Capturing Neon UV Lanterns
Armed with a UV torch, we embarked on a quest to discover the hidden world of UV reactive fabric.
As we started shopping for fabric under the glow of a UV torch, the fabric, seemingly ordinary under normal lighting conditions, underwent a magical transformation when exposed to UV light. Neon colours and patterns unfolded, revealing an unseen beauty that had been hiding in plain sight.
Eager to share this extraordinary experience, we faced a unique challenge as capturing the true essence of the UV lanterns proved to be a difficult task. Conventional photography struggled to do justice to the vibrant hues and intricate details that UV light unveiled before our eyes.
Understanding UV Light
Ultraviolet light, as perceived by the human eye, is difficult to capture. We needed to find a way to photograph our UV reactive lanterns which led us on a deep dive discovery of coral reef and fluorescence photography.
As cameras and mobile phones typically block UV light, a UV bypass lens becomes essential for enabling ultraviolet light to pass through while effectively blocking all visible and infrared light. Our research revealed that the most effective UV bypass lenses are tinted orange or amber.
Our exploration into UV Photography and UV lighting, unveiled a broader understanding of different wave spectrums, from UVA-C 365nm (nanometers), known for its blue tint, germ-killing properties and risk to humans to the most 'safe to use' UV lights on the market which fall between UVA-B 395nm to 400nm.
Beyond this range, the light shifts to a purple hue, losing its UV abilities. Flood lights with UVA-C 385nm and UVA-B 395nm yielded the best effects. To err on the side of caution, UVA-B 395nm is recommended for safe usage.
Safety Precautions
Photographing under UV light necessitates safety precautions. We applied SPF 50 sunscreen, wore long black clothing, used UVC+40 glasses, and stuck to shooting in short bursts. These precautions are crucial to protect against potential harm associated with UV exposure.
Choosing the Right UV Lights & Experimenting with Light Sources
To capture the vibrant hues we experimented with various ultraviolet lights between 365nm - 400nm from UV torches, UV LED strip lights, UV LED light bulbs, UV flood light pro (100W & 50W) and UV LED stage backlight pro (150W). We found the UV LED flood light 150W worked best.
Conclusion
Our journey into UV photography and capturing the UV lanterns in their true form, unfolds as a blend of artistry, science, and precaution. From understanding the nuances of UV light to choosing the right equipment and implementing safety measures, we're happy to share our experience for enthusiasts venturing into the captivating world of UV photography.
