Smooth moves

Leave it to gravity and inertia

Smooth light trails require a slower swinging speed. Hold the torch a couple of feet away from its resting position and let go – gravity and inertia will do the rest. The longer the length of string used to suspend your torch, the slower it will swing. Finding the right length requires trial and error, but from the tip of the torch, our setup hung 73cm from the ceiling.

Dial in ISO100 and control the intensity of the light trails using the aperture; we had success using apertures between f/13 and f/22. When you’re able to produce consistent patterns, try adding in a second colour. Set your first attachment in motion and have the other ready. Once you’re satisfied it’s done, rest your scrap of cardboard on the lens, so it covers the entire optic. Swap attachments and set the torch swinging again before removing the cardboard. Your remote release should remain locked throughout the exposure.