Illustrative photography is generally thought of as image-making whose primary purpose is to illustrate or advertise a product, a company image, or subject for publication.
When creating a photograph for commercial purposes, I oftentimes use 3D stereoscopic light-painting to illustrate unique products or interpretively present works of art by other artists.
There’s a saying that resonates for me when doing commercial work. “Sell your skills and talents, buy bewilderment.”
I feel like I have succeeded when the subject reveals itself to a collector, art fancier, or museum goer in such a way as to create an intense desire for the work being presented.
No Photoshop manipulation is involved in the creation of these light-painted images. All of the “work” takes place in front of the camera by incorporating special light-painting techniques that present the subject to whatever recording medium is utilized. While most of the images in this website were created on film, digital technology merely substitutes a sensor in place of the traditional light-sensitive film emulsion.
