Chris Benbow lives in Cheshire Crew, UK. He is an impressive ambassador for the next generation of light painters. Our time with him was filled with a real English Countryside experience. We had the distinct pleasure to have rented a nice brand new Mercedes. We had rented a cheap economy, but somehow we were upgraded to this interesting European model Mercedes Hatchback....I think this was the model number: B170 SE 5dr CVT Auto....Anyway, it was not without annoyig features, but it was nice to drive...and drive we did. Just near Stoke on Trent in Crew, Cheshire we felt the power of the Country Roads.... Some of you have no doubt been on the narrow countryside roads in England, and I have been on those same roads as a passenger during my football (soccer) training days when I visited/trained at Port Vale with the YTS program with Mike Pejic just before he became the first team coach.

But I digress maybe....

      Chris showed us a distinct passion for light painting combined with a strict focus. Following in the Urban Exploration light brushing from behind the camera techniques of Troy Paiva, Chris keeps his techniques to strobes and illuminating the images from behind the camera using the light to literally brush light onto the surfaces. The intensity and color of the light is determined by a complex series of factors ranging from the color of the light being used, the proximity of the light, the speed at which it is "painted on", the amount of ambient light and whether or not it was painted on in the beginning of the exposure or at the end. Chris is working diligently at mastering all these elements and more. His awareness of the surroundings and zeal for exploring his environments has made him a significant presence on the photography scene, particularly in night photography.

     In fact, Chris has apparently coined the phrase "noctography" to describe night photography. Check out his blog.

     We spent some time exploring some of the forgotten places in his area and we ended up at Doddington Hall.  We had a blood pumping encounter with dogs that came growling down the pathway at midnight with their master to see who the fuck was taking pictures in his field at midnight!  But in the end it was OK and we got a great history lesson....

    check out the gallery pics.....

     Chris Benbow is someone I am excited to be able to visit.  Many of his images are in my "second sight" and memory.   Even after sifting through hundreds of pictures as I researched Luminary there are pictures of Chris' that stay in my head.  After visiting with Dana {tcb} in Minnesota and getting a good feeling for Urban Exploration we think we can know at least partially what to expect.  Chris is an artist whose journey's can be epic to get to his destiations.  He journeys and when he lands at the location he transforms his places with a multi-colored glow that he's crafted though a careful research and understanding of the light brushing techniques.  He has an affinity for Troy Paiva and while the similarities are present he is actively establishing his own voice.  We are all looking foward to seeing and hearing that voice. Somehow I think we'll hear more than we can expect.

Matt