Light Painting

Image by Jon DeVaul

An interesting photographic technique, known as ‘light painting’, is a current, innovative photography trend. There are several ways that light painting can be approached. One technique involves ‘painting’ an object with light using either a torch, flash or any other object that provides light. Another technique is to shine a light source directly towards the camera lens and then ‘draw’ a shape or outline utilising that light. Using objects such as glow sticks, sparklers, steel wool and light wands can also create interesting results with light painting photographs.

Last year I experimented with painting with light and found it rather fun! Using a couple of small battery operated lamps and torches with bulbs that provided an ‘orange glow’, I painted the interior of an old school room on display in a museum. Light painting is an interesting technique that allows you to illuminate the intended points of focus, to achieve the most effective result for the image. It also allows a photographer to experiment with the distinctive type of lighting they are trying to achieve.

Image by Jon DeVaul

A good example of using light to create ambience within  a photograph, is an image by photographer Jon DeVaul. In his photograph depicting a saddle, DeVaul has lighted the object in such a way that effectively highlights the rich colours, textures and patterns of the old, worn saddle. To give an idea of perspective, he has painted part of the rail upon which the saddle is resting, as well as highlighting a few planks of the wooden door and rusty hinge in the background. This photograph provides a rustic, country impression. To see more of DeVaul’s light painting work, visit his website at: http://www.devaulphotography.com/index-slides.html?gallery=%22Light+Painting%22&folio=Portfolio.

Another photographer, Denis Smith, who I have recently discovered, also includes light painting in his portfolio. One of his projects titled ‘Ball of Light’ is ‘a unique photographic project that has touched the hearts of many around the world. Inspiring photography that brings ‘light painting’ to the public domain. The Ball of Light is created in a single exposure by swinging lights around. There is no “Photoshop” here at all. It is super challenging, and certainly adds a new dimension to long exposure photography.’ (http://www.denissmith.com.au/portfolio/ball-of-light/) 

Images by Denis Smith

Image by Denis Smith

Images by Denis Smith

Personally, I find the ‘Ball of Light’ series of photographs beautiful. The way Smith has located tranquil, peaceful landscapes and then placed a transparent circle or ball of light in each photograph, seems to instil a sense of calmness, peace and serenity. The colours used for the balls of light also suit the type of environment that Smith has chosen to photograph. For example, the yellow ball of light nestled in the side of the cave, both complements and provides contrast to the dark blue sky. To see a few more of the photographs from the series, visit his website at: http://www.denissmith.com.au/portfolio/ball-of-light/.

If you’re interested in giving light painting a go, visit the Chris Bray Photography website for a guide on how to paint with light, create light drawings, light orbs and fire wheels at: http://www.chrisbray.net/photography_tips_painting_with_light_how_to.php

Here is another image by Jon DeVaul and Denis Smith:

Image by Denis Smith

Image by Jon DeVaul

Posted by Chelsea