Patrick Rochon Light Painting Project – Red Bull Illume

Rad new project from Light Painting Photographer Patrick Rochon, in collaboration with Red Bull Illume and SNAP Orlando. Check it out!

The lengths to which photographers and athletes go to nail a shot is often extreme — especially with sights set on an entry into Red Bull Illume.

Just a few miles from the lights and magic of Disney World and Universal Studios, this stunning Light Painting photo shoot took place at Orlando, Florida’s OWC Cable Park. On-site were Red Bull wake riders Adam Errington, Dallas Friday, and Mike Dowdy.

After the park closed to the public, photographer Patrick Rochon captured breathtaking images of the Red Bull riders as they carved across sliders and kickers—on wakeboards rigged with intricate waterproof LED lighting systems. The behind-the-scenes video above documents the three-night shoot, which took place in late March.

The production, organized in conjunction with the Red Bull-supported event Snap! Orlando, involved a range of technical challenges. From rigging lights and syncing camera positions to coordinating the movements of world-class athletes—all in the dark—this was a full-on photographic mission.

The athletes were inspired by the process itself. “It really is my movements painting this picture and helping this photo come to life!” said Adam Errington, age 24, a top-ranked wakeboarder.

For Rochon, the artistic motivation remained clear throughout the shoot: “Focus on the art, the creativity, and the beauty,” he shared mid-shoot. “I’m really impressed by the athletes. They are so fluid in the water and naturally understand what we are trying to do here.”

🎨 Learn more about Patrick: Patrick Rochon Artist Page
📚 Explore more tutorials: Light Painting Tutorials