What is Kirlian Photography?

Revealing the Science

Image source: Wikipedia

People who are passionate about photography have probably heard once or twice about the Kirlian Photography. This mysterious technique is one of the most interesting photography methods. It can help you get amazing pictures with a special equipment. Before you decide to take photos using this technique, there are a few things you should know about it.

In this article, we are going to reveal the science behind this technique. Also, we are going to show you some myths tied to this method. If you want to know more about it, you can find useful Kirlian photography tips on CreativePhotoConnect. This technique can help you take amazing pictures, but you need to be careful with it.

1.  More about the Kirlian Photography

This technique was discovered by Semyon Kirlian in 1939. While it was discovered that this method can be traced to the late 1700s, the official inventor was Kirlian. When using this method, photographers can capture “auras” around the subject. This is why this method is considered controversial. Some believe that it shows the real auras of the objects or subjects used.

Another interesting thing about this technique is that its creator was the one who started the myth. He and his wife believed that it can help cure damaged auras. Because of this thing, more and more people started to get interested in the Kirlian method.

2.  Revealing the Science

While some people might have believed that this is a true phenomenon, it has a simple scientific explanation. First of all, this method uses a high voltage source so you need to be extra careful if you decide to try it out. Another thing you should know about this method is that you don’t even need a camera. If you use a photographic film the pictures are going to be shot there.

Now, let’s start with the process. A high voltage source is connected to a metal plate. On the metal plate is placed a photographic film or an electrode plate. If you use an electrode plate you will need to have a camera to shoot the pictures.

The electrical coronal discharge is the one responsible for the auras created around the object you selected. The level of moisture is the one that transfers to the plate and makes the auras in contact with the high voltage source. For your first subject, you should pick a leaf or a coin. These are simple to stick to the electrode or the photographic plate.

The scientific reason for which these subjects have an aura is the electrical coronal discharge between the subject and the metal plate because of the high voltage source. Fortunately, this technique can be performed by anybody who has a special equipment. Despite this fact, you should be extra careful every time you try this method because the high voltage source is a major problem.

3.  Myths Debunked

Like any other controversial technique, the Kirlian method raised some myths. One of these myths is that the colors of the auras differ because they are the actual chakras or auras of the objects. Some even believed that this method can help people see their real aura. Several New Age gurus mentioned that the metal plate is actually a representation of the vital energy and the emotional state.

If you were looking for a bit of mystery, this is not the right technique because there is a scientific explanation behind the colored auras. The level of water contained by the subject is the one that affects the color of the aura. Studies on this topic showed that the air around the subject becomes ionized when it is exposed to the high-voltage source. Once this happens the moisture give a certain colored silhouette.

Despite the fact that there is nothing mysterious about this technique, Kirlian photography still offers amazing pictures. It is also simple to perform once people are very cautious with the high voltage source. Another thing that should be taken into consideration before doing this type of photography is that the photos can only be taken in the dark.

This means that you are going to need a camera that can take clear pictures in the dark if you are not using a photographic plate. Also, you should ask a friend to help you with the light because you need to switch it off and on before and after taking the picture. This way it’s going to be easier for you to focus on taking the photo and avoid entering in contact with the high voltage source.