Creating led light drawings using a camera is a snap! All you need is a camera (with the ability to set long exposure times) and a tripod (We actually used a table!). Most of the pictures we took had shutter speeds ranging from 20 to 60 seconds; however, even shutter speeds as short as 4 seconds can work (you just have less time to draw!). The camera we used for this project is my trusty (and no longer manufactured) Panasonic DMC-FZ30. See more example pictures and tips after the jump.
- Tip: Plan out your drawing and practice it first.
20 seconds is not as long as it seems. If you are planning to draw an elaborate picture or write out a few words – you will quickly run into obstacles. Time and space are the limiting factors, so plan accordingly. It embarrassingly took me a few trials to get the letter “S” orientated in the right direction.
- Tip: Work with a partner!
Divide and conquer is the idea. I decided to write the word “Sheek” at the top of the picture space and Adam decided to write the word “Geek” at the bottom.
- Tip: Use a very dark space.
The two above “SheekGeek” pictures are the result of ambient light infiltrating our photos. After cutting off all lights in the area, the resulting backgrounds were much darker. Changing F stop and ISO settigngs can also help.
- Tip: Use different color LEDs.
The red and blue pictures are the result of using an LED that blinks red and blue. Other colors can be combined to create really creative designs.
It was great amusement to create these pictures. I encourage you try this project out. Provided you already have the materials needed, view it as a couple of free hours of entertainment ;0).