JPG Magazine: Stories: How To: a study in light tracing

a study in light tracing

By Travis Southerland

25 June 2007

One of my hobbies (besides photography of course) is astronomy. I love the night sky and all of the wonders that are held within it. One night, during the Leonids meteor shower, I got the idea to try some light tracing photography.

I'm sure most of you have seen pictures of this before, and if not, here is the gist.

To start out, you will need:

- empty space that you cam move around in

- black clothes

- LED or flashlight

- camera with "bulb" or up to at least 3 sec exposures

- tripod

- wireless shutter release(optional)

Step 1: Set up your tripod about chest high, pointed in the direction in which you will be standing.

Step 2: Set your camera to timer mode (mine was set to 3 sec). I also used a wireless shutter release due to the fact that I wanted the camera to focus when I pressed the shutter. I did so by shining the flashlight at myself, and pressing the remote shutter until it beeped.

Step 3: Set your camera to about a 2.5 or 3 second exposure at a low ISO (I used ISO 200). This is where you will want to experiment.

Step 4: Dressed all in black, turn out the lights and get in front of the camera (I used my flashlight to find my way...Safety First!).

Step 5: Using the wireless shutter release, press the shutter to focus the camera, and wait for the timer countdown.

Step 6: As soon as you hear the shutter, make your design in front of you, making sure to keep the light pointed at the camera. I found that moving very fast worked best, as you only have a couple of seconds to complete your design.

If done correctly you will be completely invisible and all that will remain is the light trail. I used a LED flashlight with 3 LEDs in it, Hence the 3 distinct lines.

This is a very easy, and probably doesn't need a tutorial, but I personally find it a very rewarding way spending the day with my camera.

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