Light Painting

Image by Jon DeVaul

An interesting photographic technique, known as ‘light painting’, is a current, innovative photography trend. There are several ways that light painting can be approached. One technique involves ‘painting’ an object with light using either a torch, flash or any other object that provides light. Another technique is to shine a light source directly towards the camera lens and then ‘draw’ a shape or outline utilising that light. Using objects such as glow sticks, sparklers, steel wool and light wands can also create interesting results with light painting photographs.

Last year I experimented with painting with light and found it rather fun! Using a couple of small battery operated lamps and torches with bulbs that provided an ‘orange glow’, I painted the interior of an old school room on display in a museum. Light painting is an interesting technique that allows you to illuminate the intended points of focus, to achieve the most effective result for the image. It also allows a photographer to experiment with the distinctive type of lighting they are trying to achieve.

Image by Jon DeVaul

A good example of using light to create ambience within  a photograph, is an image by photographer Jon DeVaul. In his photograph depicting a saddle, DeVaul has lighted the object in such a way that effectively highlights the rich colours, textures and patterns of the old, worn saddle. To give an idea of perspective, he has painted part of the rail upon which the saddle is resting, as well as highlighting a few planks of the wooden door and rusty hinge in the background. This photograph provides a rustic, country impression. To see more of DeVaul’s light painting work, visit his website at: http://www.devaulphotography.com/index-slides.html?gallery=%22Light+Painting%22&folio=Portfolio.

Another photographer, Denis Smith, who I have recently discovered, also includes light painting in his portfolio. One of his projects titled ‘Ball of Light’ is ‘a unique photographic project that has touched the hearts of many around the world. Inspiring photography that brings ‘light painting’ to the public domain. The Ball of Light is created in a single exposure by swinging lights around. There is no “Photoshop” here at all. It is super challenging, and certainly adds a new dimension to long exposure photography.’ (http://www.denissmith.com.au/portfolio/ball-of-light/) 

Images by Denis Smith

Image by Denis Smith

Images by Denis Smith

Personally, I find the ‘Ball of Light’ series of photographs beautiful. The way Smith has located tranquil, peaceful landscapes and then placed a transparent circle or ball of light in each photograph, seems to instil a sense of calmness, peace and serenity. The colours used for the balls of light also suit the type of environment that Smith has chosen to photograph. For example, the yellow ball of light nestled in the side of the cave, both complements and provides contrast to the dark blue sky. To see a few more of the photographs from the series, visit his website at: http://www.denissmith.com.au/portfolio/ball-of-light/.

If you’re interested in giving light painting a go, visit the Chris Bray Photography website for a guide on how to paint with light, create light drawings, light orbs and fire wheels at: http://www.chrisbray.net/photography_tips_painting_with_light_how_to.php

Here is another image by Jon DeVaul and Denis Smith:

Image by Denis Smith

Image by Jon DeVaul

Posted by Chelsea

Gregory Crewdson

Gregory Crewdson is an American photographer known for his contemporary style of photographic art, which is often referred to as narratives. Crewdson states ‘I think my pictures are really about a kind of tension between my need to make a perfect picture and the impossibility of doing so.’ (Susan Bright. ‘Art Photography Now’. Page 80-83.) The photographs are modern, futuristic and supernatural and Susan Bright describes his photos as having an ‘almost claustrophobic calmness’. (Susan Bright. ‘Art Photography Now’. Page 80-83.) I find Crewdson’s work contemporary, unique, and mystifying.

