Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for illuminating a subject to be photographed wherein the subject is illuminated in such a manner that a uniform highlight is produced upon reflective surface, substantially uniform illumination of the subject is achieved at front and lateral areas, and the background may be modified to lower the background contrast, and if desired, the background may be removed completely. A light source of elongated configuration produces a uniform light source of a vertical dimension greater than the vertical dimension of the subject being photographed. The light source is translated across the subject matter at a predetermined uniform rate while the camera aperture is open while photographing the front and lateral portions of the subject illuminated by the light source. The passing of the light source behind the subject lowers the contrast of the existing background, and such contrast may be sufficient to remove the background completely, if desired.