Alex is well-known for using “light painting”, a photographic technique in which light is combined with long exposures to paint glowing streaks in mid-air. We interviewed Alex to learn more about this unique brand of photography, and pick his brain for some of his insights on photography in general.
Lighting techniques, knowing what equipment is best suited for each situation and why. A great camera does not necessarily produce great photos; the art is in the manipulation of the camera and equipment, not in the specs. There is a lot more to photography than the camera.
Light painting is a long exposure photo typically taken in a very dark environment. Exposures can range anywhere from 1 second to many minutes. During this long exposure the artist moves a light (or series of lights) around as if they were painting a scene while surrounded by darkness.
Using the technique of light painting the artist can paint or sculpt forms within the image. The artist controls whether an element remains cloaked in darkness or accentuated by light. Deep contrast between light and dark can be used to emphasize forms in a very abstract manner. Often varying intensities, colors, and textural patterns of light are used to tell the story.
Light painting should be mentioned more. For Photographer Alex Deforest, he's bringing it to the limelight. Long exposures have a full breath, now days and being able to try and re-create this may be one of the hardest tasks. But it will be, eventually rewarding. Through this long exposed shots, you are garnering up every aspect of light and emotion that could come in contact or come across the individuals face. Easily, this has to be one of the more personal portraits that has graced these pages.