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Ideally, you should find a very dark place with a number of different colored lights to experiment with camera painting. Lights reflected in water are particularly good since the reflection adds another dimension. 

If the lights are at different distances, focus the camera on a middle light source or at one of the light sources if they are at the same distance. Manual focus usually works better in darkness; the autofocus has a hard time reading exact focus in low light scenes and may take some time searching for correct focus.

Set the camera’s shutter speed to its maximum—at least 4 seconds, but longer shutter speeds are better if possible. Frame the lights so that they are a small part of the picture.

Finally click the shutter and move the camera. Just as with panning, you will probably get a smoother line if you start your movement before you click the shutter and continue to move the camera for a moment after the shutter has closed (like following through on a golf swing).

The first couple of shots may be too dark or too light, so adjust the ISO or the aperture; however, don’t change the shutter speed. Also, try moving the camera more quickly to make the lights sharper and darker, or slower to make the lights brighter and wider.

Going Further with Camera Painting

•    Find some neon lights and take a variety of shots while you move the camera in a number of ways. Try moving the camera smoothly, then in distinct stages, then while arching it at the same time.

•    You can also camera paint as you go down the highway. Have a friend drive as you move you camera across lights that speed by you on the road. As always, safety is first. The photographer should never distract the driver or make any sudden changes.