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Hannu Huhtamo

Light Painting Artist Hannu Huhtamo

Light painting artist Hannu Huhtamo has been light painting since 2008, though his first experience with the art form came in the 1990s while photographing a death metal band. Inspired later by fellow light painting artist Janne Parviainen, Hannu began developing his signature style rooted in organic, floral forms. He is a staunch believer in SOOC (Straight Out Of Camera) light painting, rejecting any post-processing manipulation. Read his full interview below and visit hannuhuhtamo.com for more of his magical work.

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

What is your name? Hannu Huhtamo

Do you have an alias that you go by? No

Are you a soloist or are you part of a Light Painting group? If a group who is in your group? I’m a solo artist, but sometimes I collaborate with another LP artist, Janne Parviainen a.k.a Jannepaint. Together with him we also co-operate with Lighting Designer Jukka Laine in his project “Valopaja” (=Light workshop).

What education do you have? I graduated from Pop & Jazz Conservatory in 2006.

What is your occupation? Musician

How long have you been a photographer? About four years

How long have you been light painting? Almost three years

How did you discover Light Painting Photography? Well, my first light drawing experience leads back to early 90’s when we wanted to use long exposure in our bands promo pics. It was a Death metal band and of course I had to draw a pentagram with a lighter 🙂 But when Jannepaint showed me some of his new experiments with long exposure, I was hooked immediately. It was something magical and totally mind blowing for me. Major kickstart was Flickr’s light painting groups. That’s how I discovered the new generation of talented light painters, like TCB, if I name one.

What was your first Light Painting Image? First one with a proper idea must be a picture called “Towards light”, If that previous pic from the 90’s isn’t counted.

Film or Digital? For me it’s digital, just because it eases things quite a lot.

Do you believe in aliens? Yes of course. It’s a little bit narrow-minded to think that we ‘re all alone in this universe.

What is your standard Light Painting Photography setup? Nice spot combined to my light flowers or luminous beings. A lot of contrast between the subject and the surroundings.

What is your favorite color? It’s hard to pick only one, it depends on a situation. Well, it might be blue.

Who influences your Light Painting Photography work? It’s almost everything I see, different forms everywhere, nature, dreams….other light painting artists of course. There is always something new to be discovered.

Who is your favorite Light Painting Artist? One with unique style and ability to renew his work without losing his own magical touch. If I have to name one, it would be TCB. He’s always inspirational and original. Of course, names like Eric Staller and Patrick Rochon are in top positions in my list.

What is your favorite food? There is no specific, but I have to say that my wife Sanna makes tasty vegetarian/cross kitchen -style food.

Do you create in any other mediums other than light painting? If so what are they? Potrait photography is always inspiring. I work also as a freelance musician.

What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image that you have created? At the moment it’s a picture called “Farmer’s special” In this picture there is a farmer who grows magical light plants in the basement of his house. It was fun to do it!

What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image of another artist? I can’t name only a single one, there are so many.

What is the most difficult part of Light Painting Photography? Sometimes it’s the bright ambience light, but extreme weather conditions like breezing wind and frost are also lovely.

How do you get you Light Painting Photography work seen? Through my Flickr-page

Do you sell your Light Painting Photography work? Sometimes, but it’s quite hard these days. There is so much pictures in the internet and other medias that you really have to elbow your way out.

Are you represented by a gallery? At the moment there isn’t any specific gallery.

Where can we see more of your work? www.hannuhuhtamo.com

What is your favorite quote? “Balanced heart needs no disguise”

Who is your favorite artist? I recently found composer Steve Reich’s work.

What is you favorite activity other than light painting? Music and spending time with my family.

Tell me a good light painting story. About half an year ago there was a festival called “Season of light” in Helsinki. Me and Jannepaint were hired to take light painting potraits for people. There was this lovely couple from Japan spending their holiday in Finland. They somehow had found our websites and especially wanted to see us in action. It was nice to see how excited they were about our work!

Tell me a nightmare light painting story. Once I broke my V24, lost three flashlights and managed to scratch my lens (I know, after that I bought a protection filter). All this during one photo-session.

Have you ever been arrested or ticketed for light painting? No, I’m silent and fast.

What do you say to people when they see you light painting and they ask “what the hell are you doing”? I try to give a brief introduction to light painting photography, but usually people understand when you just say that you’re a photographer.

Where do you find inspiration for your Light Painting Photography? Mainly the different forms in nature inspire me the most, but sometimes it might be a movie or a song.

Who would you like to punch? Myself, when I notice selfish or greedy behaviour.

Who would you like to kiss? My wife.

Why do you Light Paint? I just can’t get enough of it. It’s like magic and I feel like a child in a wonderland while I’m doing it. There’s infinite possibilities and so many techniques to be mastered.

What is your favorite time to shoot? It depends on the ambience light, in winter from 7pm to 11pm and in bright summer nights from 1am to 4am

What is your favorite subject to shoot? Abandoned buildings are always interesting, but also finnish forests offer a magical environment to be explored.

Where is your favorite place to shoot? A big outdoor recreation area called Luukki in Espoo. It’s a peaceful place at night and it has many beautiful spots.

If you could travel anywhere to Light Paint where would you go? Amazon and Andes in Peru.

Have you ever invented a Light Painting Photography tool? If so what was it and how did it work? Not exactly invented, but I’ve modified things suitable for my needs. I try too keep my lights simple, because I’m not that good with electronics. You can use almost anything for light painting, sometimes I use plastic shopping bags with LED-flashlights.

Do you ever get sick of explaining your work to people? No, it’s always nice if someone’s interested. I try to give a brief explanation about it.

How many times have you heard the word photoshop when someone was describing or asking about your work? Don’t say the P-word, it’s forbidden ☺. For light painting it’s not suitable, because everything should be straight out of the camera.

What makes you happy? When hard work produces great results.

What makes you mad? The way we’re treating this planet, that’s really sad.

What part of Light Painting Photography do you enjoy the most? I love the whole process of it.

What part of Light Painting Photography do you hate the most? Unsuccessful photo-shooting trip, especially when I’ve loaded great expectations for it.

