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November 20, 2025 3 min read

How to Film Stunning Poi Light Trails: Camera Settings Guide | ultrapoi.com

Capturing LED poi light trails is one of the most magical ways to showcase flow arts photography. The bright, colorful trails created by LED poi spinning against a dark background produce hypnotic long-exposure images that make your flow videos and photos stand out on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Whether you’re using UltraPoi’s Vortex Poi, Orbit Pro, or any programmable LED poi, this complete guide will walk you through the exact gear, camera settings, and pro techniques you need to create jaw-dropping light trail photography and video.

Why LED Poi Are Perfect for Light Trail Photography

Modern LED poi (like the UltraPoi Pro Series or Helix Poi) have ultra-bright LEDs, customizable color modes, and whip-smart timing — making them arguably the best light trail tool on the market today. Unlike fire poi, LED poi let you shoot indoors, in urban environments, or even in your backyard without permits or safety concerns.

Let’s get you those viral light trail shots.

Essential Gear for Filming Poi Light Trails

  1. LED Poi
    UltraPoi Vortex Socks, Helix Poi, or Orbit Pro (programmable modes = endless color combos)
    Fully charged batteries (carry spares!)
  2. Camera
    Any DSLR or mirrorless that supports full manual mode (Canon EOS R series, Sony A7/A6xxx, Nikon Z6/Z50, Fujifilm X-T series all work great)
    Smartphones can work in manual/pro mode (iPhone + Moment lenses or Android with apps like ProCam)
  3. Lens
    Wide to normal focal length: 14-35mm on full-frame, 10-24mm on APS-C
    Fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider) helps in very low light
  4. Tripod – Non-negotiable for sharp trails
    We love Manfrotto Befree or any sturdy travel tripod
  5. Remote Shutter Release or Intervalometer
    Eliminates camera shake during long exposures
  6. ND Filter (Optional for Video)
    6-10 stop ND if shooting video in brighter conditions
  7. Extras
    Headlamp with red light (so you don’t ruin your night vision)
    Black or dark clothing for the performer (keeps the focus on the trails)

Best Camera Settings for LED Poi Light Trails

For Photography (Long Exposure Light Painting)

Setting Recommended Value Why It Matters
Mode Manual (M) or Bulb (B) Full control
Shutter Speed 8–30 seconds (start at 15") Long enough to capture full patterns
Aperture f/8 – f/11 Sharpness + deeper depth of field
ISO 100–400 Keep noise minimal
White Balance Tungsten (3200K) or Custom Prevents color cast from LEDs
File Format RAW Maximum editing flexibility
Focus Manual focus to infinity or performer distance Autofocus fails in the dark
Drive Mode 2-second timer or remote No camera shake

Pro Tip: Use Bulb mode + remote for exposures longer than 30 seconds when doing complex 3–5 minute light painting collabs.

For Video (Cinematic Light Trail Footage)

Setting Recommended Value Notes
Resolution 4K 24fps or 1080p 60fps 24fps looks most cinematic
Shutter Speed 1/50th (for 24fps) or 1/120th (60fps) Follows 180° shutter rule
Aperture f/2.8 – f/5.6 Let in enough light
ISO 800–3200 Depends on brightness of your poi
ND Filter 6–10 stops (daytime) Crucial to maintain 180° rule in ambient light
Picture Profile S-Log3 / V-Log / Flat Maximum dynamic range for color grading

Step-by-Step Technique for Perfect Shots

  1. Scout & Prep Your Location
    Pitch-black environments work best (abandoned warehouses, forests at night, beaches, rooftops)
  2. Set Up Your Camera
    Lock tripod, frame the shot, switch lens to MF and focus
  3. Program Your LED Poi
    UltraPoi’s Nexus app lets you create strobe, rainbow, hyperion, and timed patterns that sync perfectly with your shutter
  4. Test Spin
    Do a 10-second test spin while watching the histogram — adjust ISO/shutter until trails are bright but not blown out
  5. Countdown & Shoot
    Spinner: “3-2-1 spin!”
    Photographer: Open shutter on “1” and close when pattern is complete
  6. Review & Adjust
    Chimping is your friend — check for clipped highlights and motion blur

Advanced Pro Tips for Next-Level Light Trails

  • Stack multiple exposures in Photoshop for insane geometric patterns
  • Use rear-curtain sync flash to freeze the performer at the end of the trail
  • Try zoom bursts during exposure for psychedelic effects
  • Combine LED hula hoops, buugeng, or dragon staff for multi-prop light orgies
  • Shoot vertical for Instagram Reels and TikTok — it’s where poi content explodes

Editing Your Light Trail Photos & Videos

  • Lightroom/Photoshop: Boost contrast, reduce noise, selectively saturate colors
  • DaVinci Resolve (free): Color grade with node-based power — push those neon blues and magentas
  • Add subtle glow and sharpen the trails for extra pop

Ready to Create Viral LED Poi Light Trail Content?

You now have everything you need to shoot mind-blowing long-exposure poi photos and cinematic light trail videos.

Grab your UltraPoi LED gear, find a dark spot, and start experimenting tonight. Tag @ultrapoi and #UltraPoi when you post — we repost the best light trail art every week!

Shop the brightest programmable LED poi on the planet at → https://www.ultrapoi.com

Happy spinning and happy shooting! 🌟