An Easy Way to Make Dazzling Light Trail Photos in the Camera (VIDEO)
If you’ve ever marveled at photographs with eye-catching headlights and taillights streaking through the frame, and wondered how it’s done, this quick beginners guide is just what you need. It’s a dynamic technique that anyone can master in minutes.
Instructor Dave Charlton specializes in straightforward shooting and editing tutorials that simplify seemingly complicated tasks. He introduces today’s seven-minute episode like this: “You’ll learn the secrets for capturing stunning light trails like a professional photographer.” It’s all about getting it done with simple gear and takes barely seven minutes to explain.
Charlton covers essential in-camera techniques, demonstrating everything you need to know from the camera settings he recommends to several tips for composition and much more. So grab a camera, follow along, and learn how this unique style of outdoor photography will leave viewers mesmerized by the imagery you create.
The lesson begins with an explanation of why and how shooting in manual mode will deliver optimum results, and Charlton walks you through configuring the camera. A sturdy tripod is recommended because slow shutter speeds are required, but there are also several tips for shooting hand-held.
A bit of experimentation can always help, but Charlton suggests a starting point of ISO 400, an aperture of f/9, and a shutter speed of two seconds. Ambient light in the urban environment varies greatly, with streetlamps, neon signs and other types of illumination that surround the light trails you capture. So shoot a couple shots, see how it goes, and modify exposure settings according to Charlton’s recommendations.
Your vantage point and camera angle are also key to this style of motion photography, and Charlton illustrates how composing from a low (or high) perspective can make photos far more compelling. If you decide to leave the tripod at home, follow his advice for using a bus bench, retaining wall, or other solid object to steady your camera.
Charlton demonstrates several other tips and techniques for a very successful shoot. Once you’re done watching head over to his instructional YouTube channel where you’ll find a variety of straightforward tips and techniques.
We also suggest watching the helpful beginners guide we posted recently from a respected pro who demonstrates the basics of a post-processing exposure blending technique to create nature and landscape photographs with perfect tonal balance.
