Light Painting: More than Just a Camera Trick!
So, folks, have you ever found yourself mesmerized by those lines of light darting around on a dark night? No, I’m not talking about the dance moves of your drunk uncle at a wedding. I mean the captivating world of light painting! One man attempting to make magic happen with his camera is Scottish photographer David Gilliver, who has recently been shortlisted for the British Photography Awards for his stellar work in the ‘Best Low Light Photograph’ category.
Meet the Wizard of Light
If you’re wondering why he isn’t dressed like a sorcerer while performing his photographic wizardry, that’s because David has opted for a much more practical wardrobe — dark clothes. Yes, because what’s more mysterious than blending in entirely with the shadows of a fishing hut, right? He’s essentially playing the role of Edward Scissorhands but with light sabers, and no, I don’t mean lightsabers from Star Wars. He calls it “sorcery,” but I reckon it’s just a fancy term for uncle Johnny’s old flashlight and a bit of patience.
How to Become a Light Maestro
Now, don’t go thinking about hopping into your mom’s attic looking for a camera to channel your inner J.J. Abrams. David’s process sounds like a cross between an intense yoga session and a sci-fi flick: a long exposure time, a remote-controlled camera, and the grace of a ballerina on a trampoline. We’re talking 30 seconds to 20 minutes of standing perfectly still while you pull off some dramatic swirls of light. Imagine your friends watching you, half-expecting you to conjure up a potion with your camera.
But in this high-stakes game of light painting, even the slightest movement turns your masterpiece into a smudgy mess that even your five-year-old cousin could replicate after consuming a fair few jellybeans. And let’s be honest, no one wants a disaster that looks like an artwork from an underachieving turtle!
Going Beyond Conventional Photography
Gilliver, along with his illustrious light displays, has dabbled in macro photography. He’s a person who can look at a tiny bug and think, “What a moment this is!” And he captures them like most of us can only dream: scenario after scenario where those figurines of ours are cast in roles fitting for movie directors like Tim Burton.
And get this: he’s not just keeping his talents to himself. Oh no! He’s now out there teaching workshops across the UK. You can see the excitement ripple through the crowd as they try to create their own masterpiece, probably expecting a feature lined up in the local gallery the next week. Oh the irony when half of them turn out like a toddler’s finger painting at a daycare.
Look Ma, I Made it to the Awards
David is no stranger to accolades, having taken home the title of ‘Best Macro Photograph’ at the British Photography Awards back in 2022. He creatively turned a face mask into a diabolical swimming pool for tiny figurines during the pandemic. A serious message disguised in a laugh—why don’t we all try that?
And folks, he’s in for the run this year again with not one, but three nominations! You’ve got macro photography, low light, and commercial categories all vying for his magical touch. So, mark November 4th in your calendars because that’s when we pull out the popcorn and watch to see if he pulls it off once again.
What’s Next for Our Boy Gilliver?
Will light painting soon become the hot new TikTok trend? We’ll have to wait and see, but one thing’s for certain: if you’re chasing rainbows, you better learn how to paint with some light! So next time you’re staring into the night sky, remember David Gilliver and all the magic he’s crafted, turning dark into something profoundly bright (and Instagrammable).
Until then, happy photography, and remember, sometimes you find magic in the slowest of dances… or while pretending to be Darth Vader in your mum’s garden!
David Gilliver
“I thought it was like sorcery, it’s like magic,” he says.
For 15 years, Mr Gilliver has been a pioneer in the technique of light painting.
Now, one of his pictures – titled Where Rainbows Sleep – has gained a coveted spot on the shortlist for the British Photography Awards in the category for best low light photograph.
‘Where rainbows sleep’
Picture this: Mr Gilliver is stood in a pitch black fishing boat hut, dressed head to toe in dark clothing, holding a “light sabre”.
To blend into the low-light background, Mr Gilliver must imitate one of film’s greatest villains.
He channels his inner Darth Vader but instead of “the force” he uses a long exposure photography technique, keeping the shutter open for anything from 30 seconds to 20 minutes.
Mr Gilliver moves towards the camera, swooshing his light saber before disappearing down the trap door.
The exposure length gives him enough time to fire a flash gun manually to illuminate the boat hut surroundings.
David Gilliver
David Gilliver
Mr Gilliver also created an eerie orb sitting within the ancient Callanish stones on the Isle of Lewis by swinging a light on the end of a string like a lasso during the long exposure time.
David Gilliver
The 45-year-old Glasgow School of Art graduate has always had an artistic eye.
After moving back to Scotland in 2015, he says the “dramatic” and “iconic” backdrops of the country kept his creativity alive.
In 2018, he abandoned his 9 to 5 life to finally take up photography full time.
David Gilliver
David Gilliver
Mr Gilliver, who lives in Gartcosh, North Lanarkshire, now teaches workshops across the UK.
He says most people think the technique is hard to understand but actually it is “very accessible” once people start to experiment and play with light.
He says teaching “found” him and he enjoys people’s natural curiosity.
“Watching their eyes light up as they begin to learn what the creative possibilities are of this amazing art form is one of the many joys of teaching,” he says.
David Gilliver
Along with light painting, Mr Gilliver has a large portfolio of macro photography.
This technique is a form of extreme close-up photography, useful for capturing details of small objects, flowers, and insects.
David Gilliver
He is no stranger to the British Photography Awards, having already won the best macro photograph category in 2022.
This year, his recreation of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s famous “I’m flying” scene from Titanic has been shortlisted in the macro category.
It depicts a miniature Jack and Rose recreating the famous scene on top of an electric iron.
David Gilliver
Macro or light painting?
The photographer says it would be unfair to choose which photographic forms he prefers.
Mr Gilliver has been shortlisted for three categories in this year’s British Photography Awards, for best macro, low light and commercial photography. The awards will take place on 4 November.
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