Incandescent Photography by Callum Walker

Here’s an interesting project by Brighton-based designer, Callum Walker. I was drawn in by the peculiar expressions of the people in the photos and wanted to know more about the concept behind the project. Callum was kind enough to take some time to tell us more about himself and the mystery behind their faces.

Can you tell us a little about your work?

I don’t have a set in stone way of working because as a designer your partially restricted by the brief. I always like to try a new material or technique but my favorite piece of equipment would have to be a B+W photocopier purely for the speed, you can try hundreds of different things in a very short space of time. Other than that I take a lot of photographs for my work but I definitely wouldn’t say I’m a good photographer.

Tell us more about the ‘Incandescence is Bliss’ project.

This project celebrates the 132nd birthday of the incandescent light bulb. The idea was to catch people’s reactions to the combination of characteristics unique to an incandescent light bulb, speed, heat, brightness and colour. Volunteers were sat in a dark room to have their portrait taken. Once in the room they were surprised with a bright light and their reaction caught on camera. The results were displayed on a one meter square light box. The pictures were printed on a clear film and mounted directly onto the Perspex, the box contained 8 incandescent light bulbs wired to randomly flicker.

© Callum Walker, 2011.