Lumen is a type of cameraless photography made using the power of the sun. You place objects on photographic film or paper and then expose the composition to sunlight (or UV lights, if it's rainy), creating beautiful abstract images. Unlike many other darkroom-based processes, lumen prints are not monochromatic and often give surprising results due to their bright colors and dramatic hues that vary wildly based on the paper or objects used. The beautiful image Lumen with Kiwi was made with the unlikely mixture of sliced kiwis, basil, and organic household cleaner on expired Kodak Ektachrome 4x5 Color Positive Film, a combination that yielded these exquisite, warm colors.

Leni Wiegand has experimented with lumen photography for over a decade as part of a practice that often in corporates chance and relinquishing control in image-making. The artist has exhibited her work, 2025’s The Whole Preposterous Ideology, and led two workshops at Aurora — one on lumen photography, and the other on databending. About her work with Aurora, Wiegand wrote “It has been wonderful to work with all involved at Aurora and connect with fellow artists in the Indianapolis area. One highlight has been working with the Aurora photo interns, who are often up-and-coming students who bring a wonderfully fresh perspective and enthusiasm. It’s a great opportunity for them to see the background of how a professional gallery runs, and all the minor tweaks and minute details that go into an exhibition. I’m happy to help support Aurora’s mission of pushing photography forward and helping more people fall in love with the medium.”

Leni Wiegand is a transfeminine lens-based artist. She received her MFA in Photography from IU in 2025 and her BA in Business Management from Benedictine University in 2022 along with their AAS in Photography from the College of DuPage in 2020.