The Longest Photographic Exposures in History
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 12:18PM A friend sent me a link to this photo here today. I have seen it a few times before and it was always (WRONGLY) claimed as being the longest exposure in photographic history. It was taken with a pinhole camera over a period of 6 months by a photographer called Justin Quinnell. It shows the traces of the sun over Bristol's suspension bridge during that half year period. Which is impressive and beautiful. BUT IT IS NOT THE LONGEST EXPOSURE.
The German photography artist Michael Wesely has created even longer exposures. Using large format cameras (4x5 inches) he captured the light of his objects for up to 3 years in monochrome or colour.
In 2001 he was invited by the Museum of Modern Art in New York to use his unique technique to record the re-development of their building. He set up eight cameras in four different corners and photographed the destruction and re-building of the MoMa until 2004 - leaving the shutter open for up to 34 months!
The sun traces in the sky give the images a beautiful, painting-like feeling. To me it is very surreal to see the movement of the sun - or more precisely the movement of the earth around the sun in such a way.
The photo below was taken over almost 14 months at the Leipziger Platz in Berlin - which at the time together with the Potsdamer Platz formed one of the biggest construction sites in the world.
I find incredible that you can actually see the passing of time. The older parts of the building that were exposed the longest appear darker and clearer. While the newer parts seem more ghost like. More than 2 years took it Michael to create this incredible time incapsulation at the Potsdamer Platz in Berlin (below).
Wesely claims that he could do exposures almost indefinitely - up to 40 years! Now that's something I would love to see one day.
Here is another image he created. It is a one-year exposure of an office which he took from 29 July 1996 to 29 July 1997.
Here is another one of his mesmerising creations. I don't know exactly how long he exposed it, but I think it is totally beautiful too. The life and death of a bunch of flowers.
If you are interested in his photographs you can buy his book he published a while ago.
OPEN SHUTTER by Michael Wesely
itchy i
NEW! UPDATE! PLEASE READ ON!
The tremendous popularity of this article with more than half a million (!) clicks in one month inspired me to contact the artist Michael Wesely himself.
I felt there were questions by readers which I couldn't answer correctly without talking to Michael. And I also wanted to tell him how much his worked was loved and how many people saw it as an inspiration for their own works and lives.
From the many comments I learned, that many of you were astonished by the beauty of the images but also by the technical aspects of their making. The fact that the light fell for up to 3 years onto the same negative strip without over-exposing seemed just too unbelievable.
But Michael confirmed that he indeed created continuous, uninterrupted exposures over those long periods of time. This can be seen through the long light lines in the sky, which were created by the movement of the sun across the sky during those many months.
Michael Wesely, Palast der Republik, Berlin (28.6.2006 - 19.12.2008), © Michael Wesely,
Michael wanted to highlight that he also sees those lines as an indicator for something else. He told me that "the lines in the sky put our existence, us, our planet into context with the Dance of the Universe, which coexists on an entirely different time scale [from us]."
His works were truly a hard and long labour of love. The so called reciprocity failure or Schwarzschild effect means one can't simply pre-calculate extreme long exposures.
It took Michael months and months of experimenting to make sure the negatives weren't going to be over-exposed. He said, if you'd planned to expose for a year you would have to do an exposure of 6 months, and 3 months beforehand and so on. You would have to collect a lot of data and find solutions for a lot of detail problems.
Michael started with pin-hole cameras (1988-1994) but then moved on to use large format cameras (4x5 inches) as these would provide images with a much higher amount of details.
And this is what he was after - details. The technical challenge was never his main driving force. His goal was to capture information that told about our daily lives: the forgetting, remembering, regenerating and the transitions - a general focus point of Michael's works.
© Michael Wesely
As you can tell from the images certain details are hardly visible and only become 'alive' when you get close and spend some time discovering them - something that is only really possible when the images are exhibited as large prints in a gallery.
I really loved what Michael pointed out about the creation of the images. During the long exposure times the pictures constantly destroyed themselves, by putting layers and layers of new details on top each other.
