Light painting is a unique and complex photographic process to create one artistic image that is not possible through traditional photography. I use calibrated lights to provide consistent lighting on your subject and your scene. Light painting has two parts. The first is photographing the subject(s). You and I meet on-site to evaluate different views of the subject and placement in the scene. You select the one you like best. This starts before dark and results in a base image. We then proceed after dark, lighting and photographing specific parts and details of the subject and scene. Normally, I take 50 - 100+ images of a subject, each creating the highlights and shadows that I want in the finished image. This is done with you and normally takes 2-4 hours. The second part of the light painting process is post processing the images in Lightroom and Photoshop. I merge, blend and paint the individual images into one unique and artistic image that illustrates your passion and legacy. The post processing and attention to detail for a single finished image normally takes 6-12 hours or more. The “wow” moment is when you hang a large metal or acrylic print on your wall! It is a celebration of your passion and legacy.

There are three costs.

1. The Creative fee - Typically, there are 2-4 hours of photography on-site and several hours of image processing time. The creative fee for a car, motorcycle or airplane is $1,500. Table top items are $750.

2. Prints - The cost of a Print varies with the size and material you select. I will provide you with a detailed price when you decide what size you prefer.

3. Travel Costs - Reasonable travel costs outside of the Columbia, SC metro area.

1. We start with one or more discussions about what you envision that expresses your passion and legacy. This can be a phone call or in-person. I need to understand what we are photographing, the details that are important to you and the scene.

2. When you decide that you are ready to proceed, pay the Creative fee. I accept cash, checks, credit cards and EFT.

3. Schedule the photography session. Remember that we are outdoors and need to consider weather issues.

4. Meet on-sight and complete the photography. It is important that YOU are there! You should expect to be onsite with me during the entire 2-4 hour photography session. You will be reviewing and approving the scenic options and the specific placement of your vehicle within the scene. We will normally take 50-100 separate images, reviewing each as we move along.

5. I typically process the images and composite them into one finished image. This takes 6-12 hours or more.

6. I review the finished digital image with you, review print size options, make any changes and get your final approval.

7. With your approval you pay for the print(s) you select.

8. The images are printed and shipped to you.

Photographing cars, motorcycles/bikes typically happens on-sight at a location you choose. Setup normally takes about an hour and happens before dusk. Light painting starts at dusk and continues after dark normally taking 1-3 hours. Table top items can be photographed during the day inside in the dark. If a portrait is desired, I have a mobile studio for portraits that provides the controlled lighting that makes you look your best. We can do portraits anywhere.

We work together to find a mutually acceptable schedule. Generally, you will receive the prints two weeks after approving the digital image.

Contact me via phone or text at (803) 420-3660 or email me at john@johnherrel.com and let’s discuss your vision that tells your story, expresses your passion and displays your legacy!

Yes, contact John at (803) 420-3660 to how you can purchase a gift certificate.