Abstract: A system and apparatus for illumination and photographic capture of a subject includes a base, a linear drive unit carried on the base, a light bar configured to produce a band of illumination and connected to the drive unit, and system controls operatively connected to the drive unit and light bar to achieve controlled linear movement of the light bar and progressive illumination of the subject with the band of light. A method for illumination and photographic capture of the subject includes establishing a band of light projecting across one direction of the subject, powering the band of light at a controlled speed through a second direction to progressively illuminate the subject; and making a photographic exposure of the subject with a camera while progressively illuminating the subject with said band of light.