Day 117 - Hot Coffee Beans

I love the aroma of fresh coffee. I did not mind spending a few hours, trying different approaches.

This is the Jungle Blend Fair Trade Coffee - great stuff! 100% Arabica beans. :)

I used an LED to paint the scene and adding the simulated smoke using the LED.

A little more detailed explanation for those interested:
The LED I mention is a Flexible LED (Light Emitting Diode) Reading Flashlight - goes for about $13 at Chapters/Borders or other book stores. It shines a white light, that has a hint of blue - like those blue headlights, possible true color of light.

I used the foam board as my base and black backdrop way in the distance (about 6 feet away). The camera is about 2.5-3 feet from the cup. For 3 second exposures I use f/11, 6 f/16, 8 f/19. Try a few samples to see if there any hot spots from leaving the LED stationary for more than 2 seconds.

I start by planning the steps of the light painting by keeping track of the seconds in my head as I pace through dabbing light here and there. If you want an area brighter, keep the light stationary a bit longer, then move on to the next area.

This shot I start in the lower right about a foot above the cup - thats my focus, hold that for 2 seconds, then move onto the base. I spend about a second in each corner in the front, then 1/2 second in the back, then I pull upward which casts the light outward. Then I quickly zoom into the coffee, slightly turning the flashlight so only a smidgen of light is shown, and I move upward like smoke would. This causes the light trail or simulated smoke. Sort of like writing in the dark with the laser lights.
All this in 8 seconds. :)

It goes pretty quick once you get the feel of the flow - sort of like a conductor at a symphony, but with light.

Also, an almost dark room should be used. You really only want the LED to be the main source of light.

I've also added a shot of the coffee beans using the same technique - if interested: http://banjon.smugmug.com/gallery/5078470_zjcXu#312486068_L5oVi


June 12 2008

Day 117 - Hot Coffee Beans

I love the aroma of fresh coffee. I did not mind spending a few hours, trying different approaches.

This is the Jungle Blend Fair Trade Coffee - great stuff! 100% Arabica beans. :)

I used an LED to paint the scene and adding the simulated smoke using the LED.

A little more detailed explanation for those interested:
The LED I mention is a Flexible LED (Light Emitting Diode) Reading Flashlight - goes for about $13 at Chapters/Borders or other book stores. It shines a white light, that has a hint of blue - like those blue headlights, possible true color of light.

I used the foam board as my base and black backdrop way in the distance (about 6 feet away). The camera is about 2.5-3 feet from the cup. For 3 second exposures I use f/11, 6 f/16, 8 f/19. Try a few samples to see if there any hot spots from leaving the LED stationary for more than 2 seconds.

I start by planning the steps of the light painting by keeping track of the seconds in my head as I pace through dabbing light here and there. If you want an area brighter, keep the light stationary a bit longer, then move on to the next area.

This shot I start in the lower right about a foot above the cup - thats my focus, hold that for 2 seconds, then move onto the base. I spend about a second in each corner in the front, then 1/2 second in the back, then I pull upward which casts the light outward. Then I quickly zoom into the coffee, slightly turning the flashlight so only a smidgen of light is shown, and I move upward like smoke would. This causes the light trail or simulated smoke. Sort of like writing in the dark with the laser lights.
All this in 8 seconds. :)

It goes pretty quick once you get the feel of the flow - sort of like a conductor at a symphony, but with light.

Also, an almost dark room should be used. You really only want the LED to be the main source of light.

I've also added a shot of the coffee beans using the same technique - if interested: http://banjon.smugmug.com/gallery/5078470_zjcXu#312486068_L5oVi


June 12 2008