painting with light

The photography of Inna Sumra

By Alicia Underlee Nelson

From the very first glance, a portrait by Inna Sumra is different – dramatically different. Her subjects are familiar – landscapes, families with small children, high school seniors and professionals from across the region – but the images Sumra captures are vivid, beautifully arranged compositions that feature the dramatic use of light and color.

Sumra is inspired by classical painters like John Singer Sargent, Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci, masters of light, composition and the human form. This influence is apparent in her work and in her creative process.

“I use the light as a tool and I paint with the light,” said Sumra. “That’s how it creates that three dimensional look. We do quite a lot of classic portraiture. I’m always creating that kind of depth and feeling, almost like I’m painting.”

Sumra says that the final product often induces a sense of wonder in people who are seeing her