For this project, I used a technique known as "Painting with Light." I must admit, the results went a different direction than I had initially predicted.
The concept is fairly simple. The longer a camera's shutter is open, the longer the exposure, and therefore the more light that is allowed in. If a camera shutter is open for, perhaps, ten seconds, then whatever light can be detected in the environment during those ten seconds will be seen all at once in the resulting photograph.
However, if there is very little visible light seen in the environment during that time, or there's a very point-specific light that can be seen (such as a candle, flashlight, or cell phone) then that light will be the only thing captured in the photograph. Additionally, if that light is moved around while the photograph is taken, the result is a very smooth, bright trail of light which shows the path the light takes through space. If the person who is holding the source of light has no ambient light cast on them, they will not appear in the image.
Once I discovered this, I experimented with various ways of depicting how light can be cast. I used different mediums, including a cell phone, laser pointer, glow sticks, candles, etc. I also tried various ways of manipulating the light's appearance to the camera, such as covering it with my hand, putting it on the floor and allowing it to shine upwards, etc. In some shots, the source of the light cannot be seen in order to cause the subject to be the focal point. In other shots, the light is more overpowering than the subject. However, I found that the most intriguing images were a result of the light and the human subject intertwining and interacting with one another.
