This is my absolutely favourite photography effect, and all you need is:
– A camera with long exposure (shutter speed) capabilities (the longer the better)
– A source of light (flashlights work the best but if you have glowsticks instead, check out this instructable!)
– And a pitch black room (if you want a nice black background) – or you can do it outside if it is pitch black.
For the full instructions go here, or view my summary of the tutorial below:
Step 1
– Get your camera a nice place to sit and aim it at a spot about 10-15 ft away where you will easily be able to draw your picture.
– Take a regular shutter speed shot in the light to make sure that your spot is in focus (see picture)
– Set your camera’s shutter speed (you’ll have to set your camera for manual mode) – about 30 seconds.
– Either turn on a time delay or set the shutter speed to compensate for the time it takes to walk 10-15 feet away.
– Grab your flashlight and shut the lights out.
– Press the capture button, run to wherever your camera is focused on, and turn on your light source.
– Draw the picture you want, trying not to shine the light source directly at the camera. This will produce a “twinkle” where you shined it from.
– If you want to stop a line segment and start a new one, you can cover the light source with your hand and move it over to where the new line segment will start. If you have a flashlight, just turn it off, move it over, and turn it back on! <– Much easier!
When you’re done drawing:
If it’s a simple picture (a square, circle etc) you can go over it again
If not, don’t bother trying to go over it. It will probably get messed up.
DO NOT TURN THE LIGHTS BACK ON UNTIL YOU ARE SURE THE CAMERA HAS FINISHED TAKING THE PICTURE!
Step 2
Admire your one of a kind picture!
Feel free to experiment with different techniques etc.
For some inspiration, have a look here, and at the following videos:
I hope you enjoy it!
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