Light Painting Tutorial, Spirographs

[@chase_with_jase]

Very cool idea for doing spirographs. Another method I used to use when I did light painting in tunnels / storm drains was a wheel off a BMX bike with LED string lights even spaced and taped onto the spokes. Had a handle that was attached to the wheel's axle. To use it you would set your camera on "Bulb" get into position with the wheel resting on the floor of a preferably round pipe. Using the handle you would wheel the wheel around the wall of the pipe up and over you and return to the start point and switch off lights.

[@TracyWrightCorvo808]

You’re amazing Jason! Love playing with all of your light painting tools. I’m a novice but I’m determined.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you. You are too kind. There is nothing more powerful than a determined mind. :)

[@riotv183]

@@LightPaintingPhotography Great Work, I have a question, I can't seem to locate the light pens and a link was not provided in the description, could you please provide a link o where to purchase these items?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

@@riotv183 Here you are: lightpaintingbrushes.com/collections/light-writers just keep in mind you need a flashlight and a Universal Connector for the whole set up.

[@richiel135]

Just like to say thank you after watching this video trying out a few things in my garage. The piece of card was a great tip and changed the appearance of my images. TY

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Awesome Thank you for commenting happy to hear the trip about the card helped! :)

[@MWTH73]

Excellent Thank You Jason These indoor projects help so much during shutdown

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Happy to hear you are keeping up the creativity and shinning some light in these crazy times! Stay well!

[@MilVinote]

I'm really glad that I've found this tutorial, I LOVE to discover new cool and original ways to light paint and this one was unique ! Thanks a lot !

[@kanaristm1]

Tried a couple Spirographs with the bottles and light pins and works amazing. Thank you for sharing your videos and shipping the items ordered quickly. Great service and great informational videos!

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you very much for your kind comment and your support!

[@chillichixx]

Just started the Spirograph technique over the last couple of days really enjoy trying new ideas.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you, really glad you are enjoying the videos and trying the techniques!

[@kb0cow]

Great way to make these i have made some years ago, might have to try again, Thanks Jason

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

These are so fun to make and with all Light Painting the possibilities are ENDLESS!

[@edgarandrescordobaburbano4774]

Fotografías espectaculares... Gracias por compartir tu trabajo... Saludos desde Colombia

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you!

[@gabeparsons6494]

love all your work, you take your time explaining everything. awesome examples!!!

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you very much! Really glad you enjoy them.

[@ungavaproductions]

Amazing works ! Simply beautiful. Will try for sure ahd wouod like to know where can I find a universal attachment

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

LightPaintingBrushes.com

[@Stone1108]

The algorithm came up trumps on this one, so pleased I watched your video tutorial. Thanks.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you Andrew, so happy the Algo set us your way!

[@meghaikki]

I'm obsessed with this channel❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Really happy to hear that! Thank you. :)

[@joetorres9892]

I am so sorry for being a smart ass in the past comments. But your videos have inspired me to get out and do things! 👍 You Rock!

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you glad they have inspired you.

[@crunchytaco7734]

Such a simple technique to make an amazing photo. Can’t wait to try this. Thanks for the video. Keep it up.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you :)

[@Clebrush2]

My brain has exploded 12 different times... Your video was quite explanatory on everything I needed to know about light Photography.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

+Sam Newton II Thank you.

[@tracylynnw]

Try using a "Y" shaped string (tied to two different spots on the ceiling, and comes down to one string holding your light), that one makes an interesting pattern... more square like or box shape.

[@saxon1177]

Cool! That's definitely one I'll have to try. Thx, bud!

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Hope you do! Thank you for the comment!

[@luistuberchannel3524]

Jason, very cool video...I see great uses for this in education (as you already mentioned) :-) Love the props..

[@markferrell55]

Your so awesome at doing this and helping others, thanks man

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you very much Mark, I appreciate the compliment, I am grateful that I can share my passion with others!

[@angelahaines6792]

Thank you , always find you interesting and informative . Tell me though do we have to focus the camera ? Or just f16,iso 100, bulb . Thanks

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you Angela, Yes you will need to focus the camera. There are a few ways to do this I just get down on about the same level as where my camera will be siting and focus as normal from there. You can also measure the distance and then set it on your lens.

[@eyewaves...]

Fantastic !!! Great stuff. Amazingly easy to do once you get the hang of it - I hope... ;)

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

They are super easy and sooooo fun to create, the more colors and textures you add in the better! You can get some wild images just swinging a light around.

[@hami9149]

Thank you very much for showing how this is done. I have done a few but for some reason not able to get mine to be in focus. Do you have any tips for that?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you glad you liked the tutorial! The easiest way to get focus is IF your camera has a flip out LCD screen and the live view function you can set your camera down with the screen flipped out and then use either manual focus of auto focus WITH THE LIGHTS ON to get focus, if you use auto focus make sure to turn it to manual focus before you turn the lights off. If your camera doesn't have those features you can measure the distance from the hanging light to the focal plane of your camera and the set the distance on your lens.

