This image is a striking departure from typical martial arts photography, often confined to dojos or public demonstrations. The aim was to fuse the dynamic grace of Vietnamese martial arts with an artistic light painting technique.
The core of this shot lies in its technical execution. It was captured using a long exposure in 'bulb' mode, allowing me to manually control the shutter's duration ( with the finishing touch of a flash of light) . The vibrant, flowing patterns are created through light painting – drawing with light in the dark.
Specifically, two light wands, one red and one yellow, were used to create the sweeping streaks that echo the colors of the martial artist's traditional attire, adding a symbolic and aesthetic coherence to the composition. This meticulous approach allowed for a unique portrayal of movement and energy, transforming a static image into a visually captivating narrative.