-.Last weekend, something extraordinary came to life—a freshly built RWB Porsche, crafted with the precision and artistry that only Akira Nakai’s touch can deliver. For car culture enthusiasts and photographers alike, an RWB build isn’t just another car coming together. It’s a ceremony. A sculpture in motion. And for me, it was the perfect subject for one of my favorite techniques: **light painting**.
The Scene
The moment the car was rolled out of the garage, it was clear this was more than just metal and rubber—it was attitude, heritage, and raw presence. The wide-body stance, signature riveted fenders, and aggressive aero demanded attention, even under the subtle glow of garage lights. But I wanted more. I wanted to capture this beast in a way that did justice to its detail and drama. So I waited for the sun to drop, grabbed my gear, and started planning the shot.
Why Light Painting?
Light painting is one of the most powerful tools in automotive photography. It allows for full control of highlights and shadows, revealing curves, textures, and reflections that a single flash or natural light just can’t bring out. For a car like an RWB Porsche—where every bolt tells a story—it’s the ideal technique to showcase craftsmanship.
he Process
I set up the car in the garage it was built in, away from street lights and distractions. Using a sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release, I shot multiple long exposures while walking around the car with a handheld light wand. I used different modifiers to soften or sharpen the light depending on the section of the car—more diffusion on the wide hips, tighter beams for the wheels and badging.
Each pass lit up a different element: the front splitter, the overfenders, the rear wing that looks ready to take flight. After about 20 separate exposures, I had all the raw ingredients I needed to blend into a final image.
The Result
The finished shot is pure drama. The RWB’s muscular shape is etched out in light against a pitch-black backdrop, making it look like it’s floating in a dreamscape. Reflections are controlled and clean, giving the paint a liquid-metal look. The details—mesh grilles, exposed bolts, the iconic RAUH-Welt windshield banner—all pop with clarity.
More than just a photo, it’s a tribute to the machine. A way of saying: *this isn’t just a car, this is art*.
Final Thoughts
Photographing this RWB Porsche was an honor, but light painting it gave me the ability to tell its story—one stroke of light at a time. Whether you’re a fellow photographer, a car enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates beautiful machines, I hope the image speaks to you the way the car spoke to me.
June 5, 2025