Skip to content
Back to Blog

The History and Science of Aura Photography

3 min read
The History and Science of Aura Photography

Explore the fascinating journey of aura photography, uncovering its rich history and the scientific principles behind it. Discover more at The Aura Journey energy fields surrounding living beings. This unique practice blends elements of science, metaphysics, and artistry, creating a visual representation of our energetic essence. Join us on a journey through the rich history and intriguing science behind aura photography.

The Historical Roots

The origins of aura photography can be traced back to the 19th century when scientists and mystics began exploring the concept of auras. Renowned figures like Baron Karl von Reichenbach conducted experiments to study the subtle energies emitted by living organisms. However, it was in the 20th century that the development of photographic techniques paved the way for capturing these elusive energy fields. In the 1930s, a Russian electrician named Semyon Kirlian and his wife Valentina accidentally discovered a photographic method that revealed the aura-like glow around objects. This technique, now known as Kirlian photography, involved placing an object on a photographic plate and applying a high-voltage, low-current electrical field. The resulting images showcased vivid and intricate patterns, sparking fascination and curiosity worldwide.

Scientific Explanation

The science behind aura photography revolves around bioelectromagnetic fields. Living beings emit weak electromagnetic fields produced by the body's energy systems, and aura photography aims to capture and interpret these fields. Although the exact mechanisms are still debated, it is believed that the electrical discharges captured by the Kirlian technique result from the interaction between the subject's energy and the surrounding gases or moisture. With technological advancements, aura photography has evolved. Gas Discharge Visualization (GDV) is one such advancement, developed by Dr. Konstantin Korotkov in the 1990s. GDV utilizes specialized optical sensors to measure electrical discharges emitted from the fingertips, generating real-time visual representations of the aura. This technique provides valuable insights into the energetic state of an individual, allowing for further exploration and interpretation.

Interpreting Aura Colors

Aura photography assigns different colors to the captured energy patterns, with each color associated with specific qualities or emotional states. For instance, vibrant blues may represent calmness and intuitive abilities, while radiant yellows signify intellectual and creative energy. Interpreting aura colors can provide individuals with self-awareness, insights into their emotional well-being, and a deeper understanding of their energetic makeup.

Aura photography bridges the realms of science and metaphysics, offering a tangible representation of our energetic essence. From the accidental discovery of Kirlian photography to the advancements of GDV, this practice has continued to intrigue and inspire individuals worldwide. By understanding the history and science behind aura photography, we can appreciate its potential to deepen our self-awareness, promote holistic well-being, and foster a greater understanding of the intricate connections between energy and consciousness.

Share this article

LET’S MAKE YOUR EVENT MEMORABLE

Google Reviews

What Our Clients Say

5-star rating
KF

Kallie Freudenberg

May 2026

5.0 Verified review

We used the Aura Experience for a corporate event and it was incredible. Our office had the best time. Such a fun and unique experience!

IB

Indrayani Bhosale

May 2026

5.0 Verified review

Aura Journey was the absolute highlight of our AICA Culture Couture event! They were a HUGE hit with everyone who attended. What made them so special was how beautifully they explained everything β€” they have such a gift for making people feel connected and engaged with the experience. Our attendees couldn't stop raving about it! The energy, the insights, the whole experience was just incredible. If you're looking for something unique and meaningful to add to your event, Aura Journey is it. Highly, highly recommend!

5.0 Verified review

The Aura Experience from the Aura Journey, was the perfect addition to our 150 person event in San Diego. It truly was such a positive, enlightening experience and we heard such wonderful comments and feedback from the attendees. Everyone got to leave with a keepsake showcasing their auras. We greatly appreciated the team's talents and for making the night so memorable.

CB
5.0 Verified review

The Aura Journey was awesome to work with. They helped make our event super special by creating a unique and branded experience for attendees to partake in, while also giving them something to take home and remember us by. Definitely plan to have them at an event in the future!