Do you have a website? If yes what is the address? www.hannuhuhtamo.com

What is Light Painting Photography? It’s based on long exposure times that vary from a few seconds to hours. While the cameras shutter is open you are able to draw in the air by moving different kinds of light sources in front of the camera. Light painting requires a dark environment and it’s usually made at night.

Give me some advice for anyone that might like to try Light Painting Photography. If you’re a beginner you don’t have to have expensive DSLR to try it out. Cheap compact cameras have at least 15 seconds of exposure time, which is not much, but at least something.

Are you scared of the dark? No, as long as I have my flashlights with me ☺

TigTab

Light painting artist TigTab has been capturing images since she can remember and has been light painting since 2009. TigTab is best known for her light stencil work and her images have racked up thousands of views. TigTab’s stencil work doesn’t stop with her light painting, she also creates spray paint stencil work inspired by another one of her fascinations, street art. TigTab’s favorite artist is Kaff-eine and the street art influence can be scene in her light painting work. Check out some of TigTab’s images below, read the full light painting photography interview, and check out her flickr page for more images and information.

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

1. What is your name?
Tigtab

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? If a group who is in your group?
I am really lucky to hang out and shoot with a great bunch of talented photgraphers/light painters/artists.

4. What education do you have?
No formal photography qualifications.

5. What is your occupation?
PA.

6. How long have you been a photographer?
Since Santa brought me my first Kodak camera when I was approx 9 years old.

7. How long have you been light painting?
Since 2009

8. How did you discover Light Painting Photography?
After looking in wonder at Cave Clan photos lighting underground locations.

9. What was your first Light Painting Image?
Glow stick hearts.

10. Film or Digital?
Digital.

11. Do you believe in aliens?
Sure do.

12. What is your standard Light Painting Photography setup?
Canon 5D Mk11, tripod, flash units, light stencil boxes, and an ever expanding collection of light stencils (to attach to the light stencil boxes), along with a vast array of lights.

13. What is your favorite color?
The entire spectrum, but I do have a soft spot for blue and purple.

14. Who influences your Light Painting Photography work?
Everyone.

15. Who is your favorite Light Painting Artist?
There are seriously too many to mention – the global light painting community is full of amazing talent.

16. What is your favorite food?
Okonomiyaki

17. Do you create in any other mediums other than light painting? If so what are they?
Drawing, and currently heading towards spray stencil art.

18. What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image that you have created?
I have a soft spot for the journey it took to make `Hidden World’. The location is also one of my favourite places to light paint, so it was great to be able to create in there.

19. What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image of another artist?
My all time favourite (so far) would be Tdub’s `Best Nest’.

20. What is the most difficult part of Light Painting Photography?
When you start light painting, it takes a bit of getting used to working in confined spaces with zero light, and focusing the camera.
Now, it would be lining up multiple components into a shot.

21. How do you get you Light Painting Photography work seen?
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/tigtab/

22. Do you sell your Light Painting Photography work?
I can be contacted via flickr if anyone is interested.

23. Are you represented by a gallery?
Not yet.

24. Where can we see more of your work?
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/tigtab/

25. What is your favorite quote?
(a slightly different take on the confucious quote)…
“If you shoot for the stars and hit the moon, then you have still made a great accomplishment. Much better than shooting for the gutter and hitting it.”

26. Who is your favorite artist?
Kaff-eine

27. What is you favorite activity other than light painting?
Designing and creating light stencils, photographing abandoned places, loitering in laneways (shooting graffiti).

28. Tell me a good light painting story.
Depending on how you look at it —- unknowingly setting up and light painting in a well known Melbourne `beat’ (if the weather had been warmer, it could have gotten mighty interesting :o)

29. Tell me a nightmare light painting story.
Hmmm, ripping open the butt of my trousers on a piece of metal sticking out of a concrete loading bay, while entering a building – it was a bit drafty for the rest of the night. Mental note – jump next time.

30. Have you ever been arrested or ticketed for light painting?
No.

31. What do you say to people when they see you light painting and they ask “what the hell are you doing”?
Cant say that I have had that problem with the places that I light paint in.

32. Where do you find inspiration for your Light Painting Photography?
From everywhere and everything.

33. Who would you like to punch?
No one.

34. Who would you like to kiss?
My partner.

35. Why do you Light Paint?
It keeps me insane.

36. What is your favorite time to shoot?
Anytime of the day or night.

37. What is your favorite subject to shoot?
Light, of course :o)

38. Where is your favorite place to shoot?
Abandoned and forgotten places.

39. If you could travel anywhere to Light Paint where would you go?
The Paris catacombs would be cool.

40. Have you ever invented a Light Painting Photography tool? If so what was it and how did it work?
I wish! Hopefully one day …

41. Do you ever get sick of explaining your work to people?
No, if people are interested, Im happy to explain.

42. How many times have you heard the work photoshop when someone was describing or asking about your work?
Hmmm, Id be kept in battery money if I was paid for every time Id heard the mention of photoshop when listening to people talking about light painting photography. BUT, the look on people’s faces when you explain the reality of light painting – can be priceless :o)

43. What makes you happy?
Nailing a shot that I’ve been working on for hours.

44. What makes you mad?
Having to change a camera battery when Im so close to nailing a shot, and the camera goes dead.

45. What part of Light Painting Photography do you enjoy the most?
The entire journey – from planning the shot, preparing for it, to shooting it.

46. What part of Light Painting Photography do you hate the most?
Recycling times on flash units when Im shooting stencil shots.

47. Do you have a website? If yes what is the address?
Not yet. See flickr.

48. What is Light Painting Photography?
In a literal sense it is the process of moving light sources around during a single exposure to create an overall shot.
To me personally, it is that great feeling of creating entire pictures using only light, and bringing beauty to forgotten places.

49. Give me some advice for anyone that might like to try Light Painting Photography.
Do your research (there is a heap of info online to help get you started), then get out there and play. Have fun with it – light painting is only limited by your imagination!

