In this Light Painting Photography Video Tutorial Trevor Williams shows you how to introduce graphic elements into your light painting images using a DIY Light Stencil Box.
Light stencils are an easy way to add in graphic elements into your Light Painting Photography. Basically, the flash is fired in the frame while the shutter is open during a long exposure. The graphic element remains while the person and box are invisible. Check out the tutorial video and you can make the DIY Flash box as directed.
Using any illustration program print out your design onto fine grade paper which is slightly heavier than regular copy/printing paper. It suggested to print 2 and paste them together but make sure they are perfectly aligned by holding them up against a bright light source. You can also laminate your stencils so they can be reused without lamination they often rip when removed or changed but this is not a necessary step.
Gear:
Laminating Machine
Laminating Sheets
Printer: Canon Pixma Printer is a quality printer.
Paper: You can use any standard printer paper however Photo Paper works a little better.
Flash Settings:
I usually set the flash to about 1/8 power which works well with the settings I use on my camera for Light Painting. However you may need to adjust this and I suggest doing a test shot before your light work to check the exposure of the stencil. Happy shooting!
For the promotion and progression of Light Painting!