Stranger Portraits with a Lightsaber
I had the opportunity to collaborate with SWA Sabers, a company known for crafting some of the most authentic and durable lightsabers available for fans, collectors, and performers. Their sabers are built with premium materials, designed not only for display but also for live dueling, choreography, and creative photography. Each saber combines quality engineering with striking design, making them ideal for cinematic-style shoots.
For this promo shoot, I integrated one of SWA’s sabers into my Stranger Portraits project, using it as a photo prop during spontaneous street encounters. The shoot took place in the arcades of Cardiff, where the sabers created dramatic contrasts of light and shadow against the architecture and glass reflections. The glow of the blade transformed the environment, adding a bold, futuristic edge to the raw, urban style of my street photography.
Working with the saber pushed me to think differently about lighting. Instead of relying on natural or ambient light alone, I was able to use the saber itself as both a subject and a light source, sculpting portraits with its vivid glow. This gave the images a cinematic feel while staying true to the authenticity of my stranger interactions.
The project highlighted how a creative prop like a lightsaber can elevate portraiture — blending street photography with pop culture and immersive lighting techniques. It was a unique experience that not only showcased SWA Sabers’ craftsmanship but also expanded the visual language of my work.