50. Are you scared of the dark?
How can I be scared of a light painter’s canvas?

Bruno Mesrine

🎨 Bruno Mesrine has been creating Light Painting photographs since 1990. His first light painting image was titled “Portrait of the Moon,” where he used the moon itself as a light source to draw a face in the sky. Over the decades, his work has evolved to include everything from the human form to light graffiti in the streets of Paris. A true soloist, Bruno creates most of his own tools and expresses his vision through a combination of photography, oil painting, and iron sculpture. He is completely self-taught and uses Light Painting as a medium to communicate empathy and philosophical ideas to the world.

💡 View some of his stunning images in the gallery below, read the full interview conducted by Jason D. Page, and follow Bruno’s latest works on his Facebook page.

🗣️ Light Painting Photography Interview with Bruno Mesrine

Interview conducted by Jason D. Page in 2011

What is your name?
Bruno Mesrine
Do you have an alias that you go by?
No
Are you a soloist or are you part of a Light Painting group? If a group, who is in your group?
I am a soloist
What education do you have?
Self-taught
What is your occupation?
Plasticien: photography, painter, sculpture
How long have you been a photographer?
30 years
How long have you been light painting?
20 years
How did you discover Light Painting Photography?
My fate
What was your first Light Painting Image?
A line of spark crossing the image, along a beach in Nice.
Film or Digital?
Film
Do you believe in aliens?
Yes 👽
What is your standard Light Painting Photography setup?
No standard—I create my instruments following the needs of the image.
What is your favorite color?
Purple 💜
Who influences your Light Painting Photography work?
Nobody
Who is your favorite Light Painting Artist?
Nobody
What is your favorite food?
The equilibrium
Do you create in any other mediums other than light painting? If so, what are they?
Oil paint, drawings, sculpture in iron, and photographic images
What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image that you have created?
“Portrait of the Moon” — The moon was the brush of light. The movement of the camera in a long exposure created the features. By stacking exposures on a single analog negative, I constructed the image.
What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image of another artist?
Nobody
What is the most difficult part of Light Painting Photography?
The precision 🎯
How do you get your Light Painting Photography work seen?
Through exhibitions and online platforms
Do you sell your Light Painting Photography work?
Yes
Are you represented by a gallery?
No
Where can we see more of your work?
Bruno’s Facebook Page
What is your favorite quote?
“The sense creates the shape.”
Who is your favorite artist?
Me
What is your favorite activity other than light painting?
Think and oil paint
Tell me a good light painting story.
I had a drawing in my pocket and walked around Paris photographing ancient memorial symbols, combining them methodically into a single analog negative.
Tell me a nightmare light painting story.
One day in Nice, I photographed a wave and got hit in the face. Later that evening, I added a garland of light on the same negative. Every image is a technical and emotional story.
Have you ever been arrested or ticketed for light painting?
Once in Zurich, I drew an eye between two streetcars.
What do you say to people when they see you light painting and ask “What the hell are you doing?”
When I work, I am in a trance and cannot be interrupted. I must manage all photographic parameters with precision to allow creativity to flow freely.
Where do you find inspiration for your Light Painting Photography?
I read philosophers like Jung, Nietzsche, and Cioran passionately and explore human consciousness to develop ideas expressed through light.
Who would you like to punch?
A philosophical punch.
Who would you like to kiss?
The sky and the moon 🌙
Why do you Light Paint?
To express my empathy to the world 💫
What is your favorite time to shoot?
Eight hours (ambiguous intentionally)
What is your favorite subject to shoot?
The human
Where is your favorite place to shoot?
In front of the objective
If you could travel anywhere to Light Paint, where would you go?
It is my biggest dream…
Have you ever invented a Light Painting Photography tool? If so, what was it and how did it work?
I build my own “brushes of light”: a battery, a switch, and a bulb adapted to my photographic needs.
Do you ever get sick of explaining your work to people?
It’s simple: the film is photosensitive. The rest is photographic technique used to transcend.
How many times have you heard the word “Photoshop” when someone sees your work?
Many times.
What makes you happy?
Yes
What makes you mad?
Yes
What part of Light Painting Photography do you enjoy the most?
Being in front of the objective, asserting human symbolism. Projecting unconscious and conscious elements of my being. My rays of light: aggravated ethics, sublimated solitude, and meaning declared in the space of my nights.
What part of Light Painting Photography do you hate the most?
I like the worst and the best—I transcend them both.
Do you have a website?
www.mesrine.com
What is Light Painting Photography?
It is painting with the sun. My freedom of expression is intensified. The idea becomes light.
Give some advice to anyone who might want to try Light Painting Photography.
Be. Build your uniqueness. The technique will follow…
Are you scared of the dark?
Yes 🌑

Chanette Manso

Accomplished light painting artist Chanette Manso captured some of her first light painting photographs in 1991 in the streets of Paris, France. In 1992 she moved to San Francisco where she produced light painting work for tech magazines such as Wired. During her time in San Francisco, Chanette also created light painting portraits for local newspapers including The Bay Guardian. She is best known for her light painting work that focuses on the human form. Chanette uses a variety of lights to create beautiful images of dancers, Indian icons, balancing acts, and more. In 1993, she was selected by the French National Center of Photography to perform light painting with the public in one of the biggest photography museums in Paris, the Palais de Tokyo. Chanette shoots her images on both film and digital. Early in her career she was sponsored by Kodak and Mazda flashlights. In 1998, four of Chanette’s images became part of Burning Man’s permanent art collection! She has published the first in her series of three books on the subject of light painting. Chanette currently resides in the south of France where she continues her studio work producing some exquisite light painting images. View some of Chanette’s images, read her full light painting photography interview below, and for even more information check out her website Chanettemanso.com.

Interview conducted by Jason D. Page in 2011

1. What is your name? Chanette Manso

2. Do you have an alias that you go by? Cha

3. Are you a soloist or are you part of a Light Painting group? If a group who is in your group? I’m a soloist, but in the beginning I worked as a team with my partner.

4. What education do you have? Degrees in Communication and Film

5. What is your occupation? Image maker (photographer/choreographer)

6. How long have you been a photographer? 20 years

7. How long have you been light painting? 20 years

8. How did you discover Light Painting Photography? By playing around with open flash, then dancing with lights on my fingers.

