Light Painting 

light painting

Picasso was the first person to use light painting in photography and the basic principles still stand. There are no real tricks – the skill is in tried and practiced photographic technique that I’ve been developing and innovating for many years. (I’m slightly younger than Picasso.. but you could say I’m one of the original Light Painters to offer the art form as a workshop.)

Light paining can be used for many things from the development of original brand assets through to a creative team building exercise. One of my recent clients; ‘DLA Piper’, asked me to run workshop that would support both of these objectives.

Brands I’ve worked with include ‘Lacoste’ and ‘Barclays’ and I regularly run light painting workshops at events and festivals. You may see my images adorning the front cover of the odd book and magazine if you have your eyes peeled.

(Past clients include: ‘The Big Chill’, ‘Kendal Calling’, ‘Doncaster Light Festival’, ‘Didsbury Arts Festival’, ‘Manchester Art Gallery’, ‘Oldham Illuminate Festival.)

Get in touch if you would like to discuss how utilising Light Painting could illuminate your brand ⚡

Light Painting Gallery:

A bright, glowing orb with pink and white light trails stands in the center of ancient stone ruins at night, framed by large arches and columns against a dark blue sky.
silhouette of a powerful woman light painting
Abstract blue and white light trails form a spiky, circular pattern between two tree trunks in a dark forest, creating the illusion of floating shards.
Swirling streaks of orange and white light form abstract shapes against a black background. The light trails curve and twist dynamically, creating a sense of motion. The photographer’s watermark is visible in the bottom right corner.
Manchester light painting
light painting under a railway viaduct
A long-exposure photo captures swirling, colorful lights forming a vibrant spiral vortex above a wooden floor in a dark room. The effect creates dynamic movement and bright, neon-like trails.
A person stands with arms outstretched in front of swirling red and orange light trails, creating a dramatic glowing halo effect in a dark room. The scene is artistic and striking.
fine art photographer manchester
A dark room is illuminated by swirling trails of blue, green, and red lights, creating abstract patterns in the air. The floor is dimly visible, and the image has a watermark that reads "Tim Simpson Photography.
Blurred figures with outstretched hands and open mouths press against a frosted glass, creating a dramatic and haunting scene reminiscent of light painting photography.
A field of tall grass at night with colorful light trails forming a fan-like pattern in the distance under a cloudy, orange-tinted sky.
A glowing astronaut illustration floats in a dark room with swirling yellow, purple, and red light trails, evoking the surreal and vibrant energy of light painting photography in a space-themed scene.
Spiraling red, white, and blue rectangular light shapes create a tunnel effect against a dark background, giving an abstract, futuristic impression.
A vibrant, multicolored semicircle of light glows behind a fallen tree in a dark, wooded area, illuminating nearby grass and foliage.
A boy in shorts and a printed shirt pretends to shoot sparking lights from his hands at three men in suits, who stagger backward in a dramatic, motion-blur effect. The scene is dark with a playful, staged atmosphere.
Colorful abstract light trails in swirling patterns of red, pink, purple, and green on a black background, creating a vibrant and energetic visual effect.
A person stands surrounded by swirling, colorful light trails in a dark space, looking up with hands raised in excitement. The tunnel-like spiral of lights captures the magic of light painting photography.
A glowing astronaut stands on a moon-like surface, surrounded by neon stars, a rocket, and swirling green and purple light trails reminiscent of light painting photography against a dark background.
A dark room with glowing neon light trails in red, green, and blue, creating abstract patterns. Yellow star decorations hang from the ceiling, and the photo has a Tim Simpson Photography watermark.
Two people in colorful, fringed costumes dance energetically under swirling, golden light trails, creating a vibrant and dynamic scene with motion and festive atmosphere—perfectly capturing the essence of light painting photography.
Light painting in a forrest
A room lit with purple neon light features a large glowing neon phoenix on the wall, a small table with two chairs, and colorful photos displayed on the adjacent wall.
Eight colorful, abstract light painting photographs are displayed on a pale purple wall. The images feature swirling, vibrant light trails and some include people interacting with the lights.
Long-exposure photo of spinning sparks creating bright, orange light trails in a circular pattern at night, with dark clouds and large rocks in the background.
Long-exposure photo of swirling orange sparks creating circular patterns in the night sky, with rocks and water below reflecting the bright light trails.
A glowing yellow light orb stands between two large rocks at night, reflected in a small puddle below. Dark hills and a cloudy sky are visible in the background.
A glowing blue and red circular light pattern appears in the center of a grassy field surrounded by standing stones at night, creating a surreal and mystical effect.
