Working with two completely different light sources has proved challenging. With a lighter in one hand and a LED mini flashlight in the other, I began light painting this image.
The first thing I do is light the candle after I set the scene up. I do this in total darkness. It takes a bit of practice to get the candle glow just right.
As soon as the shutter opens, I let the candle burn for about 2 seconds, again in total darkness. While the shutter is still open, I stand in front of the camera and blow the candle out.
Next, I start light painting with my assortment of LED lights. Because of the two distinctly different temperature ranges of light, it is a must to shoot in RAW.
It takes up to 200 or so failed attempts to get one right photo. That's just the RAW file.
Editing takes a major role. There is quite a bit of post processing to balance out the light and contrast. I also add different layers of textures to get the final look that I was aiming for. Those little bits of editing is what gives the final image a well worn feel.
The first thing I do is light the candle after I set the scene up. I do this in total darkness. It takes a bit of practice to get the candle glow just right.
As soon as the shutter opens, I let the candle burn for about 2 seconds, again in total darkness. While the shutter is still open, I stand in front of the camera and blow the candle out.
Next, I start light painting with my assortment of LED lights. Because of the two distinctly different temperature ranges of light, it is a must to shoot in RAW.
It takes up to 200 or so failed attempts to get one right photo. That's just the RAW file.
Editing takes a major role. There is quite a bit of post processing to balance out the light and contrast. I also add different layers of textures to get the final look that I was aiming for. Those little bits of editing is what gives the final image a well worn feel.