9. What was your first Light Painting Image? Dancing in the streets of Paris by night. Light graffiti in the train stations.

10. Film or Digital? Love film. Have been messing around with digital for a few years.

11. Do you believe in aliens? Not really.

12. What is your standard Light Painting Photography setup? Pentax 6-7 film camera, Digital camera, Tripod, light brushes of all sorts, sometimes fabrics.

13. What is your favorite color? Intense color.

14. Who influences your Light Painting Photography work? Street art and pop art.

15. Who is your favorite Light Painting Artist? Still getting to know them.

16. What is your favorite food? Fresh food.

17. Do you create in any other mediums other than light painting? If so what are they? Yes I also create stop motion films, UV choreographies and body paintings.

18. What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image that you have created? The one that touches the viewer in a way I haven’t thought of.

19. What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image of another artist? Their most personal ones.

20. What is the most difficult part of Light Painting Photography? Waiting for darkness.

21. How do you get you Light Painting Photography work seen? Galleries, Art shows, On-line, Publications, Press

22. Do you sell your Light Painting Photography work? Yes. Would like to sell more.

23. Are you represented by a gallery? I work with several galleries, none of which officially represent me.

24. Where can we see more of your work? chanettemanso.com

25. What is your favorite quote? Not sure I should post the first that comes to mind.

26. Who is your favorite artist? Yikes, can’t do that one.

27. What is you favorite activity other than light painting? Breathing.

28. Tell me a good light painting story.

29. Tell me a nightmare light painting story. Getting attacked by raccoons while setting up and waiting for dusk, in a forest near the beach.

30. Have you ever been arrested or ticketed for light painting? Not arrested but stopped while doing a fashion shoot at night in the streets of San Francisco.

31. What do you say to people when they see you light painting and they ask “what the hell are you doing”? It’s hype enough now that most people know about light painting. Otherwise they usually get the night postcard explanation.

32. Where do you find inspiration for your Light Painting Photography? Observing light in all ways and through inner search.

33. Who would you like to punch? I like this question.

34. Who would you like to kiss? TMI

35. Why do you Light Paint? Can’t do otherwise.

36. What is your favorite time to shoot? Summer nights.

37. What is your favorite subject to shoot? : Light and humans.

38. Where is your favorite place to shoot? In Studio.

39. If you could travel anywhere to Light Paint where would you go? Japan’s light festival.

40. Have you ever invented a Light Painting Photography tool? If so what was it and how did it work? It seemed at first all was invented. I remember attaching little lights to my fingers with a battery in my back, and this was pre LED.

41. Do you ever get sick of explaining your work to people? More or less.

42. How many times have you heard the work Photoshop when someone was describing or asking about your work? Many times and I invite them to reproduce what they see in light painting in photoshop any time.

43. What makes you happy? More eye candy.

44. What makes you mad? Not being able to create images.

45. What part of Light Painting Photography do you enjoy the most? The wait in between the actual light painting and the result on film. Now with digital that wait in shorter, but still present.

46. What part of Light Painting Photography do you hate the most? Dead batteries.

47. Do you have a website? If yes what is the address? chanettemanso.com

48. What is Light Painting Photography? A way to see movement through space.

49. Give me some advice for anyone that might like to try Light Painting Photography. Experiment.

50. Are you scared of the dark? Usually not.

Dennis Calvert

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

What is your name?
Dennis Calvert
Do you have an alias that you go by?
NO
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.
What education do you have?
Mistakes and experience
What is your occupation?
Web Developer
How long have you been a photographer?
1.5 years
How long have you been light painting?
1.5 years
How did you discover Light Painting Photography?
Just like everybody else, by accident.
What was your first Light Painting Image?
A lighter
Film or Digital?
Digital.
Do you believe in aliens?
Not until I saw one last night.
What is your standard Light Painting Photography setup?
Canon 7D | Tripod | Remote | flashlight | vast array of homemade lights
What is your favorite color?
I like them all.
Who influences your Light Painting Photography work?
Comic books, sci-fi
Who is your favorite Light Painting Artist?
LAPP-PRO
What is your favorite food?
Beer
Do you create in any other mediums other than light painting?
Pencils, Ink, Paint, Music
What is your favorite Light Painting image that you have created?
EOS – View EOS
What is your favorite Light Painting image of another artist?
“Best Nest” by Trevor Williams – View Image
What is the most difficult part of Light Painting Photography?
Winter
How do you get your work seen?
The internet
Do you sell your work?
Gladly. Send me an email.
Are you represented by a gallery?
No
Where can we see more of your work?
Flickr
DeviantArt
What is your favorite quote?
Don’t be afraid of the dark.
Who is your favorite artist?
—
What is your favorite activity other than light painting?
Playing music
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.
Tell me a nightmare story.
Running into angry hunters on private land. Not fun.
Ever been arrested or ticketed?
No, but had to explain myself to police.
What do you say when someone asks what you’re doing?
Depends on how intelligent they look.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere
Who would you like to punch?
No one
Who would you like to kiss?
My wife
Why do you light paint?
Why do you breathe?
Favorite time to shoot?
Spring and fall nights
Favorite subject?
Forgotten and rarely seen places
Favorite place?
Same as above
Dream travel destination?
Too many to list
Ever invented a tool?
Yes! A circle tool. View Tutorial
Tired of explaining your work?
Never
How many times have you heard “Photoshop”?
Sigh…
What makes you happy?
Bright LEDs
What makes you mad?
Dead batteries
Favorite part of LP?
The experience
Least favorite?
Winter
Website?
www.denniscalvert.net
What is Light Painting Photography?
The ability to see in 4D, to time travel, and create fantasy using light—the basis of all reality.
Advice to beginners?
Know your camera and experiment.
Are you scared of the dark?
Hell no!

✨ Learn more in Light Painting 101
🎨 Explore more artists on the Meet the Artists page

Chris Benbow Scores Ezra Furman Album Cover

March 19, 2011 by Jason D. Page

Light painting photography artist Chris Benbow has scored the Ezra Furman and The Harpoons album cover. Here is a short interview with Chris about the cover shot!

