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Not sure if this is better here or in Photography, but I figured some others could benefit from the question:
How or what is the best way to capture light beams? I'm still relatively new to photography, and love the shots some of you guys get with light beams shooting through the windows...
Admittedly, I haven't really messed around a lot trying it yet, but figured you guys could give some good advice on the topic.
Extra questions: Can it be done on a clear day? Does there need to be dust in the air? Best exposures/settings, etc? Do you guys shave your balls? Any other pointers?
Also, those practicing feel free to post some pictures or examples!
"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." - Andre Gide | |
Usually it works best when there is dust or fog in the air. Sometimes if you shave your pubes tho, it works on a clear day if you're careful. It also works when it's a lot brighter on the outside than on the inside.
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Well, first, of course, you need a bright beam of light. Personally I think it works better shining a narrow beam into a dark interior, but it can be done in open, well lit rooms as well. In a dark enough space, a flashlight can make the beam as well, but this doesn't sound like what you're asking for.
The beam itself, of course, is made up of the reflections of the light off of junk in the air - dust, fog, pollen, aerosolized feces, you get the idea. If you happen to be shooting in a location where the air is just too clean, you might be able to fake it by stirring up dust, triggering your ninja smoke bombs (you do carry extras for photography, right?) or farting magnificently. Put something in the air for the beam to catch on.
Posted by CatAndTie
Extra questions: Can it be done on a clear day?
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Certainly, as long as the air where YOU are is full of crap.
Posted by CatAndTie
Best exposures/settings, etc?
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There is, of course, no one answer to this. It's all personal preference based on the conditions available.
Posted by CatAndTie
Do you guys shave your balls?
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No, because the stubble and ingrown hairs are fucking terrible. I do keep things neatly trimmed, though, because I am a gentleman.
Posted by CatAndTie
Any other pointers?
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Grab a camera and a tripod and go to town!
Posted by CatAndTie
Also, those practicing feel free to post some pictures or examples!
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I don't have much available online, but here's a few examples:
There's also the reverse, of course, where you block the light and the beam flows around the subject. (This isn't the best example, but again, limited by what I can access online.)
I'm a "Leave only footprints, take only pornography" kind of guy, myself. | |
I spent a winter chasing light beams in an old factory and learned that light beams are all about HUMIDITY.
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I've used baby powder before, while playing with lasers. It disperses well and won't hurt you unless you're super sensitive. Works best with a half full container, give it a good shake, then squeeze it to blow the suspended powder into the air. It stays afloat for quite a while if there's no breeze.
Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy. -George Carlin (1937 - 2008) | |
 Out of Reach From the Light of Day | American Laundry Machinery by FloodSpectre, on Flickr
A handful of dust thrown into the air and a 1s exposure. Fairly straightforward, but it's not always easy to find an area with lighting that works to provide actual beams.
http://www.flickr....hotos/floodspectre | |
Yep. Darkish inside, bright outside and eroded ceiling etc. Toss floor gatherings of dust and bird/rat crap into the air (and settle a bit) and then don't breathe it in. This is the time to wear a respirator.
 2nd floor beams by No Stone Unturned Photography, on Flickr
Flickr Pitchrs | |
For a light beam, you need these two things:
1. Areas of light that are in high contrast to other areas (Bright shafts of light shining through dark areas).
2. Something to scatter this light. Mist, fog, funk, fuzz, dirt, dust, asbestos, baby powder.
If you want to capture ambient ones without full cooperation from the scene, bring baby powder. Be sure to wrap the bottle in duct tape and label it "Not cocaine."
If you want to make your own, bring baby powder and a "flood to zoom" aspheric flashlight that can create this effect. It will have to be held very still since they are much dimmer than sunlight. Put this light where you can, shining where you need it. Storm drains often have too much breeze for baby powder to hang around. You might need an assistant to madly pound the baby powder bottle.
Achievement Unlocked
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These are so gorgeous you guys! Ooh I want to do this so bad now! Too bad I don't have a good camera or ANY SKILLS.
input: bacon | output: fiction | |
Had a good laugh at myself this weekend. After having read this, I was in an old foundry at dusk, some rays of light shining through...here is my chance right? So I am running around like a fool, kicking bird crap and whatever else I can find, and after fully winding myself I only managed to make a light beam about 1 foot in height. Someone getting a picture of me doing it would have been much more interesting than the picture I got.
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I see one, point my camera at it, and press the button that makes the clicking sound.
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