Light Painting a Peacock Feather

Light painting is a unique way to light a scene with only a flashlight. This technique really creates a different looking and feeling image. The process of taking the photograph takes place in complete darkness. A long shutter speed is used with the camera on a tripod and trial and error come into play as you learn how much light can be used in the scene. With light painting you can really control where you light your image. This can help emphasize certain areas of your image. I used a small pen light to light this image, but any light big or small will work depending on your subject.

Nikon D810, 8 seconds @f/22, ISO 200, 24-70mm, on a tripod, lit with a pen light

Here are two light paintings I created during a workshop with photographer Dave Black.

Nikon D800, multiple seconds, on a tripod, lit with a pen light

Nikon D800, multiple seconds, on a tripod, lit with a pen light