LPP ∇ So give me some background how did you get the job? The Ezra Furman Album cover I mean…

CB ∇ Well I received an email through my website from an american band who had seen an image they liked on Flickr, They said they would be interested in using my image for their latest album cover and would give me a few hundred dollars. I said I would be happy to. We spoke a bit about it then I didn’t hear anything for a while. Next thing their record label is in contact with me sending over contracts for me to sign Contracts were signed at both ends and payment was sent electronically and I get a few copies of the CD free also.

LPP ∇ Thats sick so you just randomly got an email? were you super excited or like oh this is BS?
CB ∇ Yeah I just got an email one day, I never know what to think when I receive emails, when I got an email about Luminary I was excited but thought “they are really going to fly 10,000 miles to film me” same as this “they want to pay me for a digital file” Sometimes it all works out fine other time it’s just hot air. You can usually tell the fakers a mile off, never hurts to research in to them before agreeing to anything, So I went on a research mission and found the band and record label to be pretty legit and have done world wide tours and the album would be on sale in shops.

LPP ∇ So they selected one of your images you had already shot?
CB ∇ Yeah, they didn’t give me a brief of what they wanted then I shot it, which I would love to do sometime, but it’s nice for people to want what you have already done rather than want a bit more or something different.

LPP ∇ Had you ever heard of the band before?
CB ∇ Nah not at all, they are one of those bands that are not in the top 40 or whatever but they are big enough to have a record deal and world tours, so a nice balance, after talking with Ezra about the cover I did listen to the band I liked what I heard which is even better, I’d hate to support something that I hated, sort of feels like selling out for money.

LPP ∇ Is the album out yet?
CB ∇ It’s out next week I think, on the 22nd/23rd, a pre-order is available though.

LPP ∇ Any idea how many copies they are printing? and are they using the image for any other promo stuff like posters or anything?
CB ∇ No idea how many copies are being printed I will find that out to see how many copies of my image are floating around. Yeah the contract said that they could use the image for promotional posters and leaflets as well, I think I get a copy of everything it’s on.

LPP ∇ Are you gonna buy an album?
CB ∇ Being the album artist I get a few copies for free, but if I didn’t I would be buying one for the fact my image was on there and it’s a decent CD, I did get a preview of the tracks before release.

LPP ∇ I would buy like 50 of them….. so where did you shoot the image and how long ago?
CB ∇ I shot the image at a house that had recently burnt down near my house, the owner who had died in the fire had an awesome car collection which had been some what damaged. It was taken in January 2007.

LPP ∇ Woah that pretty scary… did you know the guy?
CB ∇ Nah, I heard rumours of how nuts he was though, I think he started the fire himself.

LPP ∇ Strange…. I bet he would be happy to see your image of one of his cars on the cover of an album that will be seen around the world.
CB ∇ Hopefully I mean thats what it’s all about. Some of the places I sneak in to I always wonder, if the owner would find it on google and be outraged or pleased

LPP ∇ Well Congratulations…. great work, any advice for other light painters trying to get their work seen?
CB ∇ Networking is the key I think, Just make friends and be nice and good things will come back to you. It’s when you start chasing things too much that you’ll feel like nothing is happening.

LPP ∇ Cool man thanks for your time…

Check out Chris’s light painting photography artist profile HERE and his website HERE.

Vicki DaSilva

Light painting artist Vicki DaSilva has been creating her images since 1980. In 1981, while she was an art student, Vicki spent the year in NYC working as an intern for video and performance artist Joan Jonas. Through Joan’s vast artist network Vicki began a ten-year personal assistant job with sculptor Richard Serra. The influences of Joan and Richard, along with the birth of Hip Hop and the fusion of graffiti and fine art that was primarily directed by Keith Haring (whom Vicki knew from his home town of Kutztown, PA, where she attended Kutztown University) was extremely influential in her art. Vicki has the honor of holding several light painting titles. She is the first female light painting artist and the first light painter to create “Text Light Graffiti”. Vicki has shot the majority of her work on film. She is known for her light graffiti work as well as her elaborate installation based light paintings. Vicki, along with her husband Antonio, (whom she met while on a light painting trip to Paris) use 4 and 8-foot fluorescent bulbs attached to a complex system of tracks and pulleys to create her work. The enormous amount of time and effort it takes for her just to set up her light painting installation work, and then the fact that she shoots it all on film is incredible. In the 1990’s Vicki took some time off to be a full time mom, in 1999 she began light painting again full time and has not stopped since. Vicki can be found roaming the dark streets of New York City where she often travels to create her light painting work. She now lives in Pennsylvania and continues to promote, progress, and create light painting photography. Vicki started shooting digital in 2008 but she also continues to shoot chrome film. View some of her images below, read Vicki’s full light painting photography interview below and for even more information check out Vicki’s websites LightGraffiti.com and VickiDaSilva.com.

Light Painting Photography Interview With Artist Vicki DaSilva

Interview conducted by Jason D. Page in 2011

1. What is your name? Vicki DaSilva

2. Do you have an alias that you go by? Fountain of Youth; FOY

3. Are you a soloist or are you part of a Light Painting group? If a group who is in your group? Soloist as light painter but partner with Antonio DaSilva who is the technical director of our team.

4. What education do you have? BFA, Kutztown University, MFA, School of Hard Knocks

5. What is your occupation? Artist

6. How long have you been a photographer? Since 1978

7. How long have you been light painting? Since 1980

8. How did you discover Light Painting Photography? While studying photography in art school and seeing Man Ray’s work as well as Gjon Mili’s.

9. What was your first Light Painting Image? A portrait of my mom & dad in their back yard, 1980.

10. Film or Digital? Film from 1980-2008, film and digital 2008-present.

11. Do you believe in aliens? Not sure.

12. What is your standard Light Painting Photography setup? There is no standard, only upward.

13. What is your favorite color? Black as night.

14. Who influences your Light Painting Photography work? At the moment regarding light graffiti: Banksy.
15. Who is your favorite Light Painting Artist? Me.

