Light Painting Portrait Tutorial Using Mini Glitter Sticks

Learn how to create a unique Light Painting portrait using the new Light Painting Brushes Mini Glitter Sticks! In this quick, beginner-friendly tutorial, Jason D. Page demonstrates how to create beautiful light effects around a model using the Light Painting Brushes system and a Halo Filter.

This short tutorial introduces a fun and accessible way to experiment with Light Painting portraits, combining moving light, long exposure photography, and creative in the camera effects.

Create Unique Light Painting Portraits completely in camera! 

Light Painting is the intentional movement of light through space over time. Using a long exposure, the camera records the movement of light, allowing the Light Painter to create unique forms, textures, and effects around a subject.

In this tutorial, the new LPB Mini Glitter Sticks are used to create swirls of light around a lovely model. The compact size of the new mini glitter sticks makes them a great tool for experimenting in tighter environments.

Light Painting portraits created using the Light Painting Brushes system and Mini Glitter Sticks.

The process is simple. These steps provide a starting point for experimenting with the Light Painting technique demonstrated in the video.

1. Set up your camera. Place your camera on a tripod in a dark environment. Select manual exposure settings and use a long exposure or Bulb mode.
2. Position and focus on your model. With the lights on compose your shot and focus on your model. After you get your focus make sure to keep your camera on manual focus! Turn the lights off.
3. Illuminate your model. Ask your model to remain as still as possible during the exposure. Start the exposure and illuminate your model using the Light Painting Brushes Portrait Light Attachment. Only Illuminate your model one time in a single slow pass. 
4. Create effects with the Mini Glitter Sticks. Keep the exposure running and now move the illuminated mini glitter sticks around your subject to create the desired forms and textures.
5. Review and experiment. Examine your Light Painting, then explore different movements, positions, and timing to create new results!

Camera settings to begin: ISO 100, f/8 Bulb mode are starting points. If you don't have Bulb mode use a 15-30 second exposure time. If your image is not as bright as you would like slow down your movement, if your image is too bright speed up your movements! 

Every Light Painting is unique and unrepeatable. Experiment with the movement of light through space over time to discover your own creative results.

Explore and Learn More Light Painting Techniques

Explore additional tutorials and discover more creative ways to use the Light Painting Brushes system. Learn about different tools, techniques, and possibilities for creating your own Light Painting art.