Light painting needn't be expensive and it's fun and incredibly creative. If you want to try it... do! This blog's to help get you started.
If you have a mobile phone, you'll probably find a light painting setting in the camera options. Any setting which allows long exposures will do. Similarly, if you have a camera, many have 'bulb mode' options which allow long exposure photography, or 'artistic night mode' settings depending on the brand and make.
Light painting is capturing the movement of light during a long exposure photograph. Many light sources can be used for light painting, but if you find it all confusing, I recommend the products and tutorials by Light Painting Brushes.
Light Painting Brushes sell a wide range of tools which many light painters use, including torch connectors, plexiglass paddles, colour filters, light swords, fibre optic brushes, glitter rods and more.
Many light painting tools require torches for light and use Light Painting Brushes' torch connectors. For advice on torches, the best there is comes from Stephen Knight's blog. Steven has an encyclopedic knowledge of torches and is a talented light painter. I trust his recommendations and have chosen a number of torches based on his advice.
If you're still confused by it all, there's a community of light painters you can talk to. The people are helpful, encouraging and willing to share tips and advice. Light Painting Brushes have a dedicated Facebook page sharing tips and advice. Again, I recommend it and it's a great community for both new and experienced light painters.
Light Painting Brushes is an American company, but if you ive in the UK like me, they have a UK supplier called Rigu and I've bought a number of tools from them, can recommend them and you'll save on direct import and shipping costs from the US.
There are other light painting suppliers, but Light Painting Brushes provide the full package of tools, instruction videos and an online community.
Others worthy of a mention include Antsonamelon who also sell the RGB Critter colour changing torch (fairly complex to use) and Light Painting Tubes (owned by the very talented Light Painter Eric Pare).
Don't be discouraged if some of your photographs come out as a blurry mess. They do for all of us, but when you've nailed it and got the photograph you were after, it's a wonderful feeling, and a magical art form which can become very addictive.
If you don't want to appear in your light paintings, wear black clothing. Light paintings are done in low light. The camera or phone should only pick up light where you shine it.
Have fun!