"Vintage Continuity Tester" © Harold Ross

"I believe there’s no more rewarding effort in life than just trying to make what you do, how you do it, beautiful." -Frank Lloyd Wright

If you’ve ever been fascinated by the captivating glow of light painting, you’re not alone. It’s an art form that’s not just visually striking but also a powerful way to tell a story through light and shadow.

 The Old Continuity Tester: A Light Painted Subject

In my recent Zoom group meeting, exclusively for those enrolled in my Light Painting the Still Life online course, I took an old continuity tester—a piece of vintage electronic equipment—and brought it to life with light painting techniques. The goal was to capture its intricate details, from its aged metallic surface to the small dials and switches that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Through this Zoom demonstration, I shared tips on how to control light sources, such as using LED lighting tools to emphasize specific features of the subject, coupled with Photoshop masking techniques I teach. The results? A simple yet beautiful light-painted still life that tells the story of a discarded object.

Please check out the short YouTube Video  which briefly describes the process of lighting and editing.

While setting up the composition, I noticed that one of the wires connected to the tester was broken. At the same time, I felt the urge to "light" the bulb of the tester, so I decided to make it absolutely clear that the wire was indeed broken. I thought it would be an interesting and fun paradox to incorporate into the image.

Why Light Painting?

Light painting isn’t just about capturing an image; it’s about creating an atmosphere, crafting a visual narrative, and experimenting with creative lighting. Whether you’re capturing a vintage tool like this continuity tester or a fresh bowl of fruit, light painting allows you to transform a simple still life into a striking piece of art.

What is Light Painting in Still Life Photography?

Light painting is a photographic technique where light sources are used to illuminate subjects while the camera’s shutter is open for several seconds. In still life photography, this can be an incredible way to highlight depth and detail, and to bring out the beauty of everyday objects.

Want to Learn More?

If this sparked your interest in light painting, I’d love to invite you to join my *Light Painting the Still Life* online course. In this course, you’ll learn step-by-step techniques, including how to handle lighting equipment, control exposure times, and add your personal creative touch to every shot.

You’ll also be able to access exclusive live sessions, like my regular Zoom group meetings, to get expert guidance, demonstrations and feedback on your own light-painted creations.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, my light painting method offers endless possibilities for creative expression. If you’re ready to dive deeper, consider signing up for my course and join a community of passionate photographers who are eager to learn and share their work.

Happy Light Painting... and always remember... Skim The Light.

- Harold

*****

Creating light painted still life images is extremely rewarding, and something which I teach in great detail throughout my comprehensive Light Painting Online Video Course.

See some images that my students have produced here: Student Images, and what they are saying about my Online Course here: Student Testimonials.