SVEN DOORNKAAT
Painting with Light
By selectively illuminating only parts with a handheld flashlight a dark scene comes to light. Using a handheld light source, I am trying to reveal the beauty of a dark environment.
Each scene is a long exposure photograph, some taking up to 20 minutes using different techniques to paint with light. This technique requires an understanding of long exposure and how to “paint” with a small light source. It’s challenging but extremely rewarding and if done correctly it brings out the character of a scene in a very unexpected way.
Light is the main ingredient of every photograph. It can change the mood, the character and the look of every scene dramatically. The direction of the light is almost as important as the light source.
The most amazing part of light painting is that it can never be duplicated. To recreate the same look and feel of a light painting is almost impossible
About The Photographer
Internationally acclaimed photographer Sven Doornkaat, who was born in Germany and raised in Austria, started his career as a photojournalist. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Photography from the Academy of Photography in Germany.
In the 90's Sven worked for several newspapers, before he was hired by Germany's leading photo and news agency. Within the next 10 years Sven would cover news and events all over Europe before becoming the Managing Director of action press in 2001.
In 2004 Doornkaat moved to Los Angeles where he and his wife Tina started their own photo agency while continuing to shoot for assignment and on his own. He specializes in shooting portraits (most often celebrities) and gained mastery in light painting photography, where long exposures are required.
Sven’s style is often described as ‘‘uniquely dramatic and surprisingly edgy”. His approach incorporates outstanding visual effects that bring his cinematic images to another level! Superior lighting skills combined with a variety of styles and a remarkable vision to create striking and powerful images is what drives his various clients to choose him again and again.
His photos published in more than 50 countries and magazines around the globe such as Hello, People, The Hollywood Reporter and many, many more. He also photographed several album covers as well as numerous campaigns for US brands.
Sven is available for editorial assignments and corporate projects throughout the United States.