Digital Camera World - UK (2019-12)

(Antfer) #1

20 DIGITAL CAMERA^ DECEMBER 2019


1 Camera setup
To ensure my camera was reading around a
13-second exposure, I reduced the aperture
down to f/16 and the ISO to 64. I then used a
10-stop ND filter to increase the shutter speed
time further, as I was shooting in the middle
of the day in a dark but not completely black
room. You won’t need an ND filter if you shoot
in a completely dark room.

2 Light on a string
To create the swirling twirling effect of the light
going around the vase, I attached a small torch
to the end of a piece of string. Now it was just
a case of focusing the camera onto the vase,
then opening the shutter and making small
circle motions with the light around the object.
You will need to review each shot and adjust
the exposure accordingly: this is ultimately
a process that requires experimentation.

3 Different colours
To get an alternative result, I wrapped a piece
of yellow cellophane over the torch; this was
the result. I also tried it with a brighter and
larger light source that ended up being a bit
distracting for my taste. But there really are
no limits, so make your indoor light trails
unique and stand out from the pack.

n those rainy days when you don’t
want to venture outdoors, indoor
light trails are a fun mini project.
You don’t need much to try this
yourself: just a piece of string, a
torch or small light, and a tripod. I also used an
old-fashioned science vase so I could twirl the
light around the transparent object, and see the
light trails behind as well as in front. What you use
as the main subject to cast your light trails around
is up to you; experiment with alternative objects.
Taking the image is all about using a long
shutter speed to record the swirling twirling
light patterns. To avoid any camera movement,
check your camera is securely fastened to your
tripod and that the catches have been tightened.
You may also want to use a remote shutter
release (or self-timer if you don’t have one)
and the mirror lockup feature.
Finally, the trick when making the twirling
motions is to keep moving! If you do make
a pause, you will have an unwelcome
patch of light in your frame.

Shoot indoor


light trails


Claire Gillo shows you how
to slow down the shutter
speed setting and create
a masterpiece at home

2 | CREATIVE

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Free download pdf