#PIXELSTICK VIDEO MANUAL#

The shorter the exposure, the less chance there is your model will move. In this photo, a Jinbei 600 flash was used to light the model, while the pixelstick produced the light painting around her. The preset light patterns that come with the stick will help get you going quickly. The pixelstick is really good for abstract work. A simple rotation of the pixelstick or light saber is often all that’s needed. With practice, you’ll find the strongest scenes use a more minimalist approach. There is a temptation to overcook (do too much) a light painting. Repetition often works well for photographs, and the control you have with the pixelstick allows you to do this more easily.

Having a pattern in your frame and repeating it makes a nice light painting. Have a plan for the direction the line will flow in your frame, and how it will lead the viewer’s eye to the point of interest. You probably know leading lines work well in photos, and light painting is a great way of introducing some into your frame. So when you’re making abstract light paintings, keep these things in mind: If you over-elaborate and make too many movements then it’s the digital equivalent of scribbling on a piece of paper, and it usually doesn’t turn out well. The main thing is to keep it simple, with the light flowing through the scene. The focal point of your image is going to be the light painting itself, or perhaps an architectural feature that you’ll emphasize with light. However, these effects can also be achieved by using something as simple as a kid’s toy light saber. There are many different types of light sources, the pixelstick is just one example. Using the pixelstick to create abstract light paintings These look nice, but the pixelstick takes it to the next level. Check your result and repeat if necessary.Ī lot of people have fun using sparklers to create light paintings.

Go back to your camera and wait for the exposure to finish.

Then, once you have finished painting, turn off your light source and move out of the frame.

Carry out any light painting you wish to do.

Just before the shutter releases, begin your light painting pattern.

While the camera is counting down, move into position in front of the camera with your light source in hand.

If you have a remote shutter release you may prefer to use that to trigger their camera.

Set the camera’s self-timer to 10 seconds, and begin the countdown.

#PIXELSTICK VIDEO MANUAL#

Leave the camera in manual focus to make sure your focus point remains the same. Turn on your camera’s LiveView function, and focus on the light source using manual focus (use the + or zoom button to show a magnified view which will make it easier for you to focus).Take the light source into the scene you composed, turn it on, and leave it in front of the camera.In other words, plan where and how big the light design will be, then make sure it will all be contained inside the frame. As you’re light painting, make sure there is enough space within the composition set aside for the design. Place your camera on a tripod, and compose your scene.

Dress in black clothes, this will minimize the chance of you showing up in the photo.You need to be able to expose for at least 10 seconds in most cases, so locations with less ambient light are ideal. Choose a location and time of day that will be dark.You can follow the steps set out below, or for a more detailed guide check out: Beginner’s Guide to Light Painting . Light painting is a long exposure technique, which you’ll need a tripod to achieve. The 200 LED lights come enclosed in a light-weight metal case which protects them from any damage. Now there is the pixelstick, which makes light painting both easier to do, and more sophisticated. The next step if you became more serious would usually be making light orbs, and other light painting shapes with things like fairy lights. In many cases the first time you do any light painting it will be to spell your name using sparklers or a flashlight. Lighting painting in front of the camera: You can also move lit or glowing objects in front of the camera during a long exposure, to paint the scene in front of the camera.Light painting with the camera: Using the camera to light paint is called kinetic light painting and involves techniques such as zoom bursts, or camera rotation.You can divide light painting into two types, those that you do in front of the camera, and those you do with the camera. To do it you need to photograph at night, use long exposure, and have a light source. Light painting is a technique you can use to create fascinating images. The light from the pixelstick perfectly framed my friend and fellow DPS writer, Pete DeMarco.

Pixelstick video