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.

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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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.

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.

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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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.
