Dennis Calvert – Light Painting Photography Artist

Light Painting Photographer Dennis Calvert began exploring the light in 2009. Best known for his signature circle tool—which he designed to create intricate light forms—Dennis brings a high level of technical innovation and artistry to the Light Painting world. His work is frequently seen in the Light Junkies Flickr group, where he’s earned tens of thousands of views.

Inspired by sci-fi, comic books, and the artistry of LAPP-PRO, Dennis describes Light Painting as, “The ability to see in 4 dimensions, time traveling, and creating fantasy using only what we base all reality on—light.” He’s known for inventing tools and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with light. Explore his work below, read the full interview, and visit his site www.denniscalvert.net for more.

Light Painting Photography interview conducted by Jason D. Page in 2011

1. What is your name?
   Dennis Calvert
2. Do you have an alias that you go by?
   NO
3. Are you a soloist or are you part of a Light Painting group?
   Mostly soloist. I shoot with my wife, Ann, and sometimes other friends. Occasionally I will do a collaborative project with other light artists.
4. What education do you have?
   Mistakes and experience
5. What is your occupation?
   Web Developer
6. How long have you been a photographer?
   1.5 years
7. How long have you been light painting?
   1.5 years
8. How did you discover Light Painting Photography?
   Just like everybody else, by accident.
9. What was your first Light Painting Image?
   A lighter
10. Film or Digital?
    Digital.
11. Do you believe in aliens?
    Not until I saw one last night.
12. What is your standard Light Painting Photography setup?
    Canon 7D | Tripod | Remote | flashlight | vast array of homemade lights
13. What is your favorite color?
    I like them all.
14. Who influences your Light Painting Photography work?
    Comic books, sci-fi
15. Who is your favorite Light Painting Artist?
    LAPP-PRO
16. What is your favorite food?
    Beer
17. Do you create in any other mediums other than light painting?
    Pencils, Ink, Paint, Music
18. What is your favorite Light Painting image that you have created?
    EOS – View EOS
19. What is your favorite Light Painting image of another artist?
    “Best Nest” by Trevor Williams – View Image
20. What is the most difficult part of Light Painting Photography?
    Winter
21. How do you get your work seen?
    The internet
22. Do you sell your work?
    Gladly. Send me an email.
23. Are you represented by a gallery?
    No
24. Where can we see more of your work?
    Flickr
    DeviantArt
25. What is your favorite quote?
    Don’t be afraid of the dark.
26. Who is your favorite artist?
    —
27. What is your favorite activity other than light painting?
    Playing music
28. Tell me a good light painting story.
    One night a group of students saw our lights and thought it was a UFO. They were relieved when they found out it was just us shooting. We ended up including them in some shots. See the photo.
29. Tell me a nightmare story.
    Running into angry hunters on private land. Not fun.
30. Ever been arrested or ticketed?
    No, but had to explain myself to police.
31. What do you say when someone asks what you’re doing?
    Depends on how intelligent they look.
32. Where do you find inspiration?
    Everywhere
33. Who would you like to punch?
    No one
34. Who would you like to kiss?
    My wife
35. Why do you light paint?
    Why do you breathe?
36. Favorite time to shoot?
    Spring and fall nights
37. Favorite subject?
    Forgotten and rarely seen places
38. Favorite place?
    Same as above
39. Dream travel destination?
    Too many to list
40. Ever invented a tool?
    Yes! A circle tool. View Tutorial
41. Tired of explaining your work?
    Never
42. How many times have you heard “Photoshop”?
    Sigh…
43. What makes you happy?
    Bright LEDs
44. What makes you mad?
    Dead batteries
45. Favorite part of LP?
    The experience
46. Least favorite?
    Winter
47. Website?
    www.denniscalvert.net
48. What is Light Painting Photography?
    The ability to see in 4D, to time travel, and create fantasy using light—the basis of all reality.
49. Advice to beginners?
    Know your camera and experiment.
50. Are you scared of the dark?
    Hell no!

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