Untitled (Brief Encounter)
Image from Art Blart (http://artblart.com/tag/gregory-
crewdson-untitled-brief-encounter/)

An interview with Gregory Crewdson, posted on YouTube, showed the ‘making of’ one of his photographs called Untitled (Brief Encounter) and his thoughts on the image. Crewdson said that ‘the picture’s residing on this thing that almost doesn’t exist, like this moment in between moments.’ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RywAfP4KFcY) He also said that ‘it’s finding meaning through light. I’m always interested in intentions. A primary one is that collision between the familiar and the strange. I think that exists in all of my pictures and an unexpected sense of mystery or strangeness or beauty.’ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RywAfP4KFcY)

Untitled, Summer 2006
Image from Gagosian Gallery
(http://www.gagosian.com/artists/gregory-crewdson)

Untitled, Summer 2006 is another example of Crewdson’s work which portrays mystical and contemporary aspects. When viewing this photo, the eye is drawn to the boy standing in the misty light. The surrounding bush and dark tree trunks which naturally frame the photo, draw the viewer’s gaze upwards to the bridge and light source, which also appears to be the boy’s focus.

Crewdson goes to great lengths to design the perfect sets for his photos; he states that ‘my first impulse is to make the most beautiful picture I can.’ (Susan Bright. ‘Art Photography Now’. Page 80-83.) A design element used in Untitled (Brief Encounter) is lead in lines. An oblique line is located along the side of the street and the top of the building, which implies movement and direction. Another line in the foreground curves round a building and continues down the footpath, eventually merging with another line from the building’s roofline. The car’s tracks in the snow are curved lead in lines, which draws the viewer’s vision towards the receding car. All lead in lines appear to eventually join at a focal point below the movie theatre sign. The way I see this image, Crewdson’s intended point of focus is not actually the car but the wording written in the sign - Brief Encounter. Brief Encounters is actually the title of his movie that has been ‘filmed over a decade’. (http://www.gregorycrewdsonmovie.com/about/)

Untitled (Brief Encounter)
Image from Art Blart
(http://artblart.com/tag/gregory-crewdson-untitled-brief-encounter/)
Lines and words added by Chelsea

Interesting angles and lighting are two other design elements that are noticeable in this image. The angles are evident on the guttering, buildings and supporting arms of the traffic lights. Another point of interest to note, is that amongst the numerous straight lines there are two dominant curved lines – the car’s tracks in the snow. This helps to break the ‘strict’ straight lines and evokes a sense of quietness and direction. Crewdson also choreographs light and illuminates certain points of significance. There is noticeable light illuminating the tattoo shop, the walls of the distant building, traffic lights, street lights, car’s head lights and the two solitary figures. The positioning of light at the tattoo shop might indicate a brief encounter that marks one for life, and traffic lights, positioned on orange, might indicate how some people make cautious decisions in life. Highlighting the two figures could suggest a brief encounter at the restaurant which resulted in their parting.

Untitled (Brief Encounter) also incorporates the use of texture. Crewdson worked in cooperation with the town which resulted in the main street being closed to allow snow to accumulate. This has created a natural texture of fallen snow, and allowing the car tracks to remain, creating a brief encounter.

The ‘cool’ colours in the photo consist of mainly blues, greens and greys. These colours are receding and create a dull and eerie mood. Even though these cool colours are somewhat gloomy, they work well together as they are harmonious colours. It is also interesting to note the chosen colour of clothing for the lady seated in the restaurant. Her red shirt works well as it complements the blue-green surroundings and provides contrast within the image.

Untitled (Brief Encounter) is a unique image when compared to more typical photographs. This image still, however, uses different elements of design to portray the tranquillity, yet eeriness of the image. As Crewdson states: ‘the picture’s residing on this thing that almost doesn’t exist, like this moment in between moments.’ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RywAfP4KFcY) These combined elements create unity and balance within the photographed image.

These are a few more photographs by Gregory Crewdson:

Untitled, Winter 2006
Image from Gagosian Gallery
(http://www.gagosian.com/artists/gregory-crewdson)

Untitled, Summer 2006
Image from Gagosian Gallery
(http://www.gagosian.com/artists/gregory-crewdson)

Production Still Untitled (Trailer Park #5)
Image from Gagosian Gallery
(http://www.gagosian.com/artists/gregory-crewdson)

Posted by Chelsea