Abstract image of swirling red and green light trails against a black background, creating dynamic, flowing shapes and a sense of movement—an impressive example of light painting photography.
An older man and woman stand smiling and waving with one arm raised. The background is dark, illuminated by swirling purple light and red lightning bolt shapes—captured in the dramatic style of light painting photography.
A glowing orb of swirling white lights floats above grassy ground at night, with a dark sky and trees silhouetted in the background.
A vibrant digital art piece features a stylized portrait of a person with an afro on a neon-lit screen, reminiscent of light painting photography. Purple and gold light trails swirl dynamically in the foreground, creating a psychedelic atmosphere.
A vintage racing car with red and green colors is displayed against a dark background. Bright, abstract red and blue light trails create dynamic patterns surrounding the car, adding a sense of motion and energy to the scene.
A vintage green sports car is parked inside an automotive gallery with industrial-style brick walls. Bright green light trails artistically swirl around the car, creating an eye-catching effect in the dimly lit setting.
A vintage scooter with a racing number 47 and several stickers is parked on a dark background. Behind it, a spectacular long-exposure light effect creates swirling circles of bright orange light, adding dynamic motion to the scene. The image is credited to TSP Studios.
A glowing heart shape, reminiscent of creative mobile photography, appears above a wooden dock at night, with a calm lake and tree silhouettes in the background. The sky is dusky purple. "TSP Studios" is written in the bottom right corner.
A long-exposure photo of a racetrack at twilight showcases light painting photography, capturing a curving trail of white light hovering above the track. The red and white curb on the left contrasts with the gradient sky from purple to orange, while silhouetted trees line the background.
A person stands in a dynamic pose on a wooden floor, their arm extended forward. They wear vibrant, striped pants and a dark top, with colorful light trails swirling and looping around them like a mesmerizing light painting photography effect, creating an energetic and artistic atmosphere against the dark background.
A young girl stands in a dark room, illuminated by colorful LED lights spinning around her, creating a circular light trail effect. Engaging in light painting photography, she holds a piece of the equipment creating the lights, which appears to be a hula hoop. She is wearing a light-colored sweatshirt and shoes.
A nighttime scene features an illuminated, glowing stick figure, created through light painting photography, sitting on stone steps under a modern, tent-like canopy structure. The area is softly lit, with surrounding buildings and trees dimly visible in the background.
Ruins of a large stone building at night, illuminated by a dark blue sky, with a wavy pattern of red and white light trailing across the grass in front of the structure.
A person dressed in outdoor clothing appears to shoot bright orange light beams from their hands towards a large rock at night. The scene, reminiscent of light painting photography, is dramatic with an illuminated rock face and dark surroundings, giving it an energetic and fantastical feel.
A circular light pattern glows in the center of ancient stone arches at night, illuminating the ruins against a deep blue sky.
A scenic view of a river at dusk, with stepping stones leading across it. Spiraling light trails hover above the river, capturing the essence of light painting photography and creating a dynamic and futuristic effect against the backdrop of silhouetted trees and an orange sky. The reflection shimmers on the water.
A night-time beach scene with tall, rugged cliffs in the background. The sky is clear and starry. Bright, multicolored light trails form abstract shapes on the pebbled shore, creating a captivating contrast against the dark surroundings—a perfect example of light painting photography.
A person sits in an armchair in a dimly lit room with a brick fireplace. A golden retriever stands on a blue rug, with the fireplace artfully illuminated by a yellow neon light shaped like flames, evoking the allure of light painting photography. A tall lamp stands beside the armchair.
A nighttime scene captured using light painting photography, with the word "hope" and a heart shape both written in the air using sparkling light trails against a dark, leafy background.
A path in a forest is illuminated by light painting photography that reads "WE GOT THIS" above a glowing rainbow. The scene is set during dusk, with trees silhouetted against the remaining light of the sky.
Light painting photography of two floral scenes on a black background: one with an umbrella and flowers, and the other with a tree and flowers, both drawn with white and yellow light trails.
A serene pond surrounded by trees reflecting the sunset sky, poised at twilight. A whimsical white drawing of a ghostly figure's face with wide eyes and hands peeking out from the water, created through light painting photography, adds a playful element to the tranquil scene.
A long-exposure photo shows a glowing, spinning light pattern resembling a flower inside a dark, ancient stone ruin with tall arches.

