Light Painting FAQ's
If this page does not answer your question, please reach out to me via my contact page or give me a call. It's sometimes easier to chat.
What is Light Painting?
Light painting is a method of photography whereby several images of a subject are photographed with no ambient light using a variety of LED lights from a camera mounted on a tripod. The images are then assembled in photoshop to create a unique, one-of-a-kind art piece. The final image will be printed on a ready to hang vibrant ChromaLuxe metal print which will last for generations. Photographing in this manner allows for the creation of a custom art piece that cannot be made with simple strobes in one photograph.
Click HERE to see this short clip of a 1930 Roadster being photographed and created in Photoshop. It has music, so if you do not want sound, turn it off on your device!
What can be light painted?
Good subjects to light paint are cars, motorcycles, airplanes, commercially sold items, etc. Almost anything can be light painted that has three dimensions.
How long will the light painting session last?
The session length depends on the subject being photographed. As an example, a single car in front of a building or field will take approximately 3 hours.
What is the process like?
Initially, you will meet with me to review your project, discuss or scout out a location and plan for the shoot. If the shoot is planned for outside (as many are), I will arrive 1 hour before sunset to set up a pleasing composition, photograph base images and begin main part of the shoot after dark. I will capture many images using various LED lights until all aspects of the scene are captured. It's a fun process and many owners enjoy watching the images on the computer as the are photographed.
When can I see my image?
I typically will have a digital image ready for your review within 7-10 days. Once the image is ready, I like to meet with you when you see your image for the first time, but sometimes that's not always easy. In those cases, I will post your image on my website in a password protected gallery for you to view. The final printed image will be available within 2-3 weeks after your order.
What if it rains on the day of the planned session?
We will need to reschedule on a future date that works for us! Given the type of photography, I cannot photograph light paintings in the rain.
How much does it cost?
It depends on your project. The light painting fee for a smaller scale project inside a studio would start at $1,000. On-location and larger scale projects within 1.5 hours from the Sebago Lake, Maine area start at $1,500. If your project requires additional travel, an estimate of travel expenses will be provided. The light painting fee does not include the price of the print.
What print products do you offer for light paintings?
Light paintings look best on metal! I use a professional lab that produces ChromaLuxe metal using the longest lasting sublimation inks; in other words, they have an archival value well beyond the best photographic papers! I offer a variety of sizes and styles of metal prints and all are ready to hang the day you receive it - No frames needed! Metal prints can be displayed inside or outside, but need to be out of direct sun. Metals range from $435 for a gallery mounted 11"x 14" print and go to $5,720 for a Grand Black 40"x 60" print with a lot of choices in between those styles and sizes.
How do I reach you?
You can call or text me directly at 207-838-3979 or visit my contact page and send me an email. I do my best to respond within 1 day.