If you’ve ever traced your name in the air with a sparkler during a bonfire celebration, you’ve dabbled in the art of light painting. Captivated by the ethereal “lines of light floating in mid-air,” Scottish photographer David Gilliver felt compelled to capture this phenomenon through his lens. For 15 years, he has been at the forefront of light painting, and one of his works, titled Where Rainbows Sleep, has been nominated for a British Photography Award in the new category for best low light photograph.

Imagine Mr. Gilliver standing in a dark fishing boat hut, clad entirely in black and wielding what looks like a “light sabre.” This isn’t a scene from Star Wars; it’s the beginning of his creative process. To avoid being seen against the dim backdrop, he channels his inner villain while utilizing long exposure techniques, keeping his camera shutter open for durations between 30 seconds and 20 minutes. His camera is securely placed on a tripod at the far side of the room, as even minor movements could blur the image.

As he approaches the camera, he expertly sweeps his light sabre before vanishing down a trap door. The extended exposure allows him to manually use a flash gun to illuminate the surroundings of the hut. Mr. Gilliver believes that simplicity often yields the best results but enjoys experimenting as well. In one striking image, he incorporates butterfly keyrings equipped with battery-powered lights to create an enchanting display of floating butterflies.

His artistic journey began with an eye for beauty but took a detour into finance for 14 years after struggling to find success as an artist. During his time in Guernsey, he developed an obsession with light painting as he sought to capture its magical nighttime landscapes. Upon returning to Scotland in 2015, he found inspiration in its dramatic scenery and decided to pursue photography full-time by leaving behind his corporate job in 2018.

As he shared his light paintings online, viewers often asked about his techniques, prompting fellow photographers to join him on shoots. Now residing in Gartcosh, North Lanarkshire, Mr. Gilliver conducts workshops throughout the UK. He finds that many believe light painting is complex; however, it becomes quite accessible once they start experimenting with it. The joy he experiences while witnessing others discover their creative potential fuels his passion for teaching.

In addition to light painting, Mr. Gilliver has an extensive collection of macro photography showcasing extreme close-ups of various subjects including small objects and insects. He creatively employs figurines to depict scenes ranging from cinematic moments to more serious themes. Having won accolades at previous British Photography Awards—including best macro photograph in 2022—his work continues to impress. This year, he has received nominations across three categories: best macro, low light, and commercial photography, with the awards ceremony set for November 4th.