Light painting is one of my favorite programs to do with kids. It's simple, requires very few materials, and no matter the skill level, the pictures always turn out great.

You only need a few materials to do light painting:

1. A flash light. Glow sticks, finger lights, and Christmas lights can also be fun.

2. A camera set to a long shutter or slow shutter.

If you use the camera on a smart phone or iPad, you can use apps such as Slow Shutter or Long Expo. The longer it takes for the shutter to close, the more time you will have to do your design. You can experiment with how long you want the shutter to be open. If you are using a digital camera, your camera's manual will help you find how to change your camera's settings. The long shutter setting may show a night icon.

3. A dark room. Try to make the room as dark as possible.

Check out the video below for more details on how to do light painting at home.

Light painting can be fun for kids of all ages. Younger kids can stand in front of the camera, and wave the flashlight. Older kids can be the photographer or try drawing specific shapes and drawings. Adults may discover a passion for light painting too!

Once you get the hang of light painting, you can try more complicated designs. At the Barrington Area Library, we love seeing your creations. If you would like to share your light painting designs, email them to youthservices@balibrary.org.

Looking for more fun activities? See a list of the library’supcoming events for kids.

  Youth Services Librarian Ann