Have you ever looked at a Light Painting photo and wondered how this magic was created? Or do you want to try your hand at Light Painting yourself, but aren't sure where to start?
Since there's a little more involved in Light Painting photography than pointing and shooting, we've put together a complete guide to help you get started. Read on to find out everything you need to know.
What is Light Painting and how does it work?
Light Painting is a technique used by photographers to capture motion with a light source. By moving a light source during a long exposure, you can add streaks, lines, or flashes of light within an image — forming patterns, shapes, or even words.
Sounds complicated? It's not! Light Painting can be achieved with just a few pieces of camera equipment, a dark environment, and a whole lot of creativity.
Light Painting equipment you'll need to get started
Here are the basic pieces of gear needed to capture great Light Painting photos:
- A camera with manual settings. You'll need a camera that gives you full control over the exposure triangle. A mirrorless camera is a great choice — look for one with a large image sensor to minimise digital noise when shooting in the dark.
- A tripod. To capture trails of light, your shutter needs to stay open for an extended period. Handheld shooting will produce significant motion blur, so a sturdy tripod is essential. Choose one that can handle the weight of your camera and lens while still being easy to carry.
- An artificial light source. This is what you'll use to create the trail of light, and the choice is entirely up to you. Common options include flashlights, lasers, glow sticks, strobes, candles, and even your smartphone's torch. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours — it can look spectacular in photos.
- A remote release. When using long exposures, you want to avoid any camera movement. A dedicated remote control, cable release, or Bluetooth app will let you fire the shutter without touching the camera. Alternatively, use your camera's self-timer function to reduce vibration.
The best Light Painting camera settings
The required camera settings for Light Painting are relatively straightforward. With a little trial and error, you can achieve fantastic results.
- ISO. Start with ISO 100. Since the shutter will remain open for a long time, you don't need to push the ISO high — doing so will only introduce unwanted noise. Adjust upward only if necessary.
- Aperture. Set your aperture to f/8–f/11. You want a good depth of field so that as much of your image as possible is in focus.
- Shutter speed. Your shutter should remain open for as long as needed — sometimes up to a minute or more. Some cameras allow you to select long shutter speeds directly; others require Bulb mode, which keeps the shutter open for as long as you hold the remote release.
Top tip: If you're in front of the camera, use a stopwatch to track how long the shutter has been open — especially useful if you're trying to spell out a word before time runs out!
Our best Light Painting tips
- Choose a dark location. This is the most important tip. Find somewhere dark and free from other light sources that could interfere with your exposure.
- Think before you paint. When experimenting, it can be fun to paint freely in Bulb mode. But when you want a specific result, having a plan in mind will make a big difference.
- Use simple patterns. Simple shapes — a circle, figure 8, or star — are often more striking than intricate designs. Master the basics first, then combine elements as your confidence grows.
- Trace around objects. A great way to add variety is to trace the outline of objects within your frame — a person, a tree, a building, or anything else you can imagine.
Get started with Light Painting photography today
Now that you know the fundamentals of Light Painting, you have everything you need to get creative. Browse our range of cameras, tripods, and photography lights to build your kit, or visit one of our stores for personalised advice from our expert staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camera do I need for light painting photography?
Any camera with full manual controls will work for light painting — including entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The key requirements are the ability to set a long shutter speed (or Bulb mode), manual ISO control, and a way to trigger the shutter remotely. A camera with a larger sensor will produce less noise in dark conditions, which is a bonus.
Can I do light painting with a smartphone?
Yes, to a degree. Some smartphones have a Pro or Manual mode that allows you to set long exposure times, which is what you need for light painting. Results will vary depending on the phone, but it's a great way to experiment with the technique before investing in dedicated camera gear. You'll still need a tripod or stable surface to keep the phone steady.
What is the best light source for light painting?
It depends on the effect you're after. A simple LED torch gives clean, bright lines. Glow sticks produce softer, more diffused trails. Coloured LEDs or RGB light wands let you paint with multiple colours in a single exposure. Experimenting with different light sources is half the fun — there's no single right answer.
How dark does the room need to be for light painting?
The darker the better. Ideally, you want a space with no ambient light at all, so that only your light source is captured during the exposure. Even small amounts of background light can wash out your light trails or introduce unwanted colour casts. Shooting outdoors at night in a low-light area also works well.
How long should my shutter speed be for light painting?
It depends on how much time you need to complete your painting. A simple shape might only require 5–10 seconds, while spelling out a word or creating a complex pattern could take 30–60 seconds or more. Start with 15–20 seconds and adjust based on your results. Using Bulb mode gives you the most flexibility.