Highmark Stadium has been transformed into a glowing canvas through Rochester Institute of Technology's ambitious 37th Big Shot photography project, involving thousands of volunteers in a unique large-scale artistic endeavor. The innovative project used creative light exposure techniques to capture the iconic Buffalo Bills stadium in what marks a historic moment for both the venue and the renowned photography initiative.
The Big Shot project employs an extraordinary technique known as "painting with light," utilizing flashlights, strobes, and various other light sources during extended exposure photography to create stunning visual masterpieces. This ambitious artistic initiative has previously captured some of America's most iconic landmarks, including Churchill Downs, the historic Alamo, and the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, establishing itself as one of the most innovative photography projects in the country.
Saturday night witnessed an unprecedented collaboration as thousands of students and community volunteers gathered to participate in this remarkable artistic venture. Armed with flashlights and other light sources, participants worked together to "paint" the 52-year-old stadium while RIT's specialized Big Shot camera team captured the extended exposure image. The coordinated effort required precise timing and teamwork to ensure every section of the massive venue was properly illuminated during the photographic process.
"Whether people came out because they love photography, the Bills, or both, the fact that we had thousands of people working together to create one photo is a powerful experience," explained Eric Kunsman, co-coordinator of the Big Shot project and assistant professor at RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf. "When people see the photo online or in the new stadium, they can point to where they stood or where they pointed their flashlight to help create the image. It's an incredible memory for everyone involved."
This year's project achieved several groundbreaking milestones, marking the first time the Big Shot team successfully captured a complete 360-degree panoramic image of their subject. The technical achievement required sophisticated planning and coordination to ensure seamless coverage of the entire stadium structure. In addition to the primary panoramic photograph, the team captured six additional supplementary photos to guarantee that every inch of the historic stadium was thoroughly documented.
The resulting image will hold special significance as it will be permanently displayed in Buffalo's new stadium when it opens next season, serving as both an artistic tribute to Highmark Stadium and a showcase of RIT's innovative photographic approach. This installation will provide fans and visitors with a unique visual representation that captures both the architectural grandeur of the venue and the creative spirit of the community collaboration.
The Big Shot project, which began in 1987, was originally designed as an educational initiative to teach RIT students how to solve complex problems using simple tools while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Over nearly four decades, the project has evolved into a celebrated tradition that brings together academic learning with community engagement, creating lasting memories and stunning artistic achievements.
This ambitious undertaking highlights the creative intersection of art and architecture, demonstrating how traditional photography techniques can be combined with community participation to create something truly extraordinary. The transformation of Highmark Stadium into a glowing canvas represents one of RIT's most significant visual experiences, cementing the project's reputation as a unique blend of technical skill, artistic vision, and collaborative spirit.
