Select an SLR digital or film camera. These cameras allow you to set the exposure for as long as the camera battery will allow, usually for several hours.
Set the camera on a sturdy tripod. Creating light graffiti requires a stable surface with absolutely no movement from the camera for the length of the exposure.
Attach a remote control device to your camera. This will allow you to open the shutter from a distance to more easily create your artwork.
Select one or more light tools. Experiment with traffic batons in different colors, LED lights to create thin, light lines, or Xenon lights for a golden light effect. Cold cathode lights create heavier lines and bicycle lights, spotlights or camera flash units can all be used to make different light graffiti effects.
Find a location for your light graffiti project. The darker the background area, the better. Less ambient light is usually preferred unless the ambiance is a part of the planned graffiti project.
Position the camera at least 15 feet from the area where you want your light graffiti to be created.
Set the camera to ISO 100, or lower if possible. Close the aperture as far as possible -- F/18 or higher.
Set the camera to BULB mode and set the shutter to stay open as long as possible. If there is a lot of ambient light, it will affect the amount of time you can keep the shutter open, so experiment depending on the location.
Set the camera to manual focus and focus on the area where you would like to create your graffiti art. Have a helper stand in the center of the frame with a flashlight and set the focus on him. Have your helper move to the right tosee how far he can move and still be in frame, then do the same to the left while you look through the viewfinder to establish your work zone for the light graffiti project.
Collect your light tools and use the remote to open the shutter. Go to the spot where you want to work. Face the camera and work within your established zone to “paint” with light in the air. The images you create are only limited by your imagination.