Past Light Painting Projects: 

Exploring the Art of Light Painting Photography featuring Whitby Abbey.

by | 23 October 2025 | Architectural, Art, Light Painting, Photography Classes | 0 Comments

What Is Light Painting Photography? Light painting is a photographic technique that uses long exposures and moving light sources to create unique and otherworldly images. Instead of relying on post-production or Photoshop, the entire image is created in-camera — every...
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Classic Car Photography for Tom Hardman – Featuring Lotus, Ferrari, Alvis & More

by | 25 July 2025 | Automotive Photography, Commercial/ Brand Campaign, Light Painting | 0 Comments

Capturing the Soul of Six Classic Cars Through Hero Shots, Car-to-Car Motion and a multi composite technique. As a specialist in classic car photography, I recently had the pleasure of shooting another stunning selection of vehicles for Tom Hardman...
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Frazer Nash Le Mans Coupé – A Rare Survivor Captured in Motion for The Automobile Magazine

by | 22 July 2025 | Automotive Photography, Editorial Photography, Light Painting, Motorsport | 0 Comments

Frazer Nash photography shoot for The Automobile Magazine

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Photographing Creative Calm at the Moore Life Writing Retreat

by | 15 July 2025 | Architectural, Commercial/ Brand Campaign, Editorial Photography, Food and Drink Photography, Lifestyle, Light Painting | 0 Comments

A Photographer's Dream Assignment in the Heart of Nature When I was invited to stay and photograph the Moore Life Writing Retreat, I didn’t have to think twice. Some jobs just feel too good to be true—and this was certainly one of them. The chance to immerse...
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Creative Light Painting: Personal Work and a Gallery Oldham Feature with Tracey Emin

by | 30 April 2025 | Art, Light Painting | 0 Comments

Light Painting After Dark: Creative Freedom at a Wellness Retreat & Gallery Recognition at Oldham As a specialist in light painting photography, I often find myself working to meet client briefs—creating tailored, eye-catching images that capture vehicles,...
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Photographing two Aston Martins and two Porsche 911’s, all in a days work for a professional automotive photographer.

by | 29 December 2024 | Automotive Photography, Commercial/ Brand Campaign, Light Painting, Motorsport | 0 Comments

Hero car shots, light painting and stock shots x3, all in a days work. Why hire a professional photographer? These days virtually everybody has a camera with them don't they? Phone cameras are pretty amazing, unless you require a large, very high quality image, your...
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This weeks Classic Car Photography Shoot Including Light Painting

by | 8 November 2024 | Automotive Photography, Light Painting | 0 Comments

Photographing Three Classic Cars in a Day for Tom Hardman: A Look at the 1934 Lagonda Rapier, RGS Atalanta, and Frazer Nash Boulogne This week, I had the pleasure of returning to Tom Hardman’s impressive classic car garage in Clitheroe for a day...
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Light Painting Photography

by | 29 February 2024 | Events, Light Painting, Photography Classes | 0 Comments

Light Painting - All You Need to Know Corporate Light Painting Over the years I've worked with companies and organisations shooting at openings, as team building and providing staff led content for websites etc. I'm really not sure if I'm the only photographer in the...
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TSP Studios Wins ‘UK’s Best Commercial Photographer.’

by | 24 February 2023 | Architectural, Art, Automotive Photography, Brewery Photography, Commercial/ Brand Campaign, Editorial Photography, Events, Fashion & Beauty, Food and Drink Photography, Head Shots, Library Photography, Lifestyle, Light Painting, Motorsport, Musician Photography, Product Photography, Scooter Racing | 0 Comments

'UK's Best Commercial Photographer' Honour I'm absolutely thrilled to have won 'UK's Best Commercial Photographer' as voted for by 'Pro Photo' Magazine Industry Experts. Professional Photography Magazine put out the call for professional photographers to submit some...
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To discuss a project or for a free quote, please get in touch! 

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