I was recently featured by Shotkit, with an article where I explain what is in my camera bag for a typical light painting session, and why I have chosen the equipment I use. This post is an extension of that article which also has a kit photo and kit list for 'light painting and night portraits', as well as 'urbex photography'.
I usually plan my light paintings in advance, so equipment carried will vary depending on what I intend on creating on that particular night. Each example includes a kit list, kit photo, and example photo using that kit.
Light Painting Kit (Light Plants)
This set of equipment is a typical example of what equipment I use to create my signature light plants. Everything usually fits into the camera and tripod bag, but occasionally I might need to bring an additional tripod or laptop bag depending on the required light painting tools. For more information on this kit list, please read the Shotkit article.
Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II Camera Bag
Canon EOS R8 camera
Canon RF 16mm f/2.8, 24mm f/1.8 lens, and 50mm f/18 lenses.
Canon BR-E1 wireless remote
3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 Tripod and Bag
Glow in the Dark Pebbles
Sofirn D25LR headlamp
3x Ants On A Melon RGB Critter 2.0 Flashlights/Torches
2x Ants On A Melon 8" Modular Sol Sabers
Ants On A Melon 24" Modular Sol Saber
Ants On A Melon 24" Modular Lumi Saber Honeycomb
Ants On A Melon DIY Connector
Ants On A Melon 1/2"x 1/4" Acrylic Writer
Ants On A Melon Blade Holder
Ants On A Melon Mini Triangle Light Painting Blade
Ants On A Melon Mini Circle Light Painting Blade
Olight i5R Flashlight/Torch
Light Painting and Night Portrait Kit
This set of equipment is a typical example of what kit I would bring to a portrait session involving long exposure light painting, as well as "normal" shutter speed backlit and coloured light portraits. This kit fits into 4 bags, which I can comfortably carry up to around 1km.
Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II Camera Bag
Crumpler McBain's Baby Laptop Bag (very old!)
Canon EOS R8 camera
Canon RF 16mm f/2.8, 24mm f/1.8 lens, and 50mm f/18 lenses.
Canon BR-E1 wireless remote
3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 Tripod and Bag
Fotopro X-Aircross 3 Lite Tripod and Bag
Glow in the Dark Pebbles
Sofirn D25LR headlamp
2x Ants On A Melon RGB Critter 2.0 Flashlights/Torches
Ants On A Melon BitWhip 200
Ants On A Melon 24" Modular Lumi Saber Honeycomb
Ants On A Melon Critter Back Connector
Ants On A Melon DIY Connector
Ants On A Melon 1/2"x 1/4" Acrylic Writer
Neewer NW580 Flash
2x Weeylite RB9 RGB Panel Lights
Zhiyun Fiveray M40 Panel Light
Small Rig Super Clamp
Urbex Photography Kit
This set of equipment is an example of what I would bring to create urbex photos using long exposure, static lighting techniques. If I planned to backlight myself, I would bring an additional tripod and clamp. If I wanted to travel as light as possible, I would leave the Marauder Mini at home.
Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II Camera Bag
Canon EOS R8 camera
Canon RF 16mm f/2.8, 24mm f/1.8 lens.
Canon BR-E1 wireless remote
3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 Tripod and Bag
Sofirn D25LR Headlamp
2x Convoy S21E 519A 2700k Flashlights/Torches
2x Convoy S21E 519A 2700k Flashlight/Torches
4x Convoy S21E Diffusers
Olight Marauder Mini Flashlight/Torch
A few other things I carry
As well as the aforementioned kit, there are a few other things I wear or bring with me on light painting shoots:
Bottle of water.
Wet wipes.
Lens cloth and sensor cleaning blower.
Tropical strength insect repellant. In summer I also spray my clothes with a fabric insect repellant before leaving the house.
Black trousers, black long sleeved shirt, black socks, grippy black shoes - light painting invisibility cloak!
Black gloves or black balaclava - occasionally required for some light painting techniques.
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Acebeam - 10% off with code: Stephen10
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