5.0 Verified review

We hired The Aura Journey for our event and it was such a hug success. Our sponsors was incredibly pleased with the amount of traffic that came through their booth. We could not have been more pleased with the on-site team.

EG
Elisa Grace

Nov 2025

5.0 Verified review

We booked the Aura team for a team building activity at our corporate event in August and it was amazing! Our attendees loved the experience and working with the Aura team was easy and wonderful.

RS
5.0 Verified review

We booked the Aura Journey for a student event and we had such positive feedback from all of our attendees! It was such a unique and engaging activity to have at an event. Shakeh and her team were so lovely to work with- we definitely hope to work with them again in the future!

5.0 Verified review

We had a great experience working with the Aura Journey. Such a great addition to any event. Guests really enjoy the activation. We would work with Shakeh's team anytime. It's a super easy setup and breakdown and folks love the photos. Highly recommend

CH
5.0 Verified review

We hired The Aura Journey for a corporate event, and they were AMAZING. Stop searching and just hire them :) Super kind and professional team.

5.0 Verified review

Great working with The Aura Journey! Professional and easy to work with. Great with clientele. Can't wait to work with them again!

WD
5.0 Verified review

The Aura Journey is absolutely AMAZING! Their customer service is absolutely amazing and I appreciated that. I hosted an event for work and all of our attendees loved The Aura Journey, we loved the template they created for us, the dedicated time to explain the aura and their display itself. I highly recommend booking them, I promise you and your guests will adore them.

KJ
5.0 Verified review

The Aura Journey team were such a pleasure to work with. They stepped up to create a unique experience at a fundraising event with short notice. The team was kind and professional throughout the entire experience. And they were a big hit at the event! Everyone loved seeing and learning about their auras. The specialized branding of the event on the picture print outs were a nice touch! I highly recommend bringing in The Aura Journey for your next event.

5.0 Verified review

A fun experience in San Francisco. They have a very creative way of assessing your aura/energy levels and its relationship to your society. Try it! Staff were extremely friendly and courteous in explaining the whole process and output from the experience.

AR
5.0 Verified review

The Aura Journey was great! The two workers I had at the event were friendly and made an impression on the guests. The photos and readings were interesting to all. Shakeh was great with communication and they arrived on time. Would definitely book them again!

MP
Melissa P

Mar 2024

5.0 Verified review

The Aura Journey was fantastic to work with from start to finish. The booth was a HIT at our event and had a line the entire time. Our guest really enjoyed the experience and the branded photo to keep. Thanks for being apart of our celebration!

KD
5.0 Verified review

I had the most incredible birthday party experience thanks to the Aura Journey! From start to finish, it was an unforgettable adventure. The attention to details and personalization they provided was exceptional. The photographer and the aura interpreter were super nice and passionate about what they do. My guests and I delved into the fascinating aura world, exploring and discussing the unique colors that comprise our individual auras.

MB
5.0 Verified review

This was SUCH a hit at my corporate event. The team was wonderful and everyone got a hit out of the experience.

AA
5.0 Verified review

We hired them for an event at my work, and it was the best event we had ever put on. They were incredibly kind, warm, inviting, and made everyone feel at ease. Set-up was incredibly easy and tidy, and they were very respectful of the facilities. They were so accommodating to all of our needs -- I 100% recommend working with them!

SK
Seda Krakos

Mar 2023

5.0 Verified review

Great experience hiring the Aura Journey team, my guests loved how professional and patient they were! Took time to explain the entire process! I would highly recommend!

KA
5.0 Verified review

Very nice professional team, reasonable pricing, great results. Thank you for your help at our event!

JF
5.0 Verified review

This was the hit of our party! Would totally recommend!

KC
5.0 Verified review

Love the experience and the kindness of the team!

5.0 Verified review

We booked the Aura Journey for an event and they were incredible!! It was such a special activation and our guests loved it!

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM TO SEE OUR EVENTS @AURAJOURNEY