Light Painting in 5 Easy Steps with Jonathan Knowles

Light painting is a technique that Jonathan uses for both still life and portrait assignments. Global brands such as Coca-Cola, Heineken, Rimmel and Nespresso have all commissioned Jonathan for this distinctive style.

The light painting method involves using a small, portable light source so that the photographer can ‘paint’ the subject during a long exposure, giving experimental and unique results every time. Below is an easy guide for how you can create similar effects in your own photography.

What you will need:

A camera with manual settings, set up on a tripod

A darkened or blacked out area

A still life set up or model

A portable light source

Set up in a darkened space as you will be shooting with shutter speeds varying from 2 seconds up to as long as your camera will allow.
Position your subject and choose the appropriate lens for the focal distance and composition you require.
For our live demonstration*, we are using a 100mm lens and our subject is approximately 1 metre away from the camera. We are shooting at IS0 64-100, f19, but you may want to experiment with this.
Your subject must remain still throughout the duration of the exposure and make sure you have enough space so that you can continually move your light source around the subject.
When the shutter is open, move the light source around the subject in order to ‘paint it’. You can experiment with evenly distributed gestures or wave the light on a particular area for longer to achieve extra illumination. For glassware or liquids, try illuminating the subject from behind to really make it glow.
You may want to try several exposures and combine them in post-production for the perfect final image.

*Jonathan will be demonstrating his technique on The Live Stage at The Photography Show (Birmingham) on Saturday 17th March 2018, 3pm

If you can’t make the event, we will be streaming the demonstration on our Instagram @StudioKnowles

SaveSave

Jonathan’s Top 5 Explosive Photoshoots

Jonathan Knowles is renowned for his dynamic photographic style and impressive technical knowledge. Rather than relying on post production, the majority of Jonathan’s explosions are done ‘for real’. From exploding flowers to fruit, Jonathan has selected his top 5 explosive photoshoots and shared the methods behind the madness… 5. Appleman’s Cider Hasselblad H6D-100c...

Rain Maker

In all this heat, creating a desert set to photograph a beautiful Bulgari necklace for the front cover of Luxure Magazine’s Rainmaker issue was easier than usual. Jonathan worked closely with Editor in Chief Reggie Ansah, and Fashion editor Shivani Lal for this image, with the surface being carefully crafted by Mandy Smith.

Pantene Wings

This is a delicate and light-hearted ad campaign for Pantene’s foaming conditioner. Jonathan worked on the project with Holly de Roy, Ant McGinty from Grey London.

Whatever the Weather

Whatever the weather is a selection of Givenchy beauty photographs shot with Jonathan’s usual twist. Using a range of lighting and special effects techniques, he explored the textures and colours of the products themselves.

6 x 6

We’re pleased to announce Jonathan’s inclusion in ‘6×6’, Getty Images first represented contemporary fine art exhibition. The exhibition features work from Jonathan’s ‘Time’ project and is currently showing at Getty Images Gallery until 3rd October. Jonathan has also been at the helm of the gallery’s Instagram feed this week.

#Bagsie

Looking to explore the current notions of the self portrait, #Bagsie is a creative collaboration between Creative Advice Network, Soapbox & Sons and Jonathan Knowles. The project sought out the talents and personal interpretations of 10 artists, asking each to draw/paint/create a self portrait on a paper bag that reflected their personality within. Tomorrow...

#Bagsie in the press

It’s all hands on deck here as we head towards our #Bagsie exhibition private view. It’s been exciting to see the press release go out and to be getting such great reviews in the press. Huge thanks to Design Week and Digital Arts for the kind words. You can read the full articles by clicking...

Studio Refurb

We’re currently in the middle of a very exciting refurb. We have stripped the studio bare, and are showing off the buildings history with features such as this T Crapper & Co original drain, along with many others. We are building in more storage for Jonathan’s incredible prop collection, ready for anything a brief can...