Birmingham-based photographer Pete Medlicott is more commonly known on the streets by his artistic alter ego, "Sola." Under his artistic pseudonym, he has been creating intense light sculptures. But in the blink of an eye, they are gone.
Birmingham-based photographer Pete Medlicott is more commonly known on the streets by his artistic alter ego, "Sola." Under his artistic pseudonym, he has been creating intense light sculptures. But in the blink of an eye, they are gone.
Courtesy Sola
The long exposure photographic technique Sola uses is called "lightbombing." Using an urban backdrop the artist steals through the night as the city transforms from ex-industrial space into a photographer's playground.
The long exposure photographic technique Sola uses is called "lightbombing." Using an urban backdrop the artist steals through the night as the city transforms from ex-industrial space into a photographer's playground.
Courtesy Sola
While these dazzling light sculptures look incredibly difficult to reproduce, Sola says anyone can learn to "lightbomb." He adds: "The first few I did were with road safety maintenance lights that you have in your car. You can use anything, you could use your phone. You can use anything that has got a light."
While these dazzling light sculptures look incredibly difficult to reproduce, Sola says anyone can learn to "lightbomb." He adds: "The first few I did were with road safety maintenance lights that you have in your car. You can use anything, you could use your phone. You can use anything that has got a light."
Courtesy Sola
As well as the kit, Sola says location is paramount. "I've spent hours, days, maybe weeks just driving around the city on my own with an idea, looking for places. It's very much about vibe as well. It's got to feel right. You're not going to make good work if you're compromising yourself so keep going, find the perfect thing. Take the time."
As well as the kit, Sola says location is paramount. "I've spent hours, days, maybe weeks just driving around the city on my own with an idea, looking for places. It's very much about vibe as well. It's got to feel right. You're not going to make good work if you're compromising yourself so keep going, find the perfect thing. Take the time."
Courtesy Sola
Pictured, a supermoon is given the "lightbombing" treatment in the British countryside. Sola says: "I'm fascinated with quantum physics, space and the galaxy and just what's out there and what it looks like. And some of the world will be my visual reinterpretation of the scientific concepts that I am fascinated by. I can't ever hope to understand quantum physics but I try and this is my take on it."
Pictured, a supermoon is given the "lightbombing" treatment in the British countryside. Sola says: "I'm fascinated with quantum physics, space and the galaxy and just what's out there and what it looks like. And some of the world will be my visual reinterpretation of the scientific concepts that I am fascinated by. I can't ever hope to understand quantum physics but I try and this is my take on it."
Courtesy Sola
This incandescent photographic technique has helped boost Sola's career and provided him with opportunities both at home and abroad. While collaborating with local artists in Dubai, Sola captured this image in the middle of a raging sandstorm.
This incandescent photographic technique has helped boost Sola's career and provided him with opportunities both at home and abroad. While collaborating with local artists in Dubai, Sola captured this image in the middle of a raging sandstorm.
Courtesy Sola
While most of his work has largely remained abstract, Sola has recently started working with incorporating models in his images. He adds: I'm looking for an excuse to shoot with people. It gives a more tangible element to it. I love the abstract work but for my heart, (I) need to shoot with people."
While most of his work has largely remained abstract, Sola has recently started working with incorporating models in his images. He adds: I'm looking for an excuse to shoot with people. It gives a more tangible element to it. I love the abstract work but for my heart, (I) need to shoot with people."
Courtesy Sola