Light-painting photography: why I stopped using the BULB mode - EP222

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The major change I did over the past year with the settings is this: I totally stopped using the Bulb mode. That means I’m always using a fixed exposure duration, which goes from 1 to 13 seconds depending on the brightness of the sky. There are three reasons for this
1- Consistent exposure for the background. All of my shots are properly exposed as I’m not guessing a duration using bulb mode.
2- Trigger reliability. No more wireless trigger glitches. On bulb mode, I need to hold the trigger button for the whole duration of the exposure, which can be quite glitchy sometimes. This problem is now totally solved as I simply need to press the button once, and I know that the camera is going to expose for the proper duration
3- Teaching: during workshops, everything goes fast and anything I can do to simplify the technique is making the whole experience easier for everyone. Everybody sets the same exposure, and I simply provide a countdown. And then we’re all in sync.
Coming back to this lake… Something magical happened tonight. We probably had one of our best creative nights ever, without having planned for this or having any expectations for that matter. After 8 years of unwavering dedication, creating mostly in harsh conditions, we end up here, on this perfect calm night, making some of our best life time images so far. These 12 pictures have been taken during our 5-hour session.
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Follow our journey on
/ kimhenrydance
/ ericpare
/ kimhenry.dance
/ ericparephoto

[@Ericpare]

That "perfect settings" chart can be found right here: lightpaintingtubes.com/settings 💪🏽

[@FONDphoto]

It's interesting how the style and choice of optics affects our other technical aspects in photography. I use BULB mode and my camera trigger almost never fails. All because I use wide lenses and most of the time I'm not standing that far away from the camera ))

[@chuckruscher7135]

WOW no bulb mode mind blown!!! So what is exposure times you are typically setting 3-4 sec earily and 8-10 sec later and of course lowering th flash light lumins as is gets darker???

[@andreaboyle9435]

I've just started using M over B mode recently myself. Still working on all that but have been pleased with the results. But Eric, Why are you wearing sunglasses when the sun is behind you in the video? 😄

[@glassglowz]

Excellent video as always. You guys would probably love Achray in Algonquin park. It has very similar mountains in the back. Take care!

[@larsstrong3426]

Oh MY Greatness! I smiled deeply when the frog, or fish, jumped and then got strong chills as the photos started showing. The first two OMG the circles of varying light and then ripples around Kim in the water, WOW! And all the rest, Spectacular!!! Eric, the stacked rectangular segments, tricky and so well executed!!!

[@theguru143]

Okay, I purchased the "recommended" gear quite a few years ago but I need a new list please. Not the camera, but everything else you use in a session: flashlight choice, remote trigger, tripod... anything else. I was starting to get close to your "older" work, but dang this was amazing and I NEEEEED this in my life now, lol. Pretty please make a video of everything in your current kit and thank you for YEARS of teaching and inspiration

[@Ericpare]

haha you're right, I'm due for a new one. Especially about the complete workflow. In the mean time, did you see this one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXyqpGCPZdWlaq8 and this? lightpaintingtubes.com/gear

[@kimhenrydance]

We have something for you soon ;)

[@Ericpare]

that's for you ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnmxcqmwdsqCbKc

[@DeathValleyDazed]

Over the top experience. Thanks for sharing your creativity and expertise.

[@Ericpare]

thanks!! I heard you guys had a lot of rain at DV recently!! Have you been able to explore the area since then?

[@DeathValleyDazed]

@@Ericpare Road damage was extensive so I won’t be returning until mid November. Sure loved all of your shoots in Death Valley the past few years.

[@robvercouteren]

Minou would say Purrrrrrrrfect

[@Ericpare]

haha she is sleeping 😆😆😆😆💖💖

[@JCGuillot]

Wahou wahou wahou ! Un grand cru... Merci Eric et Kim : c'est simple, vous me redonnez l'envie de sortir mes tubes... fabriqués selon vos préceptes et que je viens de retrouver il y a deux jours ;)

[@Ericpare]

héhé!! Très cool ::) Tu nous montreras ça hein?

[@JCGuillot]

@@Ericpare promis :)

[@KathrynCostello]

Fantastic! I particularly love your longer exposures. So challenging not to get motion blur at anything over 2 seconds no matter how hard the model tries to be still.

[@Ericpare]

you said it! It's really hard and our success rate is quite low. But that specific night was very special. No wind and no mosquitoes = sharper images 😆😆 thanks Kathryn! :::))

[@chrisschindler7634]

Masters

[@geraldinebryce594]

Love the images absolutely outstanding. Love you dedication ❤️❤️

[@pskourides]

awesomeness

[@Ericpare]

thanks Phil :::)

[@MarcusPocus]

❤❤❤

[@thomastuorto9929]

I guess holding the button down thee whole time is a Canon thing. I own a Nikon DSLR & in Bulb Mode , if I remember correctly, it been a couple of years) press the button first time lifts the mirror, second time the shutter opens. Do the countdown & the third press ends the exposure. Or use a timer in the remote ( I own a Vello Shutterboss 2 wired, there is a wireless model) Don't do much night photos but can't remember going over 30 seconds for the type photos I take. You two do beautiful work.

[@thedarkslide]

Would be great if larger sensor cameras also had Olympus' live bulb mode or live composite.

[@DrgnSpawn]

So nice to see you guys being able to create your wonderful art, without being devoured by endless clouds of mosquitoes!

[@RedHeadKatrina_]

Awesome to see you guys! Gorgeous images AS ALWAYS!!

[@tvfun32]

Your adventurous videos are always informative and enjoyable watching. Thank you. I'm now using an Olympus OM D camera for light painting (along with your tubes) and it has the feature "Light Composite" just have to press the shutter to start, (don't use remote shutter) you can watch your image build as the shutter stays open as long as you want, then use a flash from a flash unit to illuminate the faces as an option, depress shutter again to end.

[@JackieKido15]

Wow... love this so much. Would love to capture with you both one day

[@Ericpare]

thanks Jackie ::)) Where are you based?

[@JackieKido15]

@@Ericpare always, in Virginia but hope to make it out to Canada soon

[@Ericpare]

@@JackieKido15 I know there are a lot of nice waterfalls in Virginia ;) one day!!! :::)))

[@JackieKido15]

@@Ericpare yes there certainly are. If you do, let me know 😉❤️

[@AirPavel]

Super ☺

[@sirskidney7998]

Hi Kim and Eric, amazing video and information. Thanks so much for sharing your skill and talent.