Camera settings for light painting photos

Settings on the camera for light painting photos

This step-by-step guide to the procedure and settings on the camera is intended for beginners in light painting. This will become a habit after a few light painting photos and you can concentrate on the creative part of light painting.

  1. Mounting the camera on a tripod
    Make sure the tripod is stable, as you can accidentally bump into it in the dark
    2. .
  2. Focus on the desired spot using autofocus.
    This spot can be illuminated with the flashlight. Once you have focused, be sure to switch to manual focus. Otherwise, the camera may try to focus when the shutter is released, which usually does not work due to a lack of light.
  3. Setting the values on the camera:
    We set all the values - manual mode ensures quality
    • Set long exposure mode B (Bulb).
      If the camera does not have bulb mode, you can set a time preset. Here you are well advised to use 20 - 30 seconds for the first tests. The time always depends on how complex the light painting is. Bulb mode with remote shutter release and lock button is therefore the best choice.
    • ISO 100
      (with Nikon, the ideal ISO value for many cameras is ISO 200). See also the following chapter on basic exposure for light painting.
    • Aperture value around f/8
      You can play with the aperture value. See the following chapter on the basic exposure for light painting.
    • Setting a fixed white balance
      It is advisable to set a fixed white balance so that it is easier to edit the resulting photos later on
    • Take a test shot after the setting!
      If no surroundings are to be included, then a black photo should be taken after the elapsed time - (we have not yet worked with our light painting tools).
    • Enable noise reduction
      Image noise can occur even at low ISO values due to the long exposure. If noise reduction is activated, a second photo is taken by the camera after the shot and offset against the first. However, depending on the camera, this doubles the time required for a photo. Be sure to test in advance!
    • Start light painting
      Now we can get into action with our light brushes. A fluid movement is important. This is the only way to achieve uniform shapes. Experience has shown that some practice is necessary here.