Just when one detail had burned into the negative it was erased or overshadowed by another detail. In his eyes this constant change and destruction is something that really stands for the state of our society. "The moment is fading, all that remaines is the permanent overlapping of movements of all kinds, political or personal. The technologies of our times fuel this fire of restless 'Online-Existence'. One day computers won't have an on- or off-button anymore. We will always be online."
I agree with Michael. We live in a world of constant transition - where even buildings are not constructed to last forever but to be easily destructable when not needed anymore. Or where consumer products are desgined to destroy themselves after 2 years so you have to buy a new one. I have even seen a whole country - the country I was born in - East Germany (German Democratic Republic) - vanish in a blink of an eye. All it stood for, all that a whole generation loved or hated was gone within one year.
It shows that the only thing constant in our times seems to be: Change. Which I think - can be seen as a bad thing - when one misses a save haven where one can anchor his or her heart and soul in stormy times. Or when mankind doesn't take the time needed to learn from the now to avoid mistakes in the future.
But there is also something great about this constant change and transition. It seems to follow something deeply universal - something so powerful that nobody can stop it. Something that makes life so interesting and unpredictable - and very often worth living.
When looking at Michael's work I can find all these elements frozen into images that will never seize to amaze me.
If you are interested in his works then check out his new book TIME WORKS which was just published by Schirmer/Mosel Verlag. It is an eclectic mix of Michael's creations from 1992 until now.
References (71)
-
Response: Pariuri Sportivewell worth the read. thank you very much for taking the time to share with those who are starting on the subject. greetings
-
Le light painting est � la mode. Cette technique, cr��e par le photographe Man Ray, consiste � r�aliser des dessins en prenant des photos en pause longue pendant qu'un objet lumineux (torche, �cran de smartphone, etc...) bouge devant l'objectif pour...
-
Response: PhylisThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: aruba all inclusive vacations packagesThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: kyle
-
Response: buy beats Online exclusive rightsThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: generalThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: Highly recommended Web-siteThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: maxdameon.wordpress.comThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: VideoThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: get viewsThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: beats cheapOn wanting to be more relatable
-
Response: 0900Geniesse mittels 0900 Nummer entspannte Stunden am Telefon
-
Response: low price tv wall mounts
-
Response: 16 seater mini bus readingThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: 16 seater mini bus readingThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: mold inspection
-
Response: personal injury attorney st petersburg
-
Response: flood damage
-
Response: water damage
-
Response: lead gen for restoration
-
Response: mold removal company
-
Response: dark mold removal
-
Response: water damage cleaners
-
Response: jack wolfskin jackeFor this article. I think the authors write very well. Content lively and interesting. Details are as follows:jack wolfskin jacke or jack wolfskin jacke Hollister Online Shop
-
Response: fun run hackThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: Indianapolis Laser Hair RemovalThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: kitchen remodel woodland hills
-
Response: futuristic hip hopThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: old school new body pdfI found a great...
-
Response: Frank DellaglioThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: Melissa and Doug PianoThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: Beyerdynamic Custom One ProThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: wireless gaming headsetThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: best Denver DUI lawyerThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: best flowers onlineThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: bestdivorce lawyer West BendThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: diadora soccer cleatsThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13The Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: Best Gaithersburg SEO CompanyThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: cheap golf packageThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: order flowers nowThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: googleThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: top Colorado DUI lawyerThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: clickThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: check this outThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: visitThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: Garage doors Tarzana
-
Response: Garage door Van Nuys
-
Response: kitchen remodeling los angeles
-
Response: palio.com.auThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: advertising musicThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: deal cruiseThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: General contractor woodland hills[...]The Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i[...]
-
Response: give adviceThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: discover thisThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: tahliasmythe.blogspot.mxThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: river rock bathroom tileThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: resume service lancaster paThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: machine a laver le linge casinoThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: CellogicaThe Longest Photographic Exposures in History - The Latest - itchy i
-
Response: click the next webpageI found a great...
