Light Paintings

These “Light Painting” portraits incorporate a unique and challenging lighting technique that produces dramatic contrasts and textures unlike any other photographic lighting method.

The portraits are created in a darkened studio, and while the subject remains motionless, a flexible fibre optic bundle that emits very bright light is “painted” over the surfaces of the subject and setting. The light source (called a "Hosemaster") is often only an inch or two away from the subject, yet only that illuminated part of the subject is recorded, not the light source.

Each portrait is a composite of as many as 30 digital captures which are then skillfully blended together in the computer. The ability to “paint” with the light source actually in the scene yet not recorded by the camera, gives the portraits an eye-catching light quality, making them almost appear to “glow”. The subject must hold still during the exposures, often for 5 or more minutes.

While a challenging method for both subject and photographer, the results cannot be achieved with conventional photographic techniques.

Kaileigh McIlroy
Miss Lions Club

Michelle Rupitz
Miss Firefighter's Local 1399