Light trails are log exposure photographs that capture a light source as it moves. Taking photos of light trails may seem difficult, but it’s easier than expected and is based on a lot of trial and error. Light trail photos are most commonly found with car headlights and tail lights, but you can also make light trails with stars (star trails) or any other light source in motion during low light hours of sunset, night or a dark room.
Introduction
Technique
Technique: The digital SLR camera must be placed on a tripod in order to the the clearest photographs. The aperture will need to be adjusted for low light and the shutter speed long exposure) will need to be adjusted to capture the movement of the light trail.
Suggested aperture settings: f/4 to f/11
Suggested shutter speed settings: 10 - 30 seconds
Suggested ISO setting: 200, 400 or 800.
Suggested aperture settings: f/4 to f/11
Suggested shutter speed settings: 10 - 30 seconds
Suggested ISO setting: 200, 400 or 800.
Assignment
OBJECTIVE: Your group must take many photographs of light trails. The goal is experiment with aperture and shutter speed until you get one great example of light trails for each prompt listed below. One person in your group must take notes and write down the shutter speed, aperture and ISO used for each photo.
1. A school appropriate word or phrase.
2. Outline an object by painting it with light.
3. An abstract photograph of bright colors, lines and shapes.
4. A person that is captured in light trails. Draw lines across the person, make a silhouette by painting bright colors behind the person, or outline the person.
Mass Standards: F.MA.Cr.01 - Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work. F.MA.Cr.02 - Organize and develop artistic ideas and work. F.MA.Cr.03 - Refine and complete artistic work.
1. A school appropriate word or phrase.
2. Outline an object by painting it with light.
3. An abstract photograph of bright colors, lines and shapes.
4. A person that is captured in light trails. Draw lines across the person, make a silhouette by painting bright colors behind the person, or outline the person.
Mass Standards: F.MA.Cr.01 - Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work. F.MA.Cr.02 - Organize and develop artistic ideas and work. F.MA.Cr.03 - Refine and complete artistic work.