April 6 - Painting With Light Workshop - Still Life
April 6 – Painting with Light: A Still Life in Motion
Step into a world where still life meets the ethereal glow of moving light. Using a delicate dance of low-lumen colored LEDs, this studio-based light painting technique transforms ordinary objects into luminous compositions. Every stroke of light adds depth, drama, and a surreal quality—blending soft glows, bold streaks, and ambient reflections into a visual symphony.
The process unfolds in darkness, where controlled, intentional movements shape the final image. Cool blues and warm ambers trace delicate contours, while subtle greens and purples breathe life into shadows. The result? A still life that feels anything but still—radiating energy, mood, and mystery.
This approach invites both patience and spontaneity, where each exposure is a one-of-a-kind creation. Light becomes the brush, time the canvas, and imagination the only limit.
When: April 6
Location: Our Fort Pierce Studio – 1109 Soltman Ave
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Register For The Workshop
Join Maureen Mackenzie, Charlie Hutchins, and Spencer Rutledge for a captivating light painting experience! Illuminate vintage tools, cameras, and containers using fiber optics, low-level colored lights, and more. Explore creative techniques and craft stunning still-life images in this hands-on session!
Creating a stunning still life using light painting requires careful preparation, the right equipment, and a good understanding of exposure and movement. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Essential Equipment
Camera – A DSLR or mirrorless camera with full manual control is crucial. You’ll need to adjust shutter speed, aperture, and ISO manually to achieve the desired effect. A camera with good low-light performance will be beneficial.
Lens – A standard prime lens (such as a 50mm) or a macro lens (for intricate details) works well, depending on your subject and composition. A lens with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) can help control depth of field and light sensitivity.
- Tripod – Stability is key. Since you’ll be using long exposures, a sturdy tripod ensures sharpness and prevents blur caused by camera movement.
- Light Sources – Low-lumen colored LEDs are ideal for precise and subtle light painting. Options include:
- Small LED flashlights with color gels
- Even your phone’s flashlight with colored filters or gels
- Remote Shutter Release or Timer – Using a remote trigger or your camera’s built-in timer prevents vibrations when starting and stopping an exposure.
- Dark Environment – Light painting works best in a completely dark studio. Any ambient light can interfere with the painting process and reduce contrast.
Skills & Techniques You’ll Need
Manual Exposure Control – Set your camera to Bulb mode or a long exposure (typically between 10-60 seconds) to allow enough time for painting with light. Adjust your ISO (100-400) and aperture (f/8-f/16) for the best depth and clarity.
Light Movement – Experiment with different motions: soft sweeps for ambient glow, precise strokes for defined highlights, and rapid flicks for texture and accents.
Layering Light – Build up the exposure by selectively illuminating different parts of the still life. Move deliberately to control intensity and direction.
Experimenting with Color & Intensity – Using different colored LEDs at varying distances will affect how saturated and diffused the light appears in your final image.
Patience & Practice – Each light-painted image is unique. Trial and error will help refine your technique and achieve the perfect composition.
By mastering these tools and techniques, you’ll create mesmerizing still-life images where objects seem to glow with an otherworldly light. With practice, you’ll develop a personal style and uncover endless creative possibilities.
