Kite and Night Photography: Unique Vantage Points in Photography
April 20, 2009
Presented by Scott Haefner

[© Scott Haefner] Scott will present a slideshow of his images, demonstrate his equipment and techniques, and respond to questions. You can view some of his work at http://www.scotthaefner.com.

Photographer's Statement
[© Scott Haefner] My aim is to create distinct images using specialized techniques such as light painting, shooting at night, and kite aerial photography to obtain unique vantage points. I frequently shoot in places that most people choose not to venture.

Photographing abandoned buildings and other forgotton places, often under the cover of darkness, is what captivates me the most. Documenting our history and creating art in locations that soon may be destroyed in favor of new strip malls inspires a level of urgency not typically found in other forms of photography. [© Scott Haefner]

Similar to being outdoors enjoying nature and the elements (which I also enjoy photographing), exploring abandonments is a visceral and even spiritual experience. "Urban exploration" cuts to the core of an innate curiosity that exists within all of us; it also satisfies my sense of adventure and adrenaline.

Night photography enables me to sculpt and manipulate the light in front of my camera, lending more control and creativity. I use flashlights, off-camera flash and colored, theatrical gels, often in combination with natural moonlight.