Gallery: Conjuring Tornadoes of Light With LEDs and Hula Hoops

  • Image may contain Nature Outdoors Universe Space Night Astronomy Outer Space Starry Sky Architecture and Spire
    Martin Kimbell
    01

    Martin Kimbell

    To include the stars of the night-sky, the exposure for this image was over 2 hours.
  • Image may contain Nature Weather Silhouette Adventure Leisure Activities and Outdoors
    Martin Kimbell
    02

    Martin Kimbell

    “I have different sizes and weights of hula hoops which create different effects," says Kimbell about his modded hula hoops.
  • Image may contain Nature Outdoors Tree Plant Building Rural Countryside Shelter Tree Trunk Housing and Vegetation
    Martin Kimbell
    03

    Martin Kimbell

    Kimbell is happy to play around with pyrotechnics too.
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    Martin Kimbell
    04

    Martin Kimbell

    "If it looks like the hoop went really far, it usually did. The hoop is pretty easy to throw far.” says Kimbell.
  • Image may contain Light Flare Nature Plant Tree Building and Architecture
    Martin Kimbell
    05

    Martin Kimbell

    Kimbell uses the simplest tools: hula hoops rigged with LEDs he has wired himself.
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    Martin Kimbell
    06

    Martin Kimbell

    Martin Kimbell has been making light-paintings since 2006.
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    Martin Kimbell
    07

    Martin Kimbell

    Kimbell shoots both B&W and color on his trusty Bronica
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    Martin Kimbell
    08

    Martin Kimbell

    Resembling holograms, some photos are like a cross between The Blair Witch Project and Close Encounters.
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    Martin Kimbell
    09

    Martin Kimbell

    This image is a mere 30 second exposure.
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    Martin Kimbell
    10

    Martin Kimbell

    Kimbell's lights once startled, and then attracted the attentions of, a horse on Dartmoor.
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    Martin Kimbell
    11

    Martin Kimbell

    The stunning photographs have gone viral in the past few weeks, despite much of the work being years old.
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    Martin Kimbell
    12

    Martin Kimbell

    “I’ve simply called the work 'Light art' when I've been pushed to give it a title. 'Light Tornadoes' didn't come from me,” says Kimbell. “I’ve heard a lot of people describe the patterns as tornadoes, but different people see different things.”
  • Image may contain Nature Outdoors Night Fireworks Light and Flare
    Martin Kimbell
    13

    Martin Kimbell

    Kimbell doesn't consider this work as part of a series with any closure. He will be making these light artworks for as long as he is able.
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