The strange world of black light photography - Brief Article

PSA Journal, Jan, 1998 by Fred Lewis

Another black light tabletop involves two pieces of 2 by 2 foot plywood and a sheet of plain glass. This setup is the same as the first one, except that the fluorescent object is placed on the glass which is supported by the two pieces of plywood (see my article "The Exciting World of Rear-Projection Photography" in the September 1996 PSA Journal). This type of arrangement will give you good reflections. You can use glassware props either sprayed with fluorescent paint or filled with fluorescent tempera paint diluted with clear tap water.

Your Turn

Black light photography is part of a vast unexplored region of experimental photography, limited only by your own dreams and creative ability. If you have any questions relating to this article or any other articles I have written, I would be happy to answer them. You may contact me through PSA headquarters. Thank you and good luck.

Fred Lewis has held black light workshops throughout the New York metropolitan area for over 16 years. This is his third article dealing with experimental photography. The first article, in the April 1996 PSA Journal, dealt with making Kodalith negative slides and sandwiching them with the original color slides. The second article, referenced on page 29, presented his methods for rear-projection.

Basic Equipment

Tripod with a ball head dolly (optional) cable release SLR camera film medium telephoto lens, or 105mm or 220 macro black light tubes black velvet UV filter heavy extension cord fluorescent subjects table background board

Setup Materials -- your choice: fluorescent paint, crayons, markers, background papers, pens paint brushes plastic or rubber models plastic flowers vases coloring books glass aluminum foil

Participate in PSA

Order PSA's Recorded Lecture No. 76, "Black Light Fantasies" and show it to your club for a visual demonstration of the black light technique. U.S. members, send your request in writing and a check made payable to PSA for $12.50 (rental fee) to PSA Headquarters. As this is a popular program, please allow several weeks between your date of order and the date you wish to show the program.

Also, PSA's Technique division has Capsule Instruction Sets for individuals and Tape Slide Shows for camera clubs which demonstrate black light photography. For information contact Walter Ross, Distributor, 2118 Williamsburg Drive, Palatine, IL 60074; (847) 202-0563 or Marion L. Smith, FPSA, Director, 145 West Park Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187-6459; (630) 665-7157.