So here we are as promised people – Part 2 of the Peter Solness tale, to give you a sneak peek behind the scenes of his magnificent “Night Magic” workshop.

A beautifully clear Friday night a few weeks back, I went along to Centennial Park – tripod underarm, DSLR in hand: exposure set to 30 seconds, ISO 250, f8.0 – as per prerequisite instructions, and for 3 hours or so, ran around the park with 20 other keen photographers, learning about Peter’s work and experiencing first hand how to create such magic with a camera.

If you saw Part 1 last week, you’ll agree Peter’s photography is truly mystical, illusionary – and indeed – magical! To share his unique bag of tricks, techniques and secrets is such a generous thing for Peter to do, I was captivated by every moment of it! So much fun!

Think these statues and trees have spot lights shining on them? Yes? Well, think again, my friend, because these shots are created with torches ‘painting’ light on the subject, taken at long exposure – only the surfaces that the light touches appear in the frame.

This summation hardly covers the true magic of creating this kind of artwork. You really have to experience it to believe. Endless modifications, tweaks and angles are possible for a single scene -and it makes you realise how Peter can spend hour upon hour just to capture one photo.

I’m actually quite proud of a few of these, although nothing on those from the man himself, it was so much fun to have a go,  real ‘get lost in the moment’ stuff.

To experience the magic for yourself, get along to the next Peter Solness night magic photography workshop in Centennial Park – Friday 29th April 2011, bookings essential.
Visit the The Illuminated Landscape.com for more info.

Multimedia producer, Anna Warr, has captured some of Solness’ twilight activity:

Video via AnnaWarr.com

About Ingrid Schroder

A Sydney-side freelance graphic designer, photographer & yoga teacher - I find myself turning to nature for guaranteed revival from the crazy pace of city life - be it digging in my garden, capturing natural beauty through a lens, floating in the ocean, practicing yoga or out exploring this incredible planet we all call home. Follow me on twitter @Cohabitaire