Creative still lifes are the perfect outlet for photographers who want to stay creative, even when they can’t or don’t want to go outside. If it’s pouring rain and the light is terrible, you can still be creative. All you need are a few props, a bit of light, and most importantly: an idea. Often, coming up with that idea is harder than mastering technique or choosing the right equipment.   

Learn how to maintain sharpness when light painting. Flash is not the only way—lighting, color, and movement can be utilized in creative ways. Learn to light your models so they look natural. Also, learn how to create depth while working with multiple light sources. Finally, where does color theory come into play? In this installment, we’ll take a look at advanced techniques that will take your light painting portraits to the next level.  

Almost every photographer has tried light painting at some point. Long exposures, running around with a flashlight or string of lights is great fun, but we usually don’t expect much from the resulting photos. They’re just light trails. But with some patience and creativity, this technique can be used to create stunning works of art, including light-painted portraits.