Event marketers are using the same technology as...Picasso?

by Mike Gabaly, Prolific Interactive

George Bernard Shaw once said, "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing," and these are words that Doug Pouliot, owner of the Boston based Light Painting Portraits chooses to live by.

Light painting photography is the process of manipulating a light source while a camera's shutter remains open for a few seconds/minutes longer than normal. Either those being photographed, or a "Light Ninja" camouflaged behind the subject(s), wield colorful light sources to create simple or layered compositions. Pouliot's company provides the service for parties, conferences, and other events. "The look on most people's faces when they see what they've created is often awe and amazement," says Pouliot. "It's like giving a child crayons or markers for the first time, it's truly wonderful to see."

Though you might not know it, light painting stretches all the way back to the late Nineteenth Century. Original uses were not meant for pleasure but, rather, to capture the physical expenditure of workers on the factory floor. Each stream of of light indicated one movement by a worker: the more streams, the less efficient. From its initial utilitarian use, artists began experimenting with the technique and works began to pop-up by the likes of Man Ray, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Gjon Mili and many others.

So, what does this mean for your event exactly?

Event marketers choose light painting over a more traditional photo activation because of its sheer uniqueness. According to Pouliot, event planners love exposing their guests to something typically reserved for artists or those with expensive photo equipment and software. "Light painting tends to lean towards a young, hip, tech savvy crowd...perfect for any event that wants to utilize color and texture." Parties are always a great time for Pouliot but light painting works best when it can accentuate guests sense of camaraderie via mutual creativity. Corporate retreats, anyone??

Though you might not be able to find a light painting studio on every corner, the technology is available and out there if you look. Possibilities for branding are only limited by one's imagination. Perhaps you'd like logos on the printed photos? Maybe you'd like to have the photos tweeted to your hashtag? Hell, make a glow-in-the-dark logo of your company and give your guests lights corresponding to the corporate color scheme. Get creative with your photographer and see what you can come up with!

All too often event marketers use the same bag of tricks and the same formula for events. Guests often yearn for more than a DJ, a dance floor and a buffet. By making an event more dynamic, unique and exciting you will provide guests with an experience they aren't likely to forget or find any place else. What makes this technology successful is the same thing that makes events successful: interactivity. When I asked Pouliot about an event goers experience with light painting he explained, "It tends to make people feel rather than think, bringing emotion to the forefront which, I believe, is a good thing."

Original Article http://www.thehubcomms.com/event-marketers-are-using-the-same-technology-aspicasso/article/323819/