It feels like magic. Lightpainting.

I'm not sure where we travelled to shoot these photos, but it was an hour or so west of Calgary. Brooks DeCillia and I had intentions of going to the mountains to shoot star trails. The skies were clear when we left Calgary, but completely clouded over and the moon was out when we arrived at the destination.  We tried shooting a few long exposure shots but they were very stale. 

I had a flashlight along for purposes of seeing what I'm up to. I decided it would be a nice opportunity to experiment, and modified the flashlight using a white sock to diffuse the light. Brooks operated both our cameras and I ran, walked and tripped getting the light painting done. He was giggling like a child, as he had never created photos like this, according to him. When in the process of creating it, the motion of the light seems random, but in the final image, it all comes together and it's magic. 

Here's our magic: 

Under the influence of McNally with Jen Maslak

Jen is a very genuine, beautiful and fun person to work with. Not only is she a model, but also a mom and a floral designer [and yes she's talented!!]. I just met her that day, and worked with her for 2 hours, and already we talked like friends that had known each other for a long time. It made the shoot much more enjoyable. 

This shoot was inspired by Joe McNally, a truly gifted photographer, I'm one of his many admirers.  I bought the book 'Sketching Light by Joe McNally' almost a year ago. I flipped through it several times, and then put it on the shelf, feeling inspired. I created great work. So the other day as I was cleaning my room [thank god my mom doesn't have to see it] and rediscovered his book. I read it front to back. I again felt über inspired and asked on CFC if anyone could help me. Jen volunteered. 

I left my tripod at home [couldn't find the base plate] even though I knew we'd be shooting long exposure. So for some of these shots I had to trust my stability and IS lenses to keep the photos sharp when shooting at 1/15 second handheld, you try doing that! 

All these shots were taken at Big Hill Springs just 20 minutes north west of Calgary.  

Nuit Blanche

Cloud Engage a Friend

Sugar Dance

Horny Like bugs However you do it, consider the stars.

Enamored

Light by Night

Pull to light

Consider the cloud

Untitled

With Joe and Matrine.

capturing

Untitled

The Crossing

Overcome

Adele

Saving the bunny

Behind The Scenes. Produced By the artists from Nuit Blanche

[vimeo 48606200 w=800 h=450]

This video shows the early stages of production on the artworks featured at Nuit Blanche Calgary on September 15th, 2012. The work that is featured in order of appearance is:

Sophie Farewell - However You Do It... Consider the Stars Caitlind Brown - Cloud BGL - Carrousel Theo Sims - The Candahar

Music by: "beep Shot and edited by: Lewis Liski

[vimeo 49268342 w=800 h=450]

This the second short for Nuit Blanche Calgary. This video focuses more in depth on the work being produced for Nuit Blanche Calgary on September 15th. It features interviews from all of the artist's and collectives making work for the festival.

Photo's used in video by: Valentin Brovko and Monika Sobezak Music by: "beep Shot and edited by: Lewis Liski