
This is a treat of a photograph. The effort is considerable and some homework has gone in to it. Attention to the time and direction of when the exposure would've had to have been attempted, given the geography, and also balancing the artificial light source power. The final result is beautiful with a good explorer type vibe.
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I absolutely adore this portrait. The softness and grain looks considered and vintage but when married with the contemporary lighting using fibre optic it gives it a unique look. The blue colour pallet sets the mood and the light trails move almost like hair in a double exposure. The fact its a from a phone proves that when it comes to creativity its not about the tools.
A classic method perfectly executed. Naturally, there have been a lot of entries in to this brief using the same technique, but i would argue this was the best artistic result. Beautifully understated with minimal sparks make for a frame full of feeling. The soft ring of light surrounding the subject looks almost protective and cuts through that golden horizon line like a sunset. The reflection in the pool is the cherry. Great balance all round.
Brief
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“Light painting is a technique used in long exposure photography where you can use artificial light sources to illuminate a scene, or to create new elements within the image.” So says light painting ace Mathew Browne in the excellent '<a href="https://www.photocrowd.com/blog/154-beginners-guide-art-light-painting/">Beginner’s Guide to the Art of Light Painting</a>' here on Photocrowd. There are many tools that can be used to paint light trails, and light up scenes, from torches and flames, to burning steel wool and purpose-built coloured light tools that come in myriad forms. The light painting must be coordinated by the photographer, which is integral to this art form, and not simply be astrophotography, or rely on light from other sources such as cars or buildings that are beyond their control.