A bustling carnival scene captured using long exposure techniques, highlighting vibrant lights and motion blur.

Italian Photographer Luca Battaglia Captures Carousel Magic Through Long Exposure Techniques

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-09-15

Luca Battaglia takes the enchanting carousel and reimagines it as a luminous work of art in his photographic series, Ticket non remboursable. Inspired by childhood memories in Milan, Battaglia uses long exposure techniques with exposures of 20 to 30 seconds to capture these beloved structures as spinning symphonies of light and motion.

Spinning carousel lights create an artistic swirl in a nighttime amusement park setting.

Transforming movement into transient architecture with extended exposure

Employing ND256 or ND1000 neutral-density filters, Battaglia exposes each image for extended periods, allowing the merry-go-round’s movement to leave trails of bright, swirling light. This method enables horses and decorations to blend into these glowing bands, giving the images a floating, ethereal quality that resembles otherworldly architecture poised momentarily in urban spaces.

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Brightly lit ferris wheel at night with colorful, blurred light trails in the background.

The circular nature of memory and journeys

The series title, Ticket non remboursable, meaning “non-refundable ticket,” adds depth to the exploration of memory and journeys. Like the carousel itself, memories circle back to their starting points, evolving yet anchored in origin. Battaglia’s work, utilizing these techniques, captures how these structures, encountered in new settings, echo past experiences tethered to his early life in Milan.

Children riding a fast carousel, captured with motion blur and vibrant nighttime lighting.

Ephemeral attractions in eternal images

Though carousels are fleeting objects, Battaglia’s photographs preserve them in an unexpected manner. Rather than capturing a frozen moment, his images depict the process of change, suggesting a visual memory that is both altered and immediate. The ongoing project includes more than 50 photographs, each linking diverse cities through a shared visual language of movement and nostalgia.

Close-up of a carousel horse, surrounded by dynamic trails from long exposure photography.

Through his lens, Battaglia offers a unique perspective on these ephemeral rides, transforming them into enduring silhouettes of light and form. The resulting images are as much about memory as they are about capturing the transformative dance of the carousel using these photographic techniques.

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A dizzying circular pattern created by long exposure capture on a lit carousel ride.
Glowing spinning teacup amusement ride captured with light streaks in motion.
Vibrant light trails over a carousel, showcasing artistic effects of long exposure.
Carousel canopy lights form concentric circles, emphasizing motion through photography.
Long exposure shot of a colorful amusement ride, featuring swirling light patterns.
Nighttime photo of a carousel displaying dramatic light streaks and dynamic movement.
Rotating carousel lights featuring an entrancing blend of colors and motion lines.
Blurred motion effect of an illuminated carousel at night, creating a visual spectacle.
Majestic light waves from a spinning ride, cast against a dark, starry backdrop.
Shimmering light swirls from a ferris wheel, accentuated by long exposure photography.
Cinematic capture of people in motion at an illuminated night amusement park.
Galloping carousel horses in a nighttime setting, enhanced by colorful light streaks.
Ferris wheel and carnival lights blur together to form kaleidoscopic light patterns.
Whirling motion of a swing ride outlined by circular trails of vivid lights.
Dynamic play of lights from a spinning amusement park ride depicted with motion blur.
Captivating view of a fairground ride with electrifying light spirals and blended colors.

Sources & Links

Source: designboom.com

Frequently asked questions

How does Luca Battaglia capture carousels in his photography?

Luca Battaglia uses long exposure techniques with exposures of 20 to 30 seconds, allowing the carousel’s movement to create trails of bright, swirling light. This technique results in images where horses and decorations blend into glowing bands, creating an ethereal quality.

What photographic equipment does Battaglia use for his carousel images?

Battaglia uses ND256 or ND1000 neutral-density filters to capture the extended exposure needed for his photographs of carousels.

What is the significance of the title ‘Ticket non remboursable’?

The title ‘Ticket non remboursable’, meaning ‘non-refundable ticket’, adds depth to the exploration of memory and journeys in Battaglia’s series. It suggests that, like carousels, memories circle back to their starting points, evolving yet remaining anchored in origin.