One of my favorite forms of artistic expression is light painting for product photography.
It is always different, unique, vibrant and a challenge that offers so many possibilities, your imagination goes wild during the shoot!
Not familiar with it?
Light painting is a technique that allows you to play with light in creative ways.
You can use it to highlight your product’s best features and creating stunning visual effects.
If you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your product shots, light painting is the way to go.
Whether you’re new to this or have some experience, I’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide that’ll help you master this technique in no time.
Grab your camera, and let’s get started!
Understanding Light Painting
What is Light Painting in Photography?
Light painting is when you use a handheld light source to “paint” light onto your subject or background during a long exposure.
Imagine you’re an artist, but instead of a brush, you’re using a flashlight or an LED light.
This technique allows you to highlight specific areas, create dramatic backgrounds, and add artistic elements that make your product shots stand out.
Benefits of Light Painting in Product Photography
- Precision Control: You can direct the light exactly where you want it, emphasizing the product’s key features.
- Creative Flexibility: The sky’s the limit with the kinds of effects you can create.
- Reduced Post-Processing: Achieve many desired effects in-camera, saving you time in post-production.
Choosing the Right Lights
What Lights to Use for Light Painting Photography?
- LED Lights: These are versatile and come in various colors. Perfect for creating vibrant effects.
- Flashlights: Portable and easy to control, ideal for beginners.
- Fiber Optic Brushes: Great for intricate patterns and detailed work.
- Light Wands: Provide even light distribution, perfect for broader strokes.
Above and below, you can see the lights I used during the photoshoot for this article.
To start, you can use any light source, even a home flashlight.
Used colored gels or wraps over the light to create different looks.
Just be careful in case your light gets hot – you don’t want plastic wrap melting or starting a fire.
The light wand above was a simple RGB Video light want off Amazon.
Below are the Pixel G3 – although a cheaper alternative is the Pixel G1 which would work in a similar way if just being used for light painting.
And finally, I used a PeeDar flashlight. Originally I purchased this to detect cat urine (one of my pets was acting up …) and the UV light creates an interesting look for light painting!
BTW – These are affiliate links. If you use them, you pay the same amount – but they shoot me a small commission for mentioning them. I actually used these to create the images below – otherwise I wouldn’t link to them.
Techniques for Light Painting on Different Devices
How to Do Light Painting Photography on iPhone?
- Use Long Exposure Apps: Apps like Slow Shutter Cam can simulate long exposure on your iPhone.
- Stabilize Your Phone: Use a tripod to keep your phone steady and avoid any blurring.
- Control Your Light Source: Move your light source smoothly and consistently to paint the desired effect.
How To Do Light Painting With A DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
Specific Camera Settings for Best Results
To get the best results in light painting, you’ll need to tweak your camera settings for optimal performance:
- Shutter Speed: Choose a long exposure time, typically between 10 to 30 seconds, to capture the movement of light.
- Aperture: A smaller aperture (higher f-number, like f/8 to f/16) ensures a greater depth of field and keeps your product in focus.
- ISO: Keep your ISO low (100-200) to minimize noise in your images.
Focusing for Light Painting
How Do You Focus a Camera for Light Painting?
- Manual Focus: Switch your camera to manual focus and pre-focus on your subject. This ensures sharp images even in the dark.
- Use a Bright Light: Shine a bright light on the subject to focus initially, then switch to your painting light once you’re ready to shoot.
- Check Focus Regularly: Keep an eye on your focus throughout the session to make sure everything stays sharp.
Step-by-Step Light Painting Guide
Setting Up Your Scene:
- Choose a dark environment to control your light sources effectively.
- Arrange your product and background to create an interesting composition.
- Set your camera on a tripod to keep it steady during long exposures.
Adjust Camera Settings:
- Use a low ISO (100-200) to reduce noise.
- Set a small aperture (f/8-f/16) for a wider depth of field.
- Choose a long exposure time (10-30 seconds) to capture the light painting effect.
Before You Begin Light Painting:
Snap a photo with your camera. You should have a completely black image.
If not, you will have ambient light affecting your image.
Should you see anything in the shot, do one of these three things:
- Eliminate or block any light sources, or
- Increase your aperture to reduce the amount of light hitting your camera sensor, or
- Increase your shutter speed.
Increasing your shutter speed is the last thing you want to do. It will limit the amount of time you have to paint your subject with light.
Light Painting Process:
- Turn off your ambient lights to avoid unwanted light pollution.
- Use your light source to paint light onto the product, moving smoothly and evenly.
- Experiment with different angles and light intensities to see what works best.
Review and Adjust:
- Check the captured image and make any necessary adjustments to your technique or camera settings.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment – light painting is all about creativity and trial and error.
This image was taken as a control shot before light painting. It will be masked over the painted backgrounds.
Removing front light, I then used an RGB light want to create a background painting for the product image.
By moving your light in different directions and speeds, you can create an unlimited amount of possibilities!
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Achieving More Complex Patterns and Effects:
- Multiple Light Sources: Use different lights to create varied effects and add depth to your photos.
- Change Light Colors: Use colored gels or different colored lights to add a splash of color.
- Move the Camera: Incorporate subtle camera movements to add a dynamic feel to your images.
- Use Props: Reflective surfaces or diffusers can enhance the light painting effect and add interest to your photos.
Highlighting Unique Features with Light Painting
Light painting can help you highlight the unique features of various products:
- Textured Surfaces: Use side lighting to bring out textures on surfaces like leather or fabric.
- Reflective Elements: Use controlled light movements to create interesting reflections on shiny surfaces.
- Product Shape: Follow the contours of your product with light to emphasize its shape and design.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Starting with light painting can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Inconsistent Light Movement: Keep your light source moving smoothly to avoid uneven lighting.
- Too Much Ambient Light: Ensure your environment is dark to prevent unwanted light interference.
- Incorrect Focus: Always double-check your focus before starting your exposure to ensure sharp images.
Click the above images to enlarge.
Post-Processing Best Practices
- Basic Adjustments: Fine-tune exposure, contrast, and white balance to enhance your image.
- Layering: Combine multiple exposures to create complex effects and add depth.
- Cloning and Healing: Remove any unwanted artifacts or enhance light trails.
- Color Grading: Adjust colors to achieve a cohesive look that matches your vision.
Conclusion
Light painting is a fantastic way to add a creative flair to your product photography.
With a bit of practice and experimentation, you can create stunning, unique images that truly stand out.
So, grab your lights, set up your scene, and start painting with light.
Happy shooting!
P.S. – If you’d like to learn more about lighting painting in product photography, be sure to read my article here!
Discover How Professional Photography Can Elevate Your Brand
Get a Custom Quote Tailored to Your Specific Needs
Take a minute to fill out the form below. Doing so will help me understand your product photography needs. Once I receive your information, I'll reach out to you personally to discuss the project in more detail and create a customized quote for you.
You may also text me at: 410-596-4127 or E-mail me at: tom@tomcrowl.com