Drawing skills: drawing with light
I can use long exposure photography to create expressive light drawings that demonstrate control of composition and light.
- Year 11
Drawing skills: drawing with light
I can use long exposure photography to create expressive light drawings that demonstrate control of composition and light.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Light can be used as a drawing tool in photography.
- Long exposure allows movement of light to be captured as lines and shapes.
- Composition and planning are key to effective light drawings.
- It’s important to consider light sources and plan a light drawing to create an effective image that shows contrast.
Keywords
Light source - the origin of the light (e.g. torch, phone light, lamp)
Exposure - the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor during a photograph
Composition - the arrangement of visual elements within an artwork
Contrast - the difference between light and dark areas in an image
Common misconception
Any camera setting will capture light drawings.
Long exposure (slow shutter speed) is essential for creating light drawings, without it, the camera won’t capture light movement, only still images.
Equipment
Cameras or smartphones with long exposure settings. Tripods (or stable surfaces for cameras). Torches, LED lights, glow sticks, or phone flashlights. Darkened room or space. Sketchbooks & pencils.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What do you think the term “drawing with light” could mean in art?
Q2.True or false? To capture trails of light in photography, a long exposure (slow shutter speed) is needed.
Q3.Match the camera setting to what it controls:
