INTRODUCTION TO LONG EXPOSURE & LIGHTPAINTING…
Long exposure, in a nut shell, is when the shutter on the camera stays open for a prolonged period of time, 1 sec to X amount of hours typically. This allows for extra light to enter the camera sensor and therefore all motion can be blurred and distorted at will. Opening up a world of experimentation and creativity that would otherwise be very difficult to capture with a ‘normal’ quickfire click!
By keeping the camera shutter open for longer intervals, it means that clouds can be stretched and traffic can disappear. The fiercest of waves can be turned to mirror-glass and people can turn to ghosts!
LIGHTPAINTING.....
.....or painting with light, means just that. Literally.
Waving a simple torch at the camera lens, at night or in a dark space, can produce brushstroke effects in the image. The point of light will be dragged around the frame in accordance to wherever the ‘torch bearer’ directs it. Basically ANY form of concentrated light, whether it be a torch, fire, sparklers, steel wool, fibre optics, car lights, traffic lights, street lights, the stars and even the Moon.
The possibilities are endless and these are just some of the examples of a bountyful palette to paint and play with. Pictures can be created from either moving the concentrated light itself while pointing at the lens, or moving the camera against a fixed, or otherwise, light source.