SPONSORED CONTENT | Written by Monsters of Salem
When you think of souvenirs from Salem, chances are you picture a witch hat, a spell book, or maybe a photo snapped on your phone in front of the Witch House. What if your memento could be more than just another selfie? What if it could be a one-of-a-kind work of art that captures the magical energy of Salem itself?
That’s where Monsters of Salem comes in. Local photographers and co-owners Aaron and Eden Ross have created a photography experience unlike anything else in the Witch City: Light Painting Portraits.
What Is Light Painting Photography?
Unlike a quick phone snapshot, light painting uses long exposures and flash photography to transform the night into your canvas. Imagine holding streams of glowing light in your hands, being surrounded by swirling colors, or standing in a halo of mystical energy. These portraits aren’t edited with Photoshop, they’re created in real time, with real lights, and with you as part of the process.
Watch a video of Eden and Aaron explaining the process with a client outside of Old Town Hall as part of the Creative Collective. As Eden explains, “The fun part is that it’s collaborative. You get to interact with the light and decide how you want to be a part of the image. It’s not just a picture, it’s art.” Whether you want to look powerful and commanding, whimsical and playful, or just beautifully mysterious, the experience is tailored to your vision.
A Salem Experience You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
Monsters of Salem began developing their light painting portrait process in 2022, spending two years refining techniques to deliver truly stunning results. The portraits have already been spotlighted in Creative Collective’s Unique Experiences series, highlighting them as one of Salem’s must-try activities.
Unlike traditional travel photography, these sessions immerse you in Salem’s otherworldly atmosphere. From historic cemeteries to cobblestone streets, every backdrop becomes a stage for light and shadow to play across your portrait.
The best part? You don’t need any photography experience. Aaron and Eden guide you through the session so that you can focus on having fun while they handle the technical magic.
Limited-Time Magic
There’s a catch: these portraits can only be created under specific conditions. Dusk provide the most dramatic results, which means time slots are limited and sessions fill quickly, especially in October.
That makes Light Painting Portraits not just a unique photo opportunity, but also an unforgettable Salem experience to build your trip around.
More Than Just a Souvenir
At the end of your session, you won’t just have a photo, you’ll have a memory of participating in the art itself. It’s the kind of keepsake that sparks conversation long after your trip is over.
Whether you’re celebrating a bachelorette party, a honeymoon, a babymoon, a birthday, or just indulging in your love for all things spooky, Monsters of Salem offers a way to take home a piece of Salem that’s as magical as the city itself.
Book Your Session
Ready to step into the light? Visit monstersofsalem.com to reserve your Light Painting Portrait Session and secure your spot. Capture Salem’s spirit (literally) in a way no phone camera ever could.
✨ Salem is full of photo ops, but this is one you’ll never forget.
Tags: light painting, Photography
