A ghost light is an electric light that is left lit on the stage of a theater when the theater is unoccupied and would otherwise be completely dark. It typically consists of an exposed incandescent bulb mounted in a wire cage on a portable light stand.
The practical use for a ghost light is for safety. Sometimes also known as equity lights or equity lamps, the lights often keep workers from falling into the pit or tripping on scenery left onstage in-between shows.
Aside from the obvious purpose, there are a number of superstitions associated with the use of ghost lights. One of the more prominent superstitions is that every theater has a ghost and some theaters have traditions to appease these ghosts. Some believe ghost lights allow these ghosts the opportunity to perform onstage, thus appeasing them so they won’t curse the theater.
I see the ghost light as a symbol of the lasting and almost haunting quality of the creative and the artistic. I see the frame as a dark stage, awaiting a splash of light to paint in all the beautiful details.
Hi, I’m Joey! I founded Ghostlight Imaging in January of 2023 with a fervent reverence for photography and the storytelling opportunities that come along with the practice of it. With a formal education in Filmmaking (BFA) and over a decade of personal and professional still photography experience under my belt, I’ve spent a decent amount of my time on this Earth seeing the world through lenses.
While I’ve managed to keep my hands in various mediums over the years, photography has always been a common thread for me. I made the decision to take that passion to the next step by opening up a storefront and allowing those who like my work to book my services.
If you have photographic needs or have a project in mind that you’d like to collaborate on, I’d love to work with you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out and let’s make something magical together!