PHYSIOGRAM / Light painting

Light painting / PHYSIOGRAM

Light painting, or light drawing, is a photographic technique in which exposures are made by

moving a hand-held light source while taking a long exposure

photograph, either to illuminate a subject or to shine a point of light

directly at the camera.

Light painting / PHYSIOGRAM

Light painting (also called light drawing) dates back to 1889

when Étienne-Jules Marey and Georges Demeny traced human motion in the first known light

painting “Pathological Walk From in Front”.

Light painting / PHYSIOGRAM

A variety of light sources can be used, ranging from simple

flashlights to dedicated devices.

Fiber optic light pen, candles, fireworks, lighter flints, glow

sticks, and Poi are also popular.

Light painting / PHYSIOGRAM

A tripod is usually necessary due to the long exposure times

involved.

Alternatively, the camera may be placed on or braced against a table or other solid support.

Light painting / PHYSIOGRAM

A shutter release cable or self timer is generally employed in

order to minimize camera shake.

Color gels can also be used to color the light sources.

Light painting / PHYSIOGRAM OLYMPIA, MARC ROMEO

LLORENTE, JONESSA MARIE 85.8″ f/22 160

Physiograms are patterns created by a light source and

a fixed swinging motion.

1 . A small light source (like a mini mag light) ,

2 . A length of string,

3 . An overhead support (Put a cup hook in my ceiling)

The Set Up:

All you need to do is attach the string to the light source, (the pattern really depends on the length of string) and attach the string to a hook on your support. So now the

light should be able to swing freely.

Camera Set Up:

For this effect the best setting to use is the BULB mode and set your aperture accordingly.

The camera can be placed on the floor below the light.

OR

You could also use a mirror, place it below the light and set the camera up on the side.

It is best to use a shutter release cable/remote so you can lock the shutter open.