Step by Step / Get some glowing results

1 Find a space

This project has to take place at night because the surrounding light levels have to be low enough to enable the LED lights show up against the backdrop in the final shot. You’ll also need to find an outdoor space with enough room to swing a cat (or string of lights).

3 Get some dark clothes on

It’s best to do this in a wide open space and wear dark clothes, preferably covering your entire body. A hat, scarves and gloves will help to hide your skin as you spin, because the light will spill and highlight any nearby objects – and that includes you!

5 Set up the camera

Dial in rough settings of f/8, ISO100 and Bulb mode. The f/8 aperture will keep the whole section of lights nice and sharp, and Bulb mode will expose the frame for as long as the shutter button is depressed. ISO100 ensures a long shutter speed to get the streaks of light.

2 Pick your lights

Fairy lights are inexpensive, lightweight and come in a variety of colours, but you may find they’re not very bright. If your lights are particularly dim (as ours were), simply lengthen the exposure time and do a few more spins to build up the light trails so they’re nice and bright.

4 Nail your focus

Turn on your lights and place them on the ground in the spot you intend to shoot. Then fix your camera to the tripod and autofocus on your lights, then turn off AF to lock the focus in place and compose your scene. Your image should now be perfectly sharp when shooting.

6 Use your remote release

Plug in a wireless remote shutter release and head back to your spinning spot. Now when you depress and hold the shutter button you will be exposing one frame. Start to spin the lights, press and hold the button, and only let go once you’ve completed a full 360-degree rotation.