16. What is your favorite food? Kumamoto oysters.

17. Do you create in any other mediums other than light painting? If so what are they? Yes. Drawing. It’s all about drawing.

18. What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image that you have created? Space Hugger, 2010

19. What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image of another artist? Alba Clemente, 1995 by Dean Chamberlain.
20. What is the most difficult part of Light Painting Photography? Making art that is historically significant when put into the context of contemporary art.

21. How do you get your Light Painting Photography work seen? By every means necessary.

22. Do you sell your Light Painting Photography work? Yes.

23. Are you represented by a gallery? I show with various galleries but do not have exclusive representation.

24. Where can we see more of your work? vickidasilva.com and lightgraffiti.com

25. What is your favorite quote? War is over (If you want it) John Lennon & Yoko Ono

26. Who is your favorite artist? Dan Flavin, James Turrell and Banksy are all tied for first place.

27. What is your favorite activity other than light painting? ☺ ‘Family business’ with Antonio, my Portuguese Love Stud.

28. Tell me a good light painting story. May, 2010, Cape Breton Island, Chimney Corner Beach. Beautiful night. A man rolls up in a pickup, gets out and asks us what is going on. He is clearly angry, suspicious and wearing a holster carrying a gun. We tell him we’re doing ‘light painting photography’ and he says, ‘I will not have signaling of drug boats here on my property.’ And we’re trying not to laugh! We get the brochure, verify a photo in the camera we just completed and we all have a great laugh!

29. Tell me a nightmare light painting story. During ‘Light Tartans: Fountain Park,’ 2006 we were 2 hours in on a single shot when the cops rolled up and shined their mega search lights from their cruisers into the shot and seriously overexposed the shot and rendered it unusable.

30. Have you ever been arrested or ticketed for light painting? No. I usually get permission and permits when necessary.

31. What do you say to people when they see you light painting and they ask “what the hell are you doing”? I say ‘we’re making ART using light painting photography!!’ I also always have a brochure to show samples of the finished product.

32. Where do you find inspiration for your Light Painting Photography? Art history, contemporary art, news & pop culture.

33. Who would you like to punch? No one.

34. Who would you like to kiss? Antonio, my love.

35. Why do you Light Paint? Because it is my artistic fate.

36. What is your favorite time to shoot? After midnight.

37. What is your favorite subject to shoot? light graffiti commentary on pop culture.
38. Where is your favorite place to shoot? The streets of NYC.

39. If you could travel anywhere to Light Paint where would you go? Jupiter, to add a few rings!

40. Have you ever invented a Light Painting Photography tool? If so what was it and how did it work? Antonio makes all the tools. They are all fluorescent lamps made portable. We prefer the lumens of fluorescents.
41. Do you ever get sick of explaining your work to people? No. All artists explain their work regardless of medium.

42. How many times have you heard the word Photoshop when someone was describing or asking about your work? It’s understandably the assumption but provides the opportunity to explain the process, which therefore inevitably elevates the interest and appreciation of light painting photography.

43. What makes you happy? Having a family and being an artist all at the same time. I am grateful for their love & support of my work, especially Antonio, as he is my technical director supreme and we have been collaborating since 1988.

44. What makes you mad? The lack of urgent, radical, global clean energy policy changes necessary to save the planet and human life.

45. What part of Light Painting Photography do you enjoy the most? The challenge of using the medium to make important contemporary art that is ultimately historically significant.

46. What part of Light Painting Photography do you hate the most? No hate, all love!

47. Do you have a website? If yes what is the address? I have two: vickidasilva.com and lightgraffiti.com

48. What is Light Painting Photography? A technique of recording the movement of light through the photographic process.

49. Give me some advice for anyone that might like to try Light Painting Photography. Practice makes perfect.

50. Are you scared of the dark? No, as I always have a plethora of lamps readily available.

Contest

Light Painting Photography Contest Rules

Welcome to the Light Painting Photography Contest Series! This is a bi-monthly creative challenge open to all Light Painting Artists around the world. Here’s how it works:

📅 How the Contest Works

Every other month, a new contest theme is announced. Artists can submit one original Light Painting image that fits the theme. The winner of the previous contest will serve as one of three judges for the current round and is not eligible to enter that month.

All entries must be received by the 21st of the month. Submitted images will then be posted to the website, and the Light Painting Photography (LPP) community will vote in the comments to help choose the top 3 entries.

From those top 3 images, a panel of judges will select the winner based on the Three C’s: Composition, Creativity, and Complexity, scoring each on a scale of 1–10.

📸 Submission Guidelines

Cost to Enter: FREE
File Naming: Use your name, for example: johnsmith.jpg
Image Size: 1920px on the longest side
How to Submit: Email your properly sized and named image to contest(at)lightpaintingphotography.com with the subject line: [Month] LPP Contest Entry
Photoshop: Not allowed. Only basic adjustments (cropping, levels, burning/dodging) are permitted. No layered edits or digital additions/removals.
Number of Entries: One image per person per contest

Please follow all submission rules carefully. Images that do not meet the requirements will not be accepted.

🏆 How to Win

Once entries are posted (around the 23rd), the LPP community will vote by commenting their top 3 picks. Votes must include three unique images to be counted. The top 3 most-voted images move on to final judging by a panel of 3 Light Painting experts (including the previous winner).

🎁 What You Win

The monthly winner will receive:

A $100 Gift Card to LightPaintingBrushes.com (shipped worldwide)
Front-page feature on LightPaintingPhotography.com
Bragging rights and the honor of judging the next contest

👩‍⚖️ Who Are the Judges?

You are! The LPP Family votes first to select the top 3. Then a judging panel — including the last winner and featured Light Painting artists — scores the finalists.

📊 Judging Criteria – The Three C’s

Composition (1–10)
Creativity (1–10)
Complexity (1–10)

The image with the highest total score wins.

