October 27, 2026
Quick answer: Kirlian photography records the electrical corona discharge around an object placed on film under high voltage, while modern aura photography uses biofeedback hand sensors and translates the readings into colors around a portrait. Kirlian images show electrical discharge; aura photos give a color interpretation of your energy and mood, which is why aura photography is the format used at events today.
“Kirlian photography” and “aura photography” are often used as if they mean the same thing. They don’t. They come from different decades, use completely different technology, and produce very different images. If you are curious about getting your aura photographed, here is a clear explanation of both.
Kirlian photography is named after Semyon and Valentina Kirlian, who developed and popularized the technique in the Soviet Union from the late 1930s onward. An object — classically a fingertip, a coin or a leaf — is placed directly on photographic film or a plate sitting on a metal electrode. A high-voltage, high-frequency electrical field is applied, and the film records the glowing corona discharge that forms around the edges of the object.
The resulting images show luminous, halo-like outlines that many people found striking, which is why Kirlian images became associated with the idea of an “aura.” Researchers have shown that the size and brightness of the glow are strongly affected by physical factors such as moisture on the skin, pressure, temperature, exposure time and the electrical conductivity of the object.
Modern aura photography, the kind you experience at events and pop-ups, works differently. You sit in front of a camera and rest your hand on a plate of biofeedback sensors. The system reads signals from your hand and translates them into colors, which appear as a glowing field around your portrait. The result is a full-color photo of you, not a contact print of a fingertip.
The photo is the starting point; the real value is the reading. A trained aura reader interprets the dominant and supporting colors and where they appear, and connects them to how you have been feeling and what you are focusing on. Learn more in What Is Aura Photography?
| Kirlian photography | Modern aura photography | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | 1930s–1940s, Soviet Union | Late 20th century to today |
| How it works | High-voltage field creates corona discharge recorded on film | Hand biofeedback sensors translated into colors around a portrait |
| What you see | Glowing outline of a fingertip or object | A color portrait of the whole person |
| Main influences | Moisture, pressure, temperature, conductivity | Biofeedback readings at the moment of the photo |
| Experience | Mostly historical or experimental | Events and pop-ups with a live reading |
Honestly, no. Kirlian images are explained by well-understood physics of electrical discharge, and aura cameras visualize biofeedback readings through software. Neither is a medical or diagnostic test. That is not what most people come for anyway: aura photography is a reflective, creative experience — a beautiful portrait and a conversation that helps you pause and think about your energy, mood and intentions.
Aura Photo Pros is based in Los Angeles and brings a mobile aura station to events nationwide and worldwide — book it for your corporate event, brand activation or private party. See how to bring an aura photographer to your event, or request a quote.
No. Kirlian photography records electrical corona discharge around an object placed on film. Modern aura photography uses biofeedback sensors to generate colors around a portrait of the whole person.
True Kirlian photography is rarely offered today and is mostly used experimentally. What most aura photographers offer at events is biofeedback aura photography with a live reading.
No. Kirlian photography captures electrical discharge on film, while aura photography uses biofeedback sensors to create a color portrait and reading.
Aura photography. It is fast, safe and interactive, and every guest gets an instant printed portrait and a short reading.
Aura photography uses real biofeedback sensors, but the color interpretation is a wellness and entertainment experience, not a medical or diagnostic test.
David Khoshbin is a Los Angeles–based aura photographer and energy specialist with over 10 years of experience in chakra scanning and intuitive readings. As the founder of Aura Photo Pros, he creates high-end, immersive aura photography experiences for corporate events, luxury brands, and private clients worldwide. His work blends advanced technology with intuitive insight—delivering visually striking and deeply personal experiences.
Experience the power of aura photography, chakra balancing, and intuitive readings. Explore your unseen energy and gain deeper self-awareness with our expert-guided sessions.
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