Painting with Light - difficult with P&S cameras

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

01/19/2004 12:13:12 AM · #1

I usually dont complain about challenge topics, and this is not so much a complaint as an observation and a request for help.

I've seen the 'Painting with Light' technique used at DPC previously, and thought it rather interesting. Now the Members challenge is specifically using that technique.

However, doesnt this technique require long exposure times?

I currently use a Fujifilm MX600Z, which whilst being a pretty good camera in it's time, is getting old, and can basically be considered a Point-&-Shoot. As such, I dont have any control over exposure times. Sure, the camera will adjust exposure time automatically, but I dont think it can work with this technique.

So, basically, I'm stuck for this challenge, which is annoying. Unless anyone can advise of a way to Paint with Light with a P&S.

TooCool

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

01/19/2004 12:15:28 AM · #2

Yeah, Like my camera has a maximum of 2 sec exposure... So I'm expecting some pointers on this one...

unholycommunion

Canon EOS-20D

01/19/2004 12:15:30 AM · #3

I was thinking the same thing! (hugs his rebel)

justine

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/19/2004 12:17:38 AM · #4

There are many web sites devoted to this subject. You might want to review a few of them for some help and ideas. Good luck.

goinskiing

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/19/2004 12:17:47 AM · #5

Yeah, mine only has a maximum of 2" as well, and I really don't have much control over it. Yeah, I was thinkin' the same thing as well. Well, I'll just have to be really creative and really puch myself.

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/19/2004 12:18:36 AM · #6

I have done some of these, mainly while backpacking, and it is pitch black.
For instance

It was a 16 second exposure, and shining light all over the place. I guess it comes down to how long a P&S shutter will stay open. There are lots of things that can be done in under 2 seconds

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

01/19/2004 12:19:16 AM · #7

To quote a zenboy "if it was easy, it wouldn't be dpCHALLENGE" ;)

M

goinskiing

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/19/2004 12:21:21 AM · #8

Originally posted by mavrik:

To quote a zenboy "if it was easy, it wouldn't be dpCHALLENGE" ;)

M

True that.

Rooster

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 Aspherical for Canon

01/19/2004 12:22:25 AM · #9

I dont even get the challenge. Is the technique to move the light as you are taking the picture?

01/19/2004 12:23:54 AM · #10

Originally posted by mavrik:

To quote a zenboy "if it was easy, it wouldn't be dpCHALLENGE" ;)

M

Ah, but I'm not asking for easy, I'm asking for possible!

For example, a challenge stating 'take a photo with your $5000 20x telephoto zoom lens' wouldnt exactly be fair on most people, would it?

As per some of the other comments above, I'm just looking for pointers on how to do this with a P&S - particularly seeing as it looks like the camera I'm using has a max exposure time of a quarter of a second.

Message edited by author 2004-01-19 00:26:37.

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

01/19/2004 12:25:26 AM · #11

My thumb below, I consider painted with light. It was pitch black, and no length of exposure would bring it out without shining my headlamp all over the canyon walls and the ruin.

welcher

Canon EOS-5D

01/19/2004 12:26:45 AM · #12

This entry was "painted with light", and was a 1 second exposure. You won't be able to get creative with different color lights, but 2 seconds is a lot if time!

Also note that the camera was a P&S!

Message edited by author 2004-01-19 00:27:18.

goinskiing

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/19/2004 12:27:51 AM · #13

I am just trying to understand the "non-stationary light source thing."

Message edited by author 2004-01-19 00:28:03.

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

01/19/2004 12:29:40 AM · #14

[quote=sleekr}seeing as it looks like the camera has a max exposure time of less than a second.[/quote]
there are some good examples in the After Dark challenge that show this. 12th place, 17th place, seem like good examples to me for it. Using portable light sources.

Message edited by author 2004-01-19 00:30:37.

welcher

Canon EOS-5D

01/19/2004 12:30:38 AM · #15

Basic method is this: leave your lens open for a period of time, in a more or less pitch black room, and use one (or more) light sources to "paint" over your subject.

Move the light around, and shine on different parts of the subject at different angles and for different periods of time. Produces some neat effects.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

01/19/2004 12:34:35 AM · #16

I hd the same problem with my Hallowe'en entry -- my longest exposure is 1/2 second. With the camera on a tripod, I set the timer and then used the penlight to illuminate the target area until the exposure occurred. In this case I was holding the light pretty still, but I could have been moving it around. But don't move it if your setting will create definite shadows like my shot doea -- then you'll just get a blurry mess.

It will be much harder to get an effective image with a P+S camera, but it's not impossible.

Message edited by author 2004-01-19 00:34:52.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

01/19/2004 12:41:02 AM · #17

I might have to hold my 150W halogen light in my hand and use that :)

hsteg

Fujifilm X-T20

01/19/2004 12:46:26 AM · #18

I gotta go get my brothers mag-lite.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

01/19/2004 12:50:35 AM · #19

Originally posted by GeneralE:

In this case I was holding the light pretty still, but I could have been moving it around. But don't move it if your setting will create definite shadows like my shot doea -- then you'll just get a blurry mess.

But there's the rub - the challenge is to use a 'non-stationary light source, such as a moving flashlight'. If I was to use a flashlight but hold it still, then it's not really any different than using a fix light source such as a desk lamp, and wouldnt fit the challenge.

I'll try it, but not sure how I'll go....

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

01/19/2004 01:43:10 AM · #20

Right, so pay attention to the setup and don't shoot a subject which will create shadows. A macro where the subject fills the frame might work ... my example was more to show the limits of exposure with that camera and illumination; the subject would not be suitable for this particular challenge.

Message edited by author 2004-01-19 01:44:48.

Pedro

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

01/19/2004 02:04:00 AM · #21

you won't be able to do this with a P&S, but this is my favourite example of the technique (from an earlier challenge)

*NUDITY AHEAD* don't look if you're going to be offended.

Seeker's "Lady in Red"

carlacryptic

Nikon D40X

01/19/2004 02:52:24 AM · #22

I'm pretty excited about this challenge because it is going to be one. :) I figure it will only become clear to me what's possible as I try different things - it's what happens in that moment, when nothing else works, what does work will present itself. I'd suggest giving it a try and then finding out what comes of it with your particular camera's limitations (which, for me, equal possible happy accidents!)...? The thing I like best is doing something I couldn't have planned on in advance.

Alexys

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

01/19/2004 05:50:13 AM · #23

IÂ´m sorry... IÂ´m very new in photograph, so I donÂ´t know this technique very good, can somebody say me some link to get more information?

rj324

Nikon D7000