[@hami9149]

@@LightPaintingPhotography Thank you so much for getting back to me and for the great tips! I will try it out and let you know!

[@floger1983]

how did you build the led essays? Have you a tutorial about it?? Thx. Great video

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you! The tools are from LightPaintingBrushes.com

[@floger1983]

@@LightPaintingPhotography thx but I can’t found this tools :-/ your tools have color leds

[@stilapsievideos6892]

That was really cool. I had no idea it could be that easy.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you, they are easy and really fun.

[@Hannemanneke]

Thanks Jason! Inspiring video 👍👍 One question… why using a torch? Can’t you tape the rope on the “tube” you put the light pen in?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

All of the Light Painting Brushes tools are illuminate by a torch inserted into the conical shaped end of the Universal Connector!

[@Teaustin66]

Great video! Can't wait to try this. Thank you.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you, Hope you make some MAGIC!

[@yazzw]

Ab Fab brilliant tutorial...........many thanks for the ideas

[@selvamyaro]

Stunning idea

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@selvamyaro]

@@LightPaintingPhotography I am from India... Kind of fish light or stuff not available...

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

@@selvamyaro Light Painting Brushes ships to India from LightPaintingBrushes.com but keep in mind you can light paint with anything that emits light! If you have a flashlight you can hang it from a string and swing it around to create something very similar!

[@syedorion527]

Thanks a lot for this new creativity light painting types video.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

You're welcome, thank you for the kind comment! Hope you give a go!

[@eyewaves...]

Great shots - missing is what lens did you use and the settings because of the area and DOF coverage.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

I believe this was using the Tokina 11-17 Lens. I usually shoot using a wide angle lens. The settings vary I usually shoot these around iso100 and F11-F22 depending on how bright the light source is. The exposure times can vary as well depending on how many different tools I include in the image. If you shoot in a dark room you can let the exposure run for a long time.

[@josephcornejo1114]

This is freaking cool. Thanks for all your videos.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you! More are on the way, make sure to subscribe if you haven't yet :)

[@josephcornejo1114]

@@LightPaintingPhotography I did I even clicked on the Bell looking forward to new videos also will be getting the kit as well

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you very much! @@josephcornejo1114

[@MetalSlugzMaster]

Nice. Back in 2012 it occurred to me something like this could work as a spirograph; I did the same thing and I thought I had stumbled onto something novel. It had been done before, of course. First person to light paint at all was Picasso, in fact.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

We know the feeling, there are many things yet to be done in Light Painting though, and check out this history of light painting link. Picasso was the most famous to ever light paint, however it actually started back in 1889. lightpaintingphotography.com/light-painting-history/

[@MetalSlugzMaster]

LightPaintingPhoto Learn something every day. Thankyou!

[@chillichixx]

I’m a Light Painting freak once Lockdown due to COVID is Lifted I will be back out there trying some cool items I haven’t tried yet.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

I feel you on that one! Can't wait for things to get back to normal, looks like its starting to get better now!

[@chillichixx]

@@LightPaintingPhotography we are in our 2nd Lockdown since Middle of January we are going to Stage 2 next week we are allowed 4 hours excessive a day ,we are now able to have 4 households per bubble but I need one person with me of a night to do Light Painting outside.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

@@chillichixx It has been really tough, glad to hear its getting a little better for you!

[@chillichixx]

@@LightPaintingPhotography we are lucky living on an Island where it can be contained much quicker..Travel to and from the Island is restricted to only if necessary otherwise it is 10 days isolation.

[@tjt072]

Very cool. Could you crate similar shapes while hold the flashlight and moving it?

[@wolfspwn1]

Thank you for these tips and ideas. Got yourself a new sub!

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you very much, really appreciate you commenting and subscribing!

[@Alotofthings6745]

really cool ! lots of practice required too !

[@koolhand12]

Jason, can you please provide more explanation of the Bulb Mode, and how that works with this process?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Bulb Mode is basically a manual override of the shutter so that I have full control over when the shutter opens and when it closes. Bulb mode is similar to manual mode but instead of adjusting the camera settings in manual mode to say ISO 100, F8 30 Second Exposure. In BULB Mode I am telling the camera that I want ISO 100, F8 but I will open the shutter when I want and I will close it when I want. In bulb mode I am not giving the camera any instruction on a specific shutter time. I open and close the shutter via a wired or wireless shutter release that is attached to the camera. This way I can leave the shutter open for as long as it takes me to light paint the image.

