Isabella Flores
Light painting is a photography technique that involves moving a light source while taking a long exposure photo to create unique and creative images. It can be done using a GoPro Hero3, specifically the Black Edition, which offers better light sensitivity and longer exposure times of up to 30 seconds, resulting in clearer and more vibrant light paintings. To achieve this effect, photographers can use the Night Photo mode or the Light Painting Night Effects video mode, capturing either a single photo or a time-lapse series of photos. However, it's important to note that the GoPro Hero3 Silver can also be used for light painting, although the results may not be as optimal due to its lower light sensitivity and shorter exposure time limitations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Camera model | GoPro Hero3 Black Edition |
| Camera type | POV camera |
| Photo mode | Night photography mode |
| Exposure | 30-second exposure |
| ISO | 100-200 |
| White balance | 5000k or auto |
| Tripod | Required |
| Remote | Smart remote or app |
| Firmware | Avoid app firmware 3.03 |
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What You'll Learn
Use Night Photography mode for full access to raw files
When using your GoPro Hero 3 to light paint, you'll want to use Night Photo mode. This mode allows you to select a shutter length of up to 30 seconds, which is the GoPro equivalent of setting up a long exposure shot.
Night Photo mode also gives you access to RAW files, which is the GoPro equivalent of a negative. RAW files are stored in GPR format, which contains more data than a JPEG. This makes it the ideal format when you plan to post-process your photos, as it maintains details that can get diminished when pairing a long shutter speed with a high ISO, reducing noise.
To access your GoPro's RAW files, switch the Output setting to RAW. This will allow your GoPro photos to be stored in two files—one JPEG format and one GPR format.
You can then import the RAW files into Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or any other editing tool that stitches shots together. This will give you more control over the final look of your light painting photos.
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Use a 30-second exposure
Using a 30-second exposure can result in some impressive light painting shots. This feature is available on the GoPro Hero 3 by using a simple hack. To get started, you will need to ensure your GoPro lens is clean. This is important as any dirt or smudges will be amplified in your final image.
Once your lens is clean, you will want to find a suitable location. Ideally, this will be outdoors, in a completely dark area with no light pollution. You can experiment with different light sources, such as your phone, a flashlight, or even matches.
When you are ready to start shooting, attach your light source to a string and swing it around in front of the camera. You can create some interesting effects by pointing the light source in different directions. For example, by pointing the light outwards and swinging it in a circle, you can create a "portal" effect.
With a 30-second exposure, you have plenty of time to create more complex light paintings. You could try creating an orbit point by marking a spot on the ground and then walking around it while swinging your light source. This will result in a sphere of light with you at the centre.
Remember, with long exposures, it is important to keep your camera steady to avoid blurry images. Consider using a tripod or placing your camera on a stable surface.
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Use a tripod
Using a tripod is a great way to ensure your light painting photos are stable and sharp. Here are some tips for using a tripod with your GoPro Hero 3:
First, make sure you have a sturdy tripod that can securely hold your GoPro. It should be stable enough to withstand slight winds or bumps without shaking. A tripod with adjustable legs and a level indicator can help you achieve the perfect composition for your shot.
Next, attach your GoPro Hero 3 to the tripod using the appropriate mount. Ensure that the camera is securely fastened to the tripod to avoid any accidental movement during the long exposure shots.
When setting up your tripod, look for a dark environment with a clear view of the subject or canvas you'll be light painting on. If shooting outdoors, wait until nightfall or find a shaded area during the day to reduce the amount of ambient light. If shooting indoors, darken the windows or turn off any lights that may interfere with your light painting.
Before starting your light painting, it's essential to set your GoPro Hero 3's settings correctly. Set the focus mode to "manual" or "infinity," start with a low ISO value (such as 100), and adjust as needed. Set the exposure compensation to zero and use the remote to capture photos in time-lapse interval mode, which will allow you to capture multiple images and create stunning light trails.
Finally, when you're ready to begin light painting, use various light sources such as flashlights, glow sticks, LED lights, or even sparklers to create your desired effects. Remember to be creative and experiment with different tools and movements to achieve the best results.
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Use an ISO of 100-200
When doing light painting with a GoPro Hero 3, using an ISO of 100-200 is important as it is the base ISO of most modern cameras. The base ISO gives you the potential to produce the highest image quality, minimizing the visibility of noise as much as possible.
ISO, which stands for "International Organization for Standardization", defines how sensitive to light the film or sensor is. The higher the ISO number, the more sensitive to light it is, and the less light is needed to get the same exposure. For example, ISO 200 film is more sensitive to light than ISO 100 film and needs half the amount of light to get the same exposure.
Using a low ISO of 100-200 is ideal when there is plenty of light available. This is often the case when shooting outdoors, where you can take advantage of natural light. Shooting at a low ISO in bright conditions will help you capture sharp and bright photos without motion blur.
However, when shooting in low-light conditions, you may need to increase the ISO to a higher number to capture well-exposed photos without introducing blur. For example, when shooting handheld photos indoors without a flash, a higher ISO is often necessary to capture the moment without requiring longer exposure times, which can result in more motion blur.
By sticking to the base ISO of 100-200 whenever possible and only increasing it when necessary, you can achieve optimal image quality for your light painting photography with the GoPro Hero 3.
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Use a remote to trigger the photo
To use a remote to trigger your GoPro Hero3 to take a photo, you'll need to pair the camera with a compatible remote control. GoPro has had four different remotes for their action cameras, but not all GoPros support remote controls. The HERO7 Silver and White, for example, connect to the mobile app but won't connect to a remote control.
The GoPro Remo is a waterproof voice-activated remote that works with the HERO6 Black or HERO5 camera from up to 33ft (10m) away. It consists mostly of a single large button (with a second small button on the side for power/pairing).
The Wi-Fi Remote is another option, though it is less waterproof than the Smart Remote, rated down to 10 feet (3 meters) compared to the Smart Remote's rating of 16 feet or 5 meters. The Smart Remote also has a longer range and better battery life than the Wi-Fi Remote.
To pair your GoPro Hero3 with the Wi-Fi Remote, follow these steps:
- Ensure your camera and remote are fully charged and powered off.
- Power on the HERO3 camera.
- Press the Wi-Fi button on the left side of the camera.
- Press the Wi-Fi button again to bring up the Wi-Fi menu on the camera's front LCD screen.
- Use the camera's front (Power) button to navigate the menu and highlight "Wi-Fi RC".
- Use the camera's top (Shutter) button to select "Wi-Fi RC".
- On the next screen, use the front button to highlight "New".
- Set the camera aside and pick up the remote.
- With the remote powered off, press and hold the red Shutter button.
- While holding the red button, briefly press the white Power button.
- After one minute or less, the camera and remote should each show a checkbox on their screens.
- If the remote asks to pair another device, press the white button to highlight "No", then press the red button to select it.
- If the remote shows a radiating Wi-Fi signal after the camera shows a checkbox, press the red button on the remote. The remote's LCD screen should now mirror the camera's front LCD screen, indicating a successful pairing.
Once your GoPro Hero3 is paired with a remote, you can use it to trigger photos from a distance, which is perfect for light painting photography.
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