Camera: Canon EOS 1100D - ISO:100 - Aperture: f10 - Shutter speed: 30s - Focal length: 25mm
All photos were all captured on a bridge within Maasgouw, Netherlands, overlooking the A2 highway.
![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmVBYQ1YrHaYLHbrEJ3snyog7bA8uLFuMNnXSVKfau3vt8/divider_ecency_1.jpg)
Traffic.
The name brings up visions of lengthy, monotonous expanses of tarmac jammed with slow-moving automobiles.
Would you snap a photo of that?
It seems about as fascinating as watching paint dry.
So, this requires different kinds of techniques and creativity.
I don't want some stagnant photographs.
You can capture a vintage car's sleek lines or a powerful engine's roar.
But for me, that's just another postcard.
Where's the dynamism, the energy?
![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmVBYQ1YrHaYLHbrEJ3snyog7bA8uLFuMNnXSVKfau3vt8/divider_ecency_1.jpg)
So, let's enter the magic of light painting.
This is different from your average traffic photography.
Here, we're throwing out the rulebook and embracing the highway's flow.
Using light as a paintbrush.
Transforming the ordinary into a compelling scene.
This creative method is called light painting because you use a light source to "paint" a long-exposure photograph.
It is a great way to capture traffic movement and create interesting light trails.
![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmVBYQ1YrHaYLHbrEJ3snyog7bA8uLFuMNnXSVKfau3vt8/divider_ecency_1.jpg)
If you are interested in this kind of technique, here's what you'll need:
- A camera with manual settings
- A tripod
- You may also utilize a remote shutter release, although it is unnecessary.
- And, of course, a light source. In my case, the lights of the cars.
Settings:
- Set your camera to manual mode.
- Use a low ISO. I used ISO 100 to reduce noise.
- Aperture settings use a narrow aperture (around f/8 or higher) to create sharp light trails.
- A long shutter speed (around 10-30 seconds) usually captures the movement of the light best.
Try out various shutter speeds. That way you discover what works best.
Technique:
- Find a safe location away from traffic.
- We must set up our camera on a tripod and frame our shot.
- Focus on the area where the traffic will be.
Safety:
- First ensure that you are in a safe spot and away from traffic. Be mindful of your surroundings.
- Never point a light source directly at moving traffic.
With a bit of practice, you can use light painting to create stunning and unique photos of traffic.
But that is just the tip of the iceberg concerning light painting.
![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmVBYQ1YrHaYLHbrEJ3snyog7bA8uLFuMNnXSVKfau3vt8/divider_ecency_1.jpg)
Below are my other photos, all with different settings.
Photography is trial and error.
(My camera settings are listed with each photo.)
Camera: Canon EOS 1100D - ISO:100 - Aperture: f29 - Shutter speed: 30s - Focal length: 37mm
Camera: Canon EOS 1100D - ISO:100 - Aperture: f20 - Shutter speed: 30s - Focal length: 37mm
Camera: Canon EOS 1100D - ISO:100 - Aperture: f16 - Shutter speed: 30s - Focal length: 37mm
Camera: Canon EOS 1100D - ISO:100 - Aperture: f4 - Shutter speed: 30s - Focal length: 25mm
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@meraki7578💚
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📷 Dividers and banners: Created with Canva Pro
📷 Photo: Owned and shot by me with a Canon 1100D edited with
Adobe Photoshop
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