Photographer Uses UV Light To Create Otherworldly Glowing Landscapes on Earth

UV Light Landscape Photo by Cody Cobb

Photographer Cody Cobb reveals the hidden luminescence of the American West in his intriguing photo series Spectral. Over time, Cobb discovered that certain minerals and organic materials emit a glow when exposed to UV light, and this knowledge has formed the basis for the images. Using UV light and long exposure photography, Cobb uncovers a different side to familiar landscapes.

Cobb, who is based in Las Vegas, was looking for a way to render the familiar landscape of the American West into something otherworldly. Through ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence, he is able to expose new aspects of the environment in ways that normally can't be seen. Though the work is challenging and requires long hours, the outcome is well worth it.

“The more I explore the landscape with a UV light source, the more I’m finding myself transported to another world,” Cobb tells My Modern Met.

When working in a particular area, Cobb is never entirely sure what will be revealed. “It’s been an interesting learning experience to find what responds to the UV light. Sometimes I’ll stumble upon a single, lone rock that is the only thing in the area that fluoresces.”

The blue, red, and orange glow that dominates Spectral‘s images add mystery to the photographs. By making us wonder exactly what is causing the colorful reaction, the images also provoke us to think about the environment. Just what are the minerals and organic matter that are fluorescing? And how much more is out there in nature that we can't see with the naked eye?

As Cobb continues Spectral, he hopes to explore coastal environments and continue on his journey to reveal the unknown.

Cody Cobb uses UV light to expose fluorescence in certain minerals and organic matter.

UV Light Landscape Photo by Cody Cobb

UV Light Landscape Photo by Cody Cobb

Landscape Under UV Light by Cody Cobb

Landscape Under UV Light by Cody Cobb

Landscape Under UV Light by Cody Cobb

The long-exposure images of the American West show the landscape in a new way.

Landscape Under UV Light by Cody Cobb

Landscape Under UV Light by Cody Cobb

Landscape Under UV Light by Cody Cobb

UV Light Landscape Photo by Cody Cobb

UV Light Landscape Photo by Cody Cobb

UV Light Landscape Photo by Cody Cobb

Cobb's series, Spectral, transforms familiar landscapes into an otherworldly environment.

UV Light Landscape Photo by Cody Cobb

UV Light Landscape Photo by Cody Cobb

UV Light Landscape Photo by Cody Cobb

Landscape Under UV Light by Cody Cobb

Landscape Under UV Light by Cody Cobb

Cody Cobb: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Cody Cobb.

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Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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