🎨 CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CURRENT CONTEST

Patrick Rochon Interview

March 2, 2011 by Jason D. Page

Patrick Rochon creates some of the most awe inspiring light painting portraits in the world! His work is just incredible, Patrick uses vivid color combinations together with his unique brushstrokes to produce amazing works of ART. He was kind enough to find a moment in his busy work schedule to answer some questions for his light painting photography profile.

1. What is your name?
I’m Patrick Rochon and I’m a light painter since 1992.

2.Do you have an alias that you go by?
Just Patrick the light painter

3.Are you a soloist or are you part of a Light Painting group? If a group who is in your group?
Photography wise I’ve been working solo since 1992 but often I do collaborations. For live performances I was part of a few groups. With friends we created “Light Warriors Tokyo”, “Liquid Vision” and “Boa”. Now I work under my name and build teams for each project.

4.What is your level of Education?
College degree in photography, but I must say that the biggest learning I did was from traveling, living all kinds of experiences and specially from meeting great people and exchanging with them.

5.What is your occupation?
I’m a light painter, I explore it through photography, live performances and video.

6.How long have you been a photographer?
Since 1991 when I graduated.

7.How long have you been light painting?
Since 1992

8.How did you discover Light Painting Photography?
Trough a friend I saw a B&W photograph that had a slight light painting touch in it. I asked what it was and it sparked my mind.

9.What was your first Light Painting Image?
I started with my room mate and my girlfriend at the time. So since then working with people is my passion and speciality.

10.Film or Digital?
15 years of film, now digital and I’m loving it.

11. Do you believe in aliens?
Well I like to be logical and I love observing. I try to stay away from beliefs. of course I love looking at the stars and how vast cosmos is. When I do i think ” it can’t all be dead out there”. There are two very interesting article to read.

From the New York Time:

http://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/11/world/beijing-journal-a-ufo-boom-doesn-t-worry-china-s-rulers.html?pagewanted=2

From CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/02/nasa.kepler.planets/index.html?hpt=C1

The facts are getting more and more interesting.

Also this phenomena was published in a few major new channels:

ABC news:

http://abcnews.go.com/International/ufo-china-closes-airport-prompts-investigation/story?id=11159531

Daily Mail UK:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1293395/UFO-China-closes-Xiaoshan-Airport-spotted-flying-city.html

The Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/ufo/8043055/UFO-closes-Chinese-airport.html

12.What is your standard Light Painting Photography setup?
Mmmm no standart, black background indoor is often used for portraits and nudes.

13.What is your favorite color?
All colors and I love transparency.

14.Who influences your Light Painting Photography work?
No one really, I did body painting before light painting. I also had other influences but mainly my curiosity to discover and create.

15.Who is your favorite Light Painting Artist?
I had the chance to witness Aurora Crowley’s process. He started as a hair sculptor and he was doing body painting and body design. We collaborated in 1996. Him doing the styling and the look on the model and me doing the ligt painting. Since then he started his own light paintings. It took a good 10 years of investment on his part to get to this point and now his fashion light painting is timeless.

16.What is your favorite food?
Non-chemical and non-industrialised food.

17.Do you create in any other mediums other than light painting? If so what are they?
Life in general is an art form. Creating your reality, creating yourself.

18. What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image that you have created?
I love the series with the Butoh dancers and also the shoot with Toyota. I hope to impress myself in the near future.

19. What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image of another artist?
I love what Manray did because it symbolizes the beginning of light painting photography. Also the serie Gjon Mili did with Picasso.

20. What is the most difficult part of Light Painting Photography?
Trusting your intuition, your instinct without tying to control.

21. How do you get you Light Painting Photography work seen?
Internet, blogs, magazine. I’m working on an erotic exhibition. I haven’t printed in a very long time. This is exciting.

22. Do you sell your Light Painting Photography work?
Yes, love it that’s alway an honor.

23. Are you represented by a gallery?
Not yet but working on it. I have an agent for commercial work 2M2: http://www.2m2.ca/

24.Where can we see more of your work?
Some is on Flickr, some on my site and some at the agency 2M2

25.What is your favorite quote?
In everything you do, no matter if it’s personal, professional or spiritual, there’s always a secret door waiting to be discovered,,,and you are the key to that door. I said this one in India 2009 in from of a crowd of 6000 university students.

27. What is you favorite activity other than light painting?
Growing, expanding and transforming.

32. Where do you find inspiration for your Light Painting Photography?
I don’t need inspiration, I just do it, it’s a practice.

34. Who would you like to kiss?
mmmm…

35. Why do you Light Paint?
Cause it’s magical

36. What is your favorite time to shoot?
Night

37. What is your favorite subject to shoot?
Portraits & nudes

40. Have you ever invented a Light Painting Photography tool?
If so what was it and how did it work? Working on new ones with my friend Sylvain Lavoie

41. Do you ever get sick of explaining your work to people?
I love it, I’m always exposing people to this form of art and I’m always giving my card so they ca see it on my site.

42. How many times have you heard the work photoshop when someone was describing or asking about your work?
aaaaahhh many times of course but photoshop can be art too, it’s just a tool and I love it.

43. What makes you happy?
The rise of conscious people in the world

44. What makes you mad?
The rise of dumb people in the world.

45. What part of Light Painting Photography do you enjoy the most?
The good surprises when you look at the result.

46. What part of Light Painting Photography do you hate the most?
The bad surprises when you look at the result.

47.Do you have a website? If yes what is the address?
http://www.patrickrochon.com

48.What is Light Painting Photography?
You answer this one..

49.Give me some advice for anyone that might like to try Light Painting Photography.
Do it often, have fun and get your friends involved.

50.Are you scared of the dark?
I love it.

To see more of Patrick’s work visit his light painting photography profile HERE.

Jake Saari

Jake Saari – Light Painting Artist ECTRO

Light Painting Photographer Jake Saari, also known as ECTRO, is figuratively and literally underground. Since 2007, Jake has immersed himself in the subterranean world, seeking absolute darkness to create raw and compelling Light Paintings.

He doesn’t have a website, a gallery, or sell his work—though he absolutely should. His Light Painting is driven by exploration, both environmental and internal. Jake puts it best: “It’s an exploration into the deepest parts of my environment and mind. It is my continued education and the work of my life.”

