Want New Colors? Try UV Light!

Debora Lombardi has been using ultraviolet light to photograph flowers as insects might see them. This produces a very different color palette than we usually expect in portraits of plants. The example below was part of the group that were shortlisted for the Wildlife and Nature division of the 2022 Sony World Photography Awards.

The award announcement did not mention how to use UV light, but this article in NatureTTL does. Although UV is not visible to humans, certain materials will give off visible light when stimulated by certain wavelengths of UV. Apparently 365 nm, in the UV-A range is a good starting point for your experimentation. You should invest in good quality UV lamps and protective goggles, too. Cheaper lamps and goggles often are not as precise, and it doesn’t take much UV to damage your eyes.

Detail of Debora Lombardi’s entry in the Professional Competition level, Wildlife & Nature division, from an article in NewScientist newsletter