This guide is from the team at Ants on a Melon, the Oregon makers of the RGB Critter BT. Easy light painting is the most beginner-friendly way into long-exposure photography: in a dark room with a tripod and one light, your very first try usually looks great. Here are the simplest techniques, the exact settings, and the gear that makes it effortless.
What Is Easy Light Painting?
Easy light painting photography captures a moving light during a long exposure, so the light draws bright trails, shapes, and words into the frame. You can do it with a phone or any manual camera. Start by drawing simple shapes with a single light, then build from there.
The Settings (Copy These)
Set your camera on a tripod in a dark space and use:
- Shutter: 10 to 30 seconds (or Bulb)
- ISO: 100 to 400
- Aperture: f/8
- Focus: manual, pre-focused on your subject
- White balance: Daylight, to keep colors true
On a phone, use a long-exposure app like ProCam or Slow Shutter Cam with a tripod.
Three Easy Techniques to Start
1. Draw shapes and words
Face the camera and "write" in the air with an RGB Critter BT or any small light. Write words backwards so they read correctly in the photo.
2. Glowing orbs
Spin a light on a short string while turning in place to trace a perfect sphere.
3. Color trails
Sweep the light across the frame in one smooth motion. With an app-controlled light you can fade between colors mid-stroke.
Want each of these step by step? See our light painting tutorials.
Easy Light Painting Gear
| Tool | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RGB Critter BT | Draw shapes, orbs, color trails | App-controlled color and brightness; the easiest all-rounder |
| Light Painting Kits | A ready-to-go starter set | Light plus the accessories to try several effects |
| Cheap glow sticks | No-cost first experiment | Fine to learn motion before investing in LED tools |
| Tripod or phone mount | Stabilizes the long exposure | Any sturdy tripod works |
Tips for Better Shots
- The darker the space, the cleaner your trails.
- Wear dark clothes and keep moving so you do not show up in the frame.
- Combine two colors in one exposure for depth.
- Use a 2-second timer or remote so pressing the shutter does not shake the camera.
FAQ: Easy Light Painting
What is easy light painting photography?
Beginner-friendly long-exposure photography using a single moving light to draw glowing trails, shapes, and words in a dark scene.
Which tool is best for beginners?
The RGB Critter BT, because app-controlled color and brightness make clean results easy, and it grows into every other effect.
Can I do it with a phone?
Yes. Use a tripod and a manual long-exposure app. The same settings and techniques apply.
How do I get professional-looking results?
Tripod, a 10 to 30 second exposure, low ISO, manual focus, and a dark space. Practice one effect at a time.
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