Tracing object trajectory through a photocamera

[serbring]

Hi all,

I need to trace the trajectory of a moving object. The object are yellow and opaque while the background is grey. Since I'm interested in the shape rather than the exact coordinate, I'm wondering if I could use the light painting principle to impress on a photo the trajectory. How could I do it? By painting the object with any reflective paint? Any suggestion is welcome.

Thanks

 

[CWatters]

One way might be to make a video and put tracing paper over the screen. Play the vid and mark with a pencil.

There are probably some programs out there that will do motion detection for you and add a trail to the path of the moving object.

 

[Tom.G]

Keep the shutter open.
You could also use a strobe light for multiple exposures while the shutter is open.

 

[serbring]

@Tom G. great idea the stroboscope!

@CWatters: is there any way to mark a video? My desire is to adopt a motion detection algorithm

 

[CWatters]

Google suggests there are programs and tools that might do this. For example I found this tutorial...

http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/light_streaks/