Oh, and in case you missed it—Jake’s roommate is none other than Light Painting legend Dana Maltby, a.k.a. TCB. With those two collaborating, the creative possibilities are endless. View Jake’s work below, read his full artist interview, and explore more on his Flickr page.

Light Painting Photography Interview with Artist Jake Saari

1. What is your name?
Jake Saari

2. Do you have an alias that you go by?
ectro

3. Are you a soloist or are you part of a Light Painting group? If a group who is in your group?
I guess I started kind of just doing it myself, but then I moved to the Twin Cities so I could more easily meet up with other artists. I still go out by myself because sometimes that’s when I find the most personal inspirations.

4. What education do you have?
Real world experiences and the internet

5. What is your occupation?
Whichever low-key, low-paying job is easiest to find.

6. How long have you been a photographer?
I was a photographer for a few years before I graduated to light painting.

7. How long have you been light painting?
A good definition for LP still eludes me, but I’ve been using flashlights and long exposures since some time in 2007.

8. How did you discover Light Painting Photography?
I never knew the possibilities until I stumbled upon the Light Junkies flickr group.

9. What was your first Light Painting Image?
It was probably some indoor macro of a dead bug I needed more light for.

10. Film or Digital?
Either, yet almost exclusively digital because it is nearly impossible to set up these types of exposures on film. Try it.

11. Do you believe in aliens?
Oh yea.

12. What is your standard Light Painting Photography setup?
A huge backpack full of stuff. Camera, tripod, lighting gear, kaleidoscope, water, food, tools, and beer.

13. What is your favorite color?
Orange – I like all of the colors though.

14. Who influences your Light Painting Photography work?
I draw from all over the place. Other light painters are a huge inspiration. Music gives me rhythm and confidence.

15. Who is your favorite Light Painting Artist?
I dunno. I like all of it. There are definitely different styles going on all over the world. I really want to see it continue.

16. What is your favorite food?
Anything, and then a lot more of it.

17. Do you create in any other mediums other than light painting? If so what are they?
Nothing too notable I guess. I’m trying to combine all sorts of mediums within LP. Light paintings of paintings on sculptures are of particular interest.

18. What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image that you have created?
This one picture of a light creature and a kaleidoscope that is pretty creepy. I like it the most because of the setting I was in.

19. What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image of another artist?
Can’t say I have a favorite.

20. What is the most difficult part of Light Painting Photography?
Coming up with the new tools and techniques. The ideas come at such unpredictable times, and as if they cannot be thought of by choice. They slowly seep into consciousness from dreams.

21. How do you get your Light Painting Photography work seen?
I just put it online via my flickr.

22. Do you sell your Light Painting Photography work?
Pretty sure I’ve never sold one.

23. Are you represented by a gallery?
No galleries.

24. Where can we see more of your work?
My Flickr Page

25. What is your favorite quote?
I don’t really have a favorite quote.

26. Who is your favorite artist?
Don’t have a favorite artist either.

27. What is your favorite activity other than light painting?
Thinking about light painting.

28. Tell me a good light painting story.
The other day when I randomly ran into some of my friends in a tunnel.

29. Tell me a nightmare light painting story.
When I’m in a tunnel by myself and I hear/see things that aren’t there. Pretty scary, but not too bad.

30. Have you ever been arrested or ticketed for light painting?
I’ve gotten a couple parking tickets. Never been caught lurking.

31. What do you say to people when they see you light painting and they ask “what the hell are you doing”?
Nobody sees me light painting because I’m either underground or somewhere very dark and sparse.

32. Where do you find inspiration for your Light Painting Photography?
I find inspiration in everyday life. The simplest, most “insignificant” objects often represent the greatest ideas.

33. Who would you like to punch?
I don’t feel like punching anyone. I’ve never been in a serious fight.

34. Who would you like to kiss?
Someone that would kiss me back.

35. Why do you Light Paint?
It’s an exploration into the deepest parts of my environment and mind. It is my continued education and the work of my life.

36. What is your favorite time to shoot?
About 1:30PM so I can sleep in, be lazy, and commit my whole day to it.

37. What is your favorite subject to shoot?
I like kaleidoscopes. People are my least favorite unless I can really distort them.

38. Where is your favorite place to shoot?
This tunnel I can walk to from my house, or along the shores of Lake Superior.

39. If you could travel anywhere to Light Paint where would you go?
I really want to LP along the Amazon River and deep inside the pyramids.

40. Have you ever invented a Light Painting Photography tool? If so what was it and how did it work?
Yes, I have a couple of tools I’ve come up with, but I can’t tell you the secrets behind the magic!

41. Do you ever get sick of explaining your work to people?
It depends who it is. Most people won’t get it, so I don’t force it. I really do like explaining it though.

42. How many times have you heard the word photoshop when someone was describing or asking about your work?
All the time. It’s like everyone expects you to photoshop it. It’s just not a part of my workflow. For me, once I capture the image it is complete.

43. What makes you happy?
Vivid dreams and new locations.

44. What makes you mad?
Not getting the shot after putting in the work.

45. What part of Light Painting Photography do you enjoy the most?
Being in the middle of the exposure and getting that nervous/anxious feeling while I carefully put light where it needs to go. Can’t beat that.

46. What part of Light Painting Photography do you hate the most?
The fact that it is “photography”. I like to think I create images, not take photographs. It’s more like magic, or alchemy, or a secret military mission to me. Other than that, I especially despise the use of post production for a medium that allows you to achieve the desired effect in camera.

47. Do you have a website? If yes what is the address?
No website.

48. What is Light Painting Photography?
I could argue against any definition put upon it, but I’ll try. Light painting photography is capturing an image over time with the use of a moving, human-manipulated light.

49. Give me some advice for anyone that might like to try Light Painting Photography.
Your lights are more important than your camera. Your location is more important than your lights. Your images are more important than anything else.

50. Are you scared of the dark?
I need the dark. It’s too bad so many great locations are ruined because of light pollution.

🎨 View more artists: Meet the Artists
📚 Learn Light Painting: Light Painting 101

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