The Camera as My Canvas & the Knowledge of Lighting as My Brush

Welcome to my photography blog, The Camera as My Canvas & the Knowledge of Lighting as My Brush. My name is Emil Alejo, and in the photography world, I go by the alias IRIEROOTSINI. I am a FilAmOz (Filipino-American-Australian) commercial photographer who grew up in the U.S., where I studied fine arts in Southern California. In 2013, I moved to Australia and, two years later, established Irierootsini Photography to deliver high-quality photography services to individuals and businesses across Sydney.

My Approach to Photography

Now, let’s talk about my creative approach to photography. You might be wondering: What does a camera have to do with a canvas, and how does lighting function like a brush?

Imagine an artist about to create a masterpiece on a blank canvas without paint and brushes. Can you picture that? Now, picture a photographer holding a camera in complete darkness. See the similarities? Just as an artist needs paint and brushes to bring an idea to life, a photographer uses light to shape, enhance, and define an image. In my work, lighting is my paint, my brush, and my creative tool. It allows me to craft visually striking images that tell a story.

Why Lighting is Everything to a Camera

To understand why lighting is the foundation of photography, it helps to look back at its history. Without light, even the best camera cannot create an image. Lighting is the essential ingredient that allows a camera to see and capture the world. Before modern cameras existed, many artists used a tool called the camera obscura to project and trace images with accuracy. This tool relied entirely on light to form an image.

If you are curious about how this technique influenced modern photography, I recommend watching this five-minute video by Cooperative of Photography (COOPH) titled 'The History of Photography' This short clip offers an engaging overview of photography’s evolution and shows how artists became the first photographers while using light as the key element in image creation.

Photography as Art: My Commitment to Excellence

By watching the video, you will see that the first photographers were artists. This connection between art and photography is why I describe my camera as a canvas and lighting as my brush.

At Irierootsini Photography, I treat every project as a potential masterpiece, considering my clients' needs as if they were my own. As a commercial photographer, I cover a range of services from product photography to professional headshots and lifestyle portraits. My goal is to deliver images that elevate brands, enhance marketing efforts, and leave a lasting impression.

My passion for helping individuals and businesses succeed drives me to give my best in every shoot. With a combination of artistic vision, technical knowledge, and an understanding of how light shapes a photograph, I create high-impact images that go beyond expectations. For me, photography is not just about capturing moments; it is about crafting powerful images that inspire.

Explore My Work & Stay Inspired

Feel free to explore my gallery, which features a diverse collection of images across:

✅ Professional Headshots

✅ Business & Commercial Lifestyle Photography

✅ Product Photography

✅ Creative Portraits

Join me on this blog as I continue to share insights, photography tips, and behind-the-scenes updates from my projects. Stay inspired, and thank you for being here.