"Vintage Ritter Air Compressor" © Harold Ross

A while back, I was visiting my neighbor Jim Hearn when he showed me a beautiful vintage Ritter air compressor that had belonged to his grandfather. I immediately asked him if I could photograph it and he graciously agreed!

This compressor was made in the early part of the last century, probably around 1920 or a little earlier. The Ritter Company, a German company established in 1887, continues to specialize in equipment designed for the dental profession. Interestingly, this compressor was indeed used by Jim’s grandfather, Dr. Francis deSales Tucker, a prominent dentist in Philadelphia.

 Due to the compressor’s weight, we decided to shoot it at Jim’s house, which conveniently has a large garage. Luckily, we didn’t need to blackout any windows or doors, and the shoot went very smoothly.

Getting all the necessary photographic equipment to Jim’s place was quite a project. I needed a laptop, tripod, camera, lighting tools, and all the attendant cables, background, etc.

Fortunately, I have a trailer that I can tow behind my mini-tractor, which made transporting the equipment there significantly easier! 🚜

 My light painting method helped me reveal aspects of this piece of industrial history that one cannot see under ordinary lighting conditions! Indeed, I am surprised and delighted every time I make a photograph using this powerful technique.

Happy Light Painting... and always remember... Skim The Light.

- Harold

*****

Creating light painted still life images is extremely rewarding, and something which I teach in great detail throughout my comprehensive Light Painting Online Video Course.

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