[@ungavaproductions]

What about the focus ? auto or pre manual focus and what about time of exposure approx to not burn ou under exposed ? Thanks to come back

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

The focus should be manual. You can use auto focus with the lights on then switch it to manual before the lights go out! I am going to do an updated Spirograph video in the near future!

[@swapniljadhav7761]

woooooooow super awsmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm im sure going to try all this thanks.

[@jjNitro21]

Awesome video! Can the lumens of flashlight be too bright for this sort of thing? Lets say 1000 lumens for example

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Not really as you can always adjust your camera settings accordingly. I guess if you had an outrageously bright flashlight you could blow out the image but then you could also make other adjustments such as a ND filter on your lens .

[@Elman-1976]

Interesting go around great video I’m also a new photographer I was reading your comments first before I asked. I tested my dollar store setup first but things didn’t turn out as sharp. I had the same setup as you, iso 100 f16 M focus 2 second delay. But one thing I wanted to know what white balance do you have your camera set on. I’m probably getting your paint setup soon. Thanks agin great video.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Personally I use the fluorescent white balance most of the time...

[@bbrown6057]

I for the life of me can't figure out how you made the shape in this video. I tried everything and not even close to this lol but I did come up with a pretty cool one in the mean time. Nice job and I would love to learn how you got this shape hint hint :-)

[@alonshoavi575]

Hi Jason, how do you make the video of the light trail moving around?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

There was an app called "Light Paint" by Wow Stuff that would show the light painting live and then I just did a screen recording on my phone but I don't think the app is around anymore.

[@denisbelya3079]

Awesome video! great and clear explanation also!

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you.

[@WayneIrish]

Another great video. Thankyou.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you! More are on the way! :)

[@zeppo7]

Cool, can't wait to try this

[@grantmckenzie5861]

Where can I buy the light pens?I've looked on your website but they are not there.

[@crunchytaco7734]

Grant Mckenzie they should be on their website, that is where I got mine. I got the light pens and markers.

[@grantmckenzie5861]

@@crunchytaco7734 Thank you mate

[@jacquelinemartin9793]

would also llike to know if your products contain latex thank you

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Hey Jacqueline the majority of the Light Painting Brushes are made from plastics and natural rubber however some of the parts that make up the Light Painting Brushes tools are manufactured in a facility where they also manufacture latex products so if you have an allergy we would recommend that you use normal precautions as if the tools do contain latex.

[@nicolasdupuy8646]

LightPaintingPhoto grade daddy yankee

[@martinchicahuala4794]

Excelent!!!! Amazing!!!

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@cariefitzgerald3303]

I love your videos!!

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

I love that you love them. :)

[@michaelganner1581]

How do you get this setup in focus if the camera is flat on the table ?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

The way I do it is simply bend down to about the same height as the table and pull focus. You can either focus on auto or manual mode but make sure that once you get focus you switch the camera back to manual so that when you turn the lights off your camera doesn't "search for focus" in the dark. If you want to be very precise you can also measure the distance from the hanging light to the focal plane of your camera and then set that distance on your lens.

[@michaelganner1581]

@@LightPaintingPhotography thank you for contacting me , can't wait to try it 👍👍👍👍👍

[@jacquelinemartin9793]

Hi, I was wondering... please don't laugh... but if your camera is on the table... how do you make sure you are in focus? I use back button focusing. That is my first question. Second one is this... I don't own the light pens you have.. but rather I do have some cheap dollar store finger lights... I trieds this using the finger lights... and BLAH they didn't look good at all. I had my settings, 100ISO, 16 A, and bulb mode... but the light was really blown out :( What lens were you using and how far was your lens from the light source if you don't mind my asking. Looking forward to trying these and having them turn out! Thank you for your video, very informative

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Hi Jacqueline, The easiest way to achieve focus is to just get down to about the table height and pull focus then make sure to switch to manual focus so that when the lights go out your camera is not searching for focus. For something a little more accurate you can measure the distance from the hanging light to your camera and focus with the distance. We recommend using a wide angle lens for this technique something around 11-16MM that way you have more space to spin the light source and get more complex and interesting patterns. If your images are blown out try stopping down your lens a bit more that should help. :)

[@pilot65d]

Can you tell me what is a good lens for this? 35mm 50mm 70mm ? Thank you

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

A wide angle lens is the way to go, something around 11-14 MM

[@4K-Harrison]

Thankx for the idea. Really amazing.

[@ickenhernandez]

Great tips!!!

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you glad they helped!

[@woolstone100]

Love work work, where can I purchase a kit of lights including the universal adapter, would appreciate anyone's help. I live in Australia...cheers Jan

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Shipped worldwide from lightpaintingbrushes.com

[@woolstone100]

I purchased the beginner pack ,, it seems that they are different lights, I want to make spirographs, so it looks that I have purchased the wrong ones, can you please let me know which one's I need to order. And can these ones be returned, thanks

[@joetorres9892]

Awesome video, do the light pens have a lens in them?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

The light pens are illuminated via a flashlight connected using the Universal Connector.

