Light Painted Fish

A light painted image of a hand-painted ceramic fish with light emitting from its mouth
(Flickr User nickel.media)

What does a bioluminescent creature that lives more than two miles below the surface of the ocean and a glow stick have in common? More than you think. Bioluminescence is the process by which living organisms produce their own light. Using a photographic technique called light painting, you can do a fun activity to engage students to learn about bioluminescence with art.

In the light painted image seen here, a ceramic fish looks as if it is emitting light from its mouth. Watch a Light Painting Tutorial to learn how you can create a light painting of your own, and read an Ocean Portal blog about how to use this technique to teach about bioluminescence.