How to shoot excellent light painting tutorials

1. The concept of light painting

Light painting, as the name suggests, is to "paint" with a light source. The light source is your brush, and the photoreceptor is your "drawing board".

Personally understood light painting is a photographic art method that records the dynamic movement of a light source over a period of time into a static image of the subject, or uses the movement of the light source to highlight the environment/subject.

The key point is that the light source moves over a period of time, and the camera's photosensitive element evenly records the light at each unit time. Therefore, when doing light painting, combine the effect you want, compare and adjust the ambient light intensity and light source light intensity, and pay attention to calculating the shutter time and the movement speed of the light source, so as to obtain the ideal exposure and avoid adjusting the exposure later. causing a degradation in image quality. If it is light painting with a variable speed light source, the time scale also needs to be considered. Just like painting and writing, if the time spent in a certain spatial location is different, the style, intensity, and thickness of the brush left on the record carrier will be different.

2. Selection of light sources

There are too many, including common mobile phone screens/flashes, flashlights, lanterns, fluorescent sticks, fireworks, sparks from cutting machines, and even after modification Steel wire balls will do. Almost anything that can emit light can be used as a light source (safety first!).

To summarize, point light sources (such as laser pointers), linear light sources (such as fluorescent sticks), scattered light sources (such as small lamps), and burst light sources (such as burning steel balls, cutting machines). Point light sources are often used for projection light painting, linear light sources are often used for direct light painting, and scattered light sources are often used for light painting that affects environmental lighting. Burst light sources usually have the characteristics of linear light sources and scattered light sources, and are themselves It is easier to express the movement of light, so the incident light source can be used for direct light painting, ambient light painting, or both (mostly this type).

3. Selection of shutter mode

Front curtain synchronization, rear curtain synchronization, slow synchronization, etc., all require slow practice and familiarity with the camera. For children's shoes who are not familiar with these modes, first read the instructions or actually take some pictures yourself. There are still some differences between different modes, especially when used in conjunction with the environment or flash.

4. Flash

Generally used to "fix" - to clearly show the subject or environment.

5. The figure of the light painter

Combined with the light source and desired effect mentioned in ③, when using different light sources, you should pay attention to leaving or reducing the light painting figure of the person. General methods include: enhancing/reducing the exposure of ambient light to the light painter; enhancing/weakening skylight; wearing clothing that is easily reflective (such as light-colored, smooth materials)/wearing clothing that is not easily reflective (such as dark, Black, matte material.

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