
The preset light patterns that come with the stick will help get you going quickly. The pixelstick is really good for abstract work. A simple rotation of the pixelstick or light saber is often all that’s needed. With practice, you’ll find the strongest scenes use a more minimalist approach. There is a temptation to overcook (do too much) a light painting. Repetition often works well for photographs, and the control you have with the pixelstick allows you to do this more easily. Having a pattern in your frame and repeating it makes a nice light painting. Have a plan for the direction the line will flow in your frame, and how it will lead the viewer’s eye to the point of interest. You probably know leading lines work well in photos, and light painting is a great way of introducing some into your frame. So when you’re making abstract light paintings, keep these things in mind: If you over-elaborate and make too many movements then it’s the digital equivalent of scribbling on a piece of paper, and it usually doesn’t turn out well. The main thing is to keep it simple, with the light flowing through the scene. The focal point of your image is going to be the light painting itself, or perhaps an architectural feature that you’ll emphasize with light. However, these effects can also be achieved by using something as simple as a kid’s toy light saber. There are many different types of light sources, the pixelstick is just one example. Using the pixelstick to create abstract light paintings These look nice, but the pixelstick takes it to the next level. Check your result and repeat if necessary.Ī lot of people have fun using sparklers to create light paintings. Go back to your camera and wait for the exposure to finish.Then, once you have finished painting, turn off your light source and move out of the frame. Carry out any light painting you wish to do.Just before the shutter releases, begin your light painting pattern.While the camera is counting down, move into position in front of the camera with your light source in hand.If you have a remote shutter release you may prefer to use that to trigger their camera.

Set the camera’s self-timer to 10 seconds, and begin the countdown.
#PIXELSTICK SPIRIT SHARDS MANUAL#
Leave the camera in manual focus to make sure your focus point remains the same. Turn on your camera’s LiveView function, and focus on the light source using manual focus (use the + or zoom button to show a magnified view which will make it easier for you to focus).


The light from the pixelstick perfectly framed my friend and fellow DPS writer, Pete DeMarco.
