Light Painting: 7 Stunning Works of Art [VIDEO]

"Light painting" is a photographic technique that uses a light source and long exposure to create the effect of "painting" with light. As with other forms of animation, it can be used very creatively as it's not limited by "reality."

German collective LICHTFAKTOR are pioneers in this technique. The team has created clips ranging from multi-national collaborations with other artists to adverts for major brands. We asked one of the LICHTFAKTOR crew, Marcel Panne, about this exciting medium.

"Light painting is teamwork, and combines many disciplines (photographer, painter, light source)," Panne told Mashable. "For us, it's always a challenge to develop a painting that fits to the space, by color, shape and content."

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We have selected seven videos that show LICHTFAKTOR has more than risen to this challenge. Some of the clips have won awards; others have enjoyed viral success. We asked why Panne thought the videos were so popular.

"Because of the look of light, and that they are handmade, it's not a cheesy computer effect," said Panne. "They are always unique, dynamic, energetic, colorful and somehow magic, and people like that."

Take a look through the video gallery for the stunning clips we are showcasing. Let us know your thoughts on light painting in the comments below.

LICHTFAKTOR's first big success came with this amusing short shot for a UK TV broadcaster.

The first video the team shot in the countryside, this was filmed in the forests of the High Fens in Belgium.

Created for a German energy provider, all the light paintings in the clip were created by citizens of Düsseldorf, Germany.

An ad for the Lenovo Edge, the light painting look works well with a high-tech product.

It's hard to believe there is no CGI-generated footage in this clip.

Set in LICHTFAKTOR's hometown of Cologne, Germany, this was a four-night shoot done purely for fun.

Created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of an agency LICHTFAKTOR works with, this clip shows how light painting can be effective inside and out.

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