How to paint using light

Light is not just for illuminating your subject matter in photography. When strategically placed and used, light can create shimmer and reflections that enhance the subject. In terms of photography, "painting" means passing a concentrated light source, such as a flashlight, over a subject. For example, think of a prison breakout movie in which the criminal is plastered against the outer wall, and a giant spotlight is flashed over and around the wall and actor.

In this tutorial, the still life is a bowl of painted pine cones on a small table with fake greenery around the bowl and twine in front. To keep the photo focus on the still life, the backdrop is an unadorned wall.

Materials
- Bowl of painted pine cones
- Fake vines or green leaves
- Thick twine
- Small table
- Small LED flashlight
-Tripod

Instructions
1. Set up the still life. Place the bowl of pine cones in the center of the table. Run greenery around the bowl. Place the twine in front of the bowl.

2. Set up the camera on a tripod and make sure the still life is in focus. Place the flashlight within easy reach.

3. Adjust the camera's settings. You will want a small aperture and a slow shutter speed.

4. Turn off all lights and draw all curtains. The room should be completely dark.

5. Turn on the flashlight and paint light over the subject for several seconds while the shutter is open, keeping your hands from getting in the frame.

6. Close the camera's shutter and turn on the lights when you are done.