JohnSwanda wrote:
How can they expect you to follow a rule when they won't define what the rule is?
I think it's more of a debate between those that want to use natural available light (if any) and capture a nice foreground for astro, as opposed to those who want to take what is an already magnificent scene and add additional light to enhance features. Neither is wrong, and both are exceptional forms of photography, but they do strongly oppose each other.
I do know I get wrongfully upset on beaches at night when someone strolls by with a flashlight doing their own thing. "How can they be so inconsiderate?" But the reality is, they probably don't see me, and further, do not understand what I'm doing. And have every right to be there as well. If they linger in my frame, and I need to get the shot for whatever reason sooner rather than later, I politely explain what I'm doing and ask if they can move down a little. Most of the time the "flashlights" are happy to oblige, and sometimes, they come back with me and see what I'm doing, which they are thrilled with.
Dave Sr
Loc: Nazareth, Pennsylvania
At Arches Nat'l Park I was told the rule is 'no light painting.' That makes a lot of sense when there are numerous photographers trying to get a good photograph. If I'm taking a long exposure to get star trails, my shot will be ruined by multiple people 'light painting' over the course of my exposure. So PLEASE, don't practice any light painting. That is the rule to follow!
A few years ago I spent time in Dolly Sods, West Virginia. We did some night photography and we did very well using a LED light of low intensity. I have never used a flashlight but many people do.
Flash can also be very useful but that is no low light intensity like a LED.
You can practice on any subject at night.
Dave Sr wrote:
At Arches Nat'l Park I was told the rule is 'no light painting.' That makes a lot of sense when there are numerous photographers trying to get a good photograph. If I'm taking a long exposure to get star trails, my shot will be ruined by multiple people 'light painting' over the course of my exposure. So PLEASE, don't practice any light painting. That is the rule to follow!
It sounds like they need to be more consistent and specific about what the rules are.
s**t! another group of essential videos that must be viewed that I didn't even think to look for until I read this UH thread....
bgrn wrote:
Also any suggestions or help on how to do it would be appreciated, thanks
Get an Olympus OMD camera, and use Live Composite. It will show you your progress as you paint.
bgrn wrote:
Headed to Arches over thanksgiving weekend. We were planing on doing some nighttime light painting. But we are finding out that we can only use low light. Anyone here that can help with understanding what that means? How bright can we go and what kind of lighting to bring? Can’t find very much info and when I called the park they didn’t have any answers. My friend and I would like to do some practicing before we go but don’t know what to practice with. Would be grateful for any help. Thanks
Headed to Arches over thanksgiving weekend. We we... (
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Was there May of 18. Not sure what works me would work for you problem. Saw everything from a small flash light to something I thought was small car head light. Went 2 nights and still was not happy with the results. Would recommend a couple very powerful flash light with adjustable beam. I was using a MAG Light with 4 D batteries. Started out wanting to use 70-200 2.8 end up using 14-24 2.8.
Take the lights your planning on using and find a very dark place and using a couple of cars, park them 50 to 100 feet apart. Set your camera up with both cars in view and practice. Not knowing your equipment not sure what else to tell you. These are my best shots from those two nights. GOOD LUCK!
bgrn wrote:
I have those same thoughts
Arches NP is a "Certified International Dark Sky Park", by the International Dark-Sky Association. According to the Arches NPS website, all lighting in the park has been replaced with fully shielded bulbs to reduce light pollution in the park. As such, there may be some rules and regulations about the use of lighting in the park.
It would be helpful if they listed on their website if light painting was allowed, and if so what type of lights were allowed. Since they do not specify that, it might be best to call and ask them directly what is allowed and not allowed at the following numbers which are listed on their website.
Visitor Information: 435-719-2299
Business Office: 435-719-2100
Used a large flashlight a few years ago with no issues. If you are in a crowded area like Delicate Arch, you may want to advise the neighbors what you're going to do and when. Arches is designated "Dark Area" and many folks to there to photograph the Milky Way.
For unique special effects, tie a steel wool pad to the end of a lightweight 4 foot rope, light it and swing it clockwise or the other way, doesn't matter.
bgrn wrote:
Yeah I get it they don’t want all this large professional stuff but I am getting the idea they won’t let you use anything larger than a small hiking headlamp size light. And regular flashlights may be too much. But nothing is very clear on what can be used. Thinking about using a penlight but not sure how well that will work, that’s one of the ideas we will be practicing with.
I've used headlights and lantern/spotlights in Arches and never had anyone question it, but I am also using these a little way off the beaten path. If the Park Service cannot give you guidelines I wouldn't worry about it.
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