I have recently started exploring the weird and wonderful world of "trick photography". Here using simple tricks and sometimes a bit of post editing you can create some fascinating images. I guess light painting is a type of trick photography but is really a category on its own. My first attempt at light painting was using a torch, a piece of string and a pin to produce light parabolas.
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All the equipment you need.
Note the torch in this photo is not the one I used, I using a single bulb maglite |
After hanging the torch from the ceiling with the string I set up my camera on the floor facing straight up. I turned off all the lights (apart from the torch) and swung the torch. I waited a few seconds to allow the torch to settle into a constant swing and then I began the exposure. This is what happened as a result:
Like with most things I try in life my first few attempts were crap. I tried again but this time I swung the torch much harder and this is what happened.
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| Getting there... |
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| Nearly... |
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| Almost |
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| Perfect! |
After a few attempts I nailed the perfect parabolas. I then tried the process again this time with additional coloured lights I usually use for other types of light painting.
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| Adding some colour |
I liked the addition of colour to the parabolas however the coloured lights were not as sharp as the white light. I think there is a lot more to parabolas light painting and I plan on spending more time on this and to try out new techniques.
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| Final result. |