-
Response: prestamos rapidos con asnef
-
Response: click
-
Response: Calculatoare ieftine
-
Response: Calculatoare second hand
-
Response: for more info click here
-
Response: aura magic glow
-
Response: closing ceremony in olympics
-
Response: aura glow cream wajah
-
Response: pemutih wajah aura glow
Reader Comments (108)
you can build a camera oscura to make pictures like that, but you need experiance with the exposure time and the photographic paper, however the achievement is stunning O.o
Truly amazing.
The absence of the flowers in the upper part of the photograph shows how little time they are 'alive', compared to the long time they grow and die. That, in my opinion, is a much stronger view of life's time scale than the sun stripes indicating the dance if the universe.
-eyalg
Honestly, These exposures are too long and have taken the attractiveness out of the final images.
So cool to be seeing such photos, do you happen to have new photos to be uploaded this time? I'm kinda excited to see new ones! :-)
Cape Town<
The technique is really inviting curiosity, and the pictures had details to discover. But I'm not so much impressed either. Maybe it's the dramatizing of the whole thing, and the phylosophical ideas during the interview that detracts from the picture itself.
Unique, but not as much as making a wow, don't know why.
But is there no clue about how the pictures are made? Maybe something special about the film, or modified camera.
Or is all this classified because it's his trade secret?
Just curious
The sun traces in the sky give the images a beautiful, painting-like feeling. -guess watches uk
That's amazing, it's like ghosts in the room. And flowers are also great.
Wow! That's a very nice master piece.
Created through time and it's very unique
Very realistic. I was amazed by those photos. Seems like it was done by a very good professional.
I know that not all of this can be real. He has used multiple exposures along with some long exposures, but you can clearly see some people in several of the pictures and the way some of the sun rays are broken defies all photographic laws. You can also see the use of optics in several of his pictures. They are great to look at but Michael is not telling us the truth and i suspect good use of photoshop.
Wish you all the best.
hi there, really great post.
i am working on Wesely's project for my research thesis and i found your article very helpful.
could i please have some contact information (like the email) of Michael Wesely?
It would be very helpful talking with him.
thank you in advance,
george kyvernitis
greece
p.s. it would be great answering me at my personal email [gkiver@yahoo.com]
Look at those beautiful creation. Very artistic and great. I must say you have a great eyes when it comes to art.
Really fascinating stuff.
carros com som e reibachados
carros com som e reibachados
Love the shots, i'm still wrestling with my camera, can barely use AV mode, still learning manual. Impressive stuff!
waw,,, awesomw
See other ultimate long-lasting pinhole project: www.analemma.pl
Orange County Locksmith Services (714) 367-4077 Full Locksmith N Lock Services
http://www.orange-county-locksmith-services.com/
Locksmith Services Orange County - We Offer Professional Locksmith Services In Orange County, CA. (714) 367-4077 Locksmith Services For Your Home, Auto Or Business. we also do Locksmith, Emergency Locksmith, mobile locksmith, auto locksmith, residential locksmith, commercial locksmith, lock repair, lock re-key, lock replacement, locksmith services in Orange County, CA
links
Emergency Locksmith - Lock opening
Mobile Locksmith - We offer locksmith services at your location
Lock Re-Key - Changing the key for the same lock
Lock Replacement - Replace old lock with new us made lock
Entry Systems - Digital locks and intercom systems a-z
Security Camera - Surveillance camera installation and service
Auto Locksmith - Car ignition repair and keys replacement
Residential Locksmith - Full a-z services for all locks, keys
Commercial Locksmith - Full a-z including master key and more...
Handyman 310-504-2737 | Handyman Services | Handyman Los Angele
Handyman Los Angeles - we offer handyman services in Los Angeles, CA. Our handyman service includes handyman in East, West Los Angeles and SF valley plus more handyman