Strange lights in the woods..

19/11/06

Several weekends ago I discovered the amazing work of Stu Jenks who specialises in night photography. Much of his work involves long exposures in wilderness locations in the US, using fairy lights or a Zippo lighter to create light effects on medium format film. After gaining Stu's permission I decided to have a go myself in the woods behind the house.

In order to prepare for the evenings activities I constructed a 'hoola-hoop' from an old bit of hose I found in the shed and used some masking tape to attach the battery powered Christmas lights bought last year. At dusk I drove up the hill behind the house wondering what on earth I was doing, but hoping it would work out anyway. I parked up, unpacked my backpack, tripod, 'hoola-hoop' and several torches before trekking off somewhat hesitantly into the pitch black woods.

It took me a long time for my eyes to acclimatise. A long time. It was just so dark. The wind was stirring up the trees and the branches made a low roar as I walked down the track towards the spot I had envisaged. I kept thinking any minute a vampiric spirit or some other hideous denizen of the underworld was going to rise up grab me around the shoulders. Somehow flashing the torch around wildly seemed to make it all so much easier. Eventually I got to where I needed to be and set up. Taking a number of light meter readings and extrapolating the results I realised I'd need an hour long exposure. Better put on the mp3 player. I composed the first frame then opened the shutter. Right. This is it. Somewhat clumsily I staggered forward clutching my Christmas tree lights. Once in place I turned them on, then Herman Munster-like I moved through the trees. Feeling a bit excited now...

This was the routine for a few nights until I worked out how to get a decent image. It’s still a new technique that requires quite a bit of patience with digital capture. Film is still a better medium for this kind of work I think, unless you are happy with a rectangular image. At least Stu makes it all sound more 'earthy', something beautiful. I'm still battling with the calculations, but there is something in it. Whilst you're waiting in the dark its easy to think. The childish fear passes and it just feels great. Maybe I should go camping more.