Energetic, futuristic, vivid and edgy, neon lights have always brought a dynamic layer to the visual world. This effect’s ability to blur the lines between reality and the digital world is what makes it so influential for photographers and consumers. Being able to recreate a stylised and false reality, even for a moment, sets it apart from other photographic genres.
Its profound influence on pop culture has never stopped and can been seen in films like , , as well as in video games such as ,  and tv series . Its limits don’t stop there and can be seen in photography and social media sites such as TikTok.
Why, you might wonder, are we obsessed with fluorescent lighting in dark urban settings? As a society we’re so technically driven, we’re always looking out for what’s next. Neon lights provides us with a glimpse of what the world may look like or how we want it to in fifty years’ time, as Ridley Scott so famously did with the setting for his movie .
There are several ways you can interject neon lights into your photography, and it doesn’t have to be with the signage you see in shop windows. Consider additional scenery or locations that would have radiant lighting such as fairgrounds, urban landscapes, art galleries and even bathroom settings. Also, a model or other subjects are useful to reflect neon lights on or from in your photographs.
Top Tip: You don’t always have to shoot neon lights at night to make your images stand out. Try taking images throughout various times of the day such as the blue or golden hour.
This collection focuses on how the trend neon lights is ever growing and making its mark within our fast-paced society.Â
