Tutorial - Creating a Light Painting Orb | Light Painting Photography - light-paint.com

Light orbs are the most commonly produced 3-dimensional shape in light painting. With just a basic tool and a little practice you can create your own stunning orbs in no time...This tutorial will explain the basic technique used to create the orbs.

Things you will need...

• A light source - An orb tool is best, but Christmas lights work well.
• A dark room or dark area at night
• A camera capable of long exposures
• Tripod
• A coin/stone/small object to use as marker on the floor

Step 1 - Set up your camera

Find a dark space and set up your camera. Put your camera onto the tripod and compose your shot, ensuring your camera is focused properly. You will want to ensure your camera can see the entire orb so leave plenty of space in your frame at first. Focussing in the dark tutorial

Step 2 - Dial in your settings

Set your camera to Bulb mode if it's available - this mode allows you to open the shutter for an unlimited time. This will allow you to take as long as you need to create your orb. Most cameras require a shutter release cable or remote control to do this. If you don't have bulb mode or a shutter release then set your exposure to the maximum time allowed, usually 30 seconds so you'll have to be quick! Set your aperture to a mid way point to start with, around f/11 should do for now. If your lights are not very bright you can set your aperture a bit wider (lower number), or smaller (higher number) if it's particularly bright. Go for a low ISO setting to avoid noise in your shot. ISO 100 or 200 are good.

Step 3 - Position your marker

Find a spot within your frame and place your marker on the ground. A coin makes a good marker as it's shiny, but a stone or any small object can work well too.

Step 4 - Start swinging

Hold the lights by your side in one hand and start swinging them in a circular motion. Try to get your circle directly above your marker. Once you have established a good swing you can turn your lights on.

Step 5 - Turn

Now comes the tricky part. You need to start turning yourself around while still swinging the lights in a circle. The circle must stay centred above your marker at all times. Start to shuffle your feet backwards and move slowly around your marker.

Step 6 - Carry on...?

You need to move around 180 degrees to create an orb, or you can go round the full 360 degree circle to create a fuller orb, it's completely up to you. You'll discover which you prefer once you develop your own style.

Step 7 - Turn off

Turn off your lights and then stop swinging. Your done! Close your shutter and admire your first orb. It may take a bit of practice until you get a perfect orb, but stick with it. Don't be afraid to try things out and develop your own technique.

Further Reading...

You may also want to check out the tutorial on Creating Orbs written by Jules on his blog.

Some Orbs

Here are a few of my orbs. Click them to view large.