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Patrick Rochon is a Montreal-based light painting artist whose work turns long-exposure photography into a performed encounter with light. He began exploring the medium in 1992 and, by 1997, had chosen to devote himself to it. His practice ranges from portraits and abstract movement to live performance, video, and a specialized 360-degree experiment.
What is light painting?
Light painting is a photographic technique in which a camera records moving light during a long exposure in a darkened scene. The light source may be moved through the frame, used to illuminate a subject, or both. Because the camera gathers light over time, each movement can leave a visible trail or shape in the image.
For Rochon, that process is also a live performance: the light is in motion while the camera is exposing. His official biography expresses the idea succinctly: “Light is invisible until it touches matter.” Patrick Rochon’s biography describes his work across photography, performance, and video.
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Rochon says he began light painting in Montreal in 1992 and decided in 1997 to dedicate himself to it. His work has since encompassed commissioned portraits, commercial projects, live multimedia performances, and experiments that connect light painting with other media. His biography lists collaborations with Red Bull, Toyota/Lexus, Honda, Infiniti Motors, and Chevrolet; these are projects reported by the artist, not evidence of current brand relationships or endorsements.
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In a 2011 interview, Rochon described working through photography, live performances, and video. He also discussed portrait and nude work and emphasized the value of practice. Those comments reflect his perspective at the time of that interview, rather than a claim that every project follows the same approach. Read the 2011 interview.
What is the light painting kata?
Rochon describes his light painting kata as freeform movement with Liteblade light tools in complete darkness while a camera makes a long exposure. Instead of treating the light only as a way to outline a fixed subject, he moves with it, making the exposure a record of gesture and duration. His portfolio presents the kata as an ongoing practice connected to his Spirit of Light work. See Rochon’s art and experiments.
The term “kata” points to a repeated practice, but Rochon’s description stresses improvisation rather than a prescribed sequence. The movement, timing, and resulting traces can change from one exposure to another. As he put it in a 2011 PBS segment, “Having light as a medium, every single time is different.” PBS Arts: Off Book demonstrated the process.
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How does Patrick Rochon create light paintings?
The basic photographic mechanism is straightforward: the camera’s shutter remains open long enough to record light moving in darkness. Rochon’s actual setup varies by image. In a 2011 interview, he said there was no single standard setup for his work, and that he often used a black indoor background for portraits and nudes. A dark background can make illuminated forms stand out, but it is one choice within a flexible process, not a universal requirement.
In the kata, the light tool moves through the exposure as Rochon performs. In portrait work, light can instead be directed toward a person or used to shape the frame around them. The photographic outcome depends on the relationship among exposure, movement, light, subject, and surroundings; the cited interview does not establish one fixed camera setting or lighting recipe.
What equipment do you need for light painting?
A camera capable of long exposures and a light source are a practical starting point. A handheld LED light painting wand can provide a controllable source, and colored lighting gels or other modifiers can change its appearance. Rochon’s portfolio specifically describes Liteblade tools in his kata, but that does not establish a particular generic wand as equivalent to or endorsed by him.
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- ▶【Dual ¼" Interface for Rich Expansion】Based on diversified needs, this mini light wand specially designed dual standard ¼" interface which are convenient for external photographic camera auxiliary equipment to get better lighting effects. This video light wand is compatible with DSLR camera, camcorder, tripod, light stand and multi-light connecting etc.
Darkness helps make moving light visible, while a black indoor background is one approach Rochon says he often uses for portraits. It is not necessary to copy that portrait setup to try the technique: people can experiment with different light sources, scenes, and movement. A PBS feature describes light painting as something viewers can try at home.
How does the work extend beyond a single-camera exposure?
Rochon’s practice moves between intimate images and larger productions. His biography describes client and brand collaborations, portraits, and live multimedia work; his portfolio and interviews also place light painting alongside video and other media. These formats share an interest in light as a material, but they do not all use the same capture method.
A specialized 360-degree experiment
A 2013 Photography.ca report describes one distinct project in which a model stood inside a ring of 24 DSLR cameras. The cameras exposed simultaneously, and software assembled the resulting frames to create an illusion of circular movement. This was a specialized multi-camera experiment, not the standard equipment for Rochon’s single-camera kata or for light painting generally. Read the 2013 report on the 360-degree project.
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- 【CCT/FX/RGB Lighting Modes】 Switch between three CCT options: white (6500K), warm yellow (2700K), and neutral (4000K), to match various ambient lighting environments. FX mode offers 36 dynamic RGB effects, while RGB mode includes 15 static colors to enhance your creativity. This led tube light equipment is an ideal gear for your lighting accessories, for camera photography, filming, wedding films, camping, still life photos, studio indoor photoshoots, YouTube/TikTok video recording, etc
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- 【4000mAh Rechargeable Battery】 With a built in 3.7V 4000mAh (14.8Wh) lithium battery, the LED RGB video wand light runs up to 105 minutes of continuous lighting at full brightness. Recharge via the included USB A to USB C cable for uninterrupted power throughout the day. Essential and must have videography and photography props for content creators and influencers. NOTE: For optimal battery longevity, please fully charge the device before first use
- 【Flexible Mounting Options】 With 1/4" threaded holes on both ends, the light wand easily attaches to tripods or light stands. It also features built-in magnets for secure mounting on metal surfaces, perfect for overhead, low angle, or unconventional setups. Use it handheld for concerts and KTV, or link multiple wands to amplify your lighting effects at events and parties.
How can a beginner try the approach?
Start with a long-exposure-capable camera, a light source, and a dark place where you can move safely. Make a simple exposure with the light moving through the frame, then adjust one variable at a time—such as the light’s movement, its distance from the camera, or the scene’s background. Keep the camera stable during the exposure unless camera movement is an intentional part of the image.
Rochon’s workshop material covers tools and light modifications, camera settings, working in darkness, movement demonstrations, model portraits, and background effects. The page says the workshop was recorded in 2013 and posted in 2020; it does not establish whether the workshop is currently available. View the workshop information.
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For Rochon’s creative emphasis, practice matters more than a single prescribed setup. In the 2011 interview, his advice to people trying light painting was: “Do it often, have fun and get your friends involved.”
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