What is this process called?

Question

Its when you take a photograph with the lens open, no flash & the picture is embedded onto the film using the light from the area...
Its something like that & im wondering if that process can be done using a 35 mm SLR camera? If so; how where do I begin?

Would it be better to use black & white film or color film?

Answer 1

it the shutter that's open and it's called exsisting or available light photography.
in low light a tripod is essential and if possible a remote to reduce vibrations.
an interesting fact about long exposure times is that if you have an exposure time of more than 2 or 3 secs and if you take a photo with a single exposure of 3 sec and compare it with the same photo taken with 3 exposure (multi exposure mode)of 1 sec each , you'll find that the one taken with the multi exposture is brighter(even if the total exposure time is the same)of course the the aperture(the opening of the shutter) is the same.
happy shooting !!
God bless,
gabe.

Answer 2

I think what you are really refering to is light painting or painting with light.

Some info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_painting

and some instruction
http://www.daveblackphotography.com/workshop/lightpainting-technique.htm

http://www.sportsshooter.com/special_feature/2003_luau_video/lightpainting/index.html