[@joetorres9892]

LightPaintingPhoto yes I see that. My question is: is there a lens in the pen?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

I am not sure what you mean by lens? There is a colored disc inside the pen to give it the color is that what you are asking?

[@joetorres9892]

LightPaintingPhoto a lens is a piece of glass or other transparent substance with curved sides for concentrating or dispersing light rays. You really didn't know what I was asking? Wow! Was just wondering if there was a lens in the light pen so I can make one. Nevermind though I figured it out. But wow!

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

You're Welcome

[@andes8166]

Ok, I have a question ( sorry I'm a beginner ) but how do you get your the focus set?

[@farhatabbas2337]

first guess the distance between hanging light and camera , then turn on the light (any light) , then take your camera (in your hands ) and point towards light and set the focus (distance should be same) ,then put it back on table , you are done with it.

[@farhatabbas2337]

* focus should be manual.

[@eclecticjon1019]

This is amazing!!!

[@lorenatorero3517]

Donde compras las plumas de luz???

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

LightPaintingBrushes.com

[@Pomdaddy]

Great video thanks!!!!!

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you!

[@haynerbass]

Is it safe to use a laser?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Lasers can damage your camera's sensor and your eyeballs. Better to use a flashlight.

[@haynerbass]

@@LightPaintingPhotography I assumed as much. Thanks for your answer.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

@@haynerbass You're welcome :)

[@chiguiro15]

Nice 👍

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@davemunn3025]

never seen or can trace a universal connector- tried amazon but WHERE do you get one of these?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

you can get them on the Light Painting Brushes website. Link is in the description or LightPaintingBrushes.com

[@agarwalsonika7]

Very helpful video

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you glad it helped!

[@paulagreco1472]

what is a good way to focus?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Bend down to about the same level as the table and pull focus, make sure to set the focus to manual. If you want to get exact you can measure the distance from your camera to the hanging light.

[@alices9856]

You're really creative

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you!

[@NoahR-di1nu]

what shutter speed should I use?

[@User2398Paris]

Thank you so much .So helpful

[@sistasuga]

You guys ROCK!!

[@virginijussutkus6764]

Great!

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you!

[@lonniepaulson7031]

What focal length lens were you using?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

+Lonnie Paulson Measure the distance from your lens to the hanging light source sill give you your approx. focal distance.

[@OldBarrique]

Amazing!

[@the_colour_of_time]

thx Jason!!! ☺

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

+Andreas Eckert Thank you

[@stevec1835]

Love it .....

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you.

[@nachobbm345]

¿Soy de México como puedo adquirirlos ?

[@glennaa11]

very cool!

[@srijanbharadwaj4945]

can't I do it without using bulb mode

[@MO-bx1yx]

wow 🎉

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

:)

[@Kohkrating]

Awesome , Thank you so much.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you!

[@claudiadevries1002]

Thank you ..I m going to try ..

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Wonderful so glad that this Light Painting tutorial has inspired you to give it a try!

[@atahassanzadeh4878]

how about Focusing technique ? ! ?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

We will be making a video on focusing in the dark very soon, for now: There are two main ways to focus in the dark. The first is you can illuminate the space with either a bright flashlight or if you are inside turn the lights on. With the area illuminated or lights on you focus on your subject or area you want to be in focus using manual or your automatic focus. Once you pull focus on your subject or area switch your camera back to MANUAL mode and then turn the lights off. If you are outside in the dark or you don’t have a light bright enough to illuminate your subject or area you can take a flashlight and place it next to or on your subject or area where you want to focus. With your subject or area illuminated with the flashlight then you focus on your subject using manual or your automatic focus. Once you pull focus on your subject switch your camera back to MANUAL mode and then turn the lights off.

[@jamesmarch2195]

how did you focus?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Bend down to about the same level as the table and pull focus, make sure to set the focus to manual. If you want to get exact you can measure the distance from your camera to the hanging light.

[@sunilkotyan4443]

Amazing

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you!

[@kaylennon4615]

Where can I find them pens?

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

+Kay Lennon lightpaintingbrushes.com

[@chillitronics6154]

great subbed!

[@charliefarley74]

brilliant

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you

[@rocioguevaraobando9075]

Thanks, gracias, merci.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you :)

[@kasunchamara2209]

thanks for this

[@photofountain-gettrainedto4568]

Why I have not got idea yet

[@stratixmedia]

Song really Sounds like a Piano Cover of "Broadripple is Burning"

[@vidmaster7]

The music playing during the tutorial is distracting.

[@LightPaintingPhotography]

Thank you for letting us know :)

[@lukeyu2374]

I think it should be called harmonograph, not spirograph