Parabolas

[ryan the mort]

I'm not sure if this has been shared before, but it's fun and fairly simple. It requires no post-processing.

Materials needed:
[1] small flashlight
[2] string
[3] a ceiling hook

Procedure:
-First hang the flashlight, pointing downwards, from the ceiling using the string.
(the length of string changes the type of picture you will get, so have fun and experiment)

-Next place your camera below the flashlight facing the ceiling.
(make sure your flashlight is securely fastened, it would be a horrible thing if it fell and smashed your lens)

-Set your camera on the bulb setting. Use a small aperture.

-Then turn off all the lights in the room, throw the flashlight so it begins to spin in circles and then trigger your bulb setting.
(throwing the flashlight in different directions and angles also produces unique results.)

-Experiment with different shutter speeds... some of mine were up to 3 or 4 minutes long.

-Another option to create even more designs is to slide a piece of cardboard over your lens, catch the flashlight, re-throw it, and then pull the cardboard off, continuing with a single photo.

I used a wide angle lens so I could get bigger circles, but any lens should work.

[Glayva]

These have been beautifully done. Nice and crisp images as many come out a bit fuzzy. Very well done

[k8et]

that is gorgeous! a great take on light painting, particularly for the scientific/engineering geeks among us

[Quo Fan]

Cool stuff. I now have a project.

[Isithombe]

wow, that second one is amazing, I will play with this technique for sure. thanks for sharing.

[arlon]

Pretty cool. I can see where that would be as addicting as playing with water drops.

[emanhaud]

Wonderful! I am trying to figure out how you swung the light to get the pattern on the second shot. This is very cool. I may have to try this.

[radityopradipto]

Hey that's a cool idea! I'll try, but I'm still looking for ceiling hooks in my apartment... Can I tie it on the emergency water sprinkler? I guess it should be ok, right?

[JannuD]

Very beautiful. The lines are so clear and the pic has come out very well.

Thanks for sharing this simple yet effective tip, I will surely try this.

[zona5101]

Photographic Spirograph!! Right on!