photographic lighting technique. Normally the setting is a very low light/dark room or area. The camera is set for a long exposure (2 seconds to several minutes) and subject is "painted" with a flashlight or other narrow beamed light source in such a way that the light selectively illuminates portions of the model or scenery. It can be used for an interesting twist on dramatic lighting.

If the room has any ambient light, any model motion will appear as a blur. Using a single strobe/electronic flash in a dark room will "freeze" the model motion.

• Remember to check your white balance settings.
• Use a tripod
• Take your time with the light (pretend you are spraypainting, where you make your "turn" will be more lite up than where you just swept the light)
• Experiment
• Have fun
• Don't get upset with your model if she moves a little
• Alcohol never hurts!

• 

  Dulcinea painting with light. Possible lighting scheme:
  1. Dark room
  2. flashlight/wand on at upper left, ready to paint "V"
  3. flashlight moves down, then up to complete V.
  4. light off or covered and moved to begin "W"
  5. light on/uncovered to paint "W".
  6. at the end of the "1" stroke, a flash or strobe fires to light entire scene.
  7. repeat cover and uncover for the "0" and "Y"