How a photographer creates fire-winged portraits

Andrea James 6:00 am Mon Mar 20, 2017

Derek VanAlthuis rigged up a couple of high-power flashlights in a PVC casing, then ran them through an amber gel onto a piece of edge-lit plexiglass to create this winged portrait. Here's the setup:

He also did the same thing with real fire:

The tool used was based on Zach’s fire technique, which involves wrapping and stapling a 100% cotton t-shirt around a wooden dowel. The shirt is then soaked in BBQ fluid and then lit. I used this technique on my own wing-shaped tool to get the effect and look that I wanted. It is important that your shirt is 100% cotton, any kind of blended fabrics can melt and cause burns. If you attempt this, PLEASE take all the proper precautions and be safe. I recommend wearing flame resistant gloves and shooting at a place with plenty of water nearby.

Learn more below, or simply enjoy his Instagram account.

• This photographer created phoenix wings by light painting with real fire (DIY Photography via PetaPixel)

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