Behind the Scenes with a Professional Film Photographer

Hey everyone! The selfie above captures a moment from last week amidst the beautiful landscapes of Boulder, CO. I was there on an advertising photography assignment, exploring and hiking to various spots to nail the first half of the concept shots needed for the project. Lugging around large gear and some set pieces was quite the workout, but it was all in good fun and totally worth it.

I've been pretty busy lately with client work and various projects. It's not about a high volume of work but rather the scope and intensity of what I'm taking on. These projects involve more in-depth planning, set building, and a broader scope that goes beyond the usual. Everything is just much more intensive, reflecting a shift towards projects that, while fewer in number, are significant in scale, budget, and so on. It's an exciting challenge that really pushes you. The truth is, shooting the same thing repeatedly would quickly become mundane. To keep my creativity vibrant and my work fresh, it's crucial to explore and embrace subjects that spark my interest. Otherwise, there's a real risk of falling into a cycle of stagnation, where everything produced feels robotic and uninspired.

So far this year, I've shot exclusively with large-format film. Pictured here is my Sinar 4x5 monorail camera, captured recently while out in the field. While most shy away from taking monorail cameras out of the studio, I embrace it. The reason? The unparalleled control and flexibility these cameras offer, particularly with their movements, are indispensable to my work. Yes, it means carrying something heavier, but isn't that what our gym sessions are for? Haha.

Displayed in the image above are the film stocks and papers that are shaping my current creative endeavors. Among them, Fuji Provia 100F is a standout, capturing the natural textures and colors intrinsic to my latest concepts. Its slow speed at ISO 100, along with limited latitude, means that achieving the correct exposure in the studio, especially at f32, requires a considerable amount of light. These slides are set to be sent off to the lab for development.

In the realm of black and white, Tmax 100 and Tri-X 320 each play a pivotal role. Tri-X, known for its classic, old-school aesthetic, was chosen for projects needing a softer, more artistic approach. Conversely, Tmax excels at capturing sharp details and deep tonal gradations, making it ideal for my industrial-themed concepts. Due to their unique characteristics, I prefer to develop these films myself. This approach allows me to customize the development process, including employing push and pull techniques, tailored to the specific requirements of each frame.

Beneath the film, the colored papers are the potential background choices and pops of color I'm exploring for certain elements within these projects.

Pictured above are some materials gathered for quickly building a set on location. The haul included a mix of 2x4x8s, various other pieces of wood, and, naturally, a supply of framing nails. For this particular project, Cedar was my material of choice—it not only has a soft feel but also features a beautiful, natural texture that adds an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the shots.

When it came time for teardown, I made sure to handle everything with care, especially the Cedar. My aim was to salvage and repurpose as much as possible for future projects. This not only helps in reducing waste but also in maintaining a sustainable practice, something I'm increasingly mindful of in my work. It’s a small step towards a more eco-friendly approach in the photography industry, emphasizing the importance of sustainability alongside creativity.

And that's a wrap on this behind-the-scenes peek! From hauling gear up Boulder’s trails to selecting the perfect Cedarwood for our sets, every moment has been a blend of challenge and excitement. It’s the little details—like the choice of film or the texture of the wood—that make each project uniquely rewarding and, honestly, a lot of fun. I’m always on the move, diving into the next adventure/project/idea. If you’ve got questions or there’s something specific you’d like to know about my process—whether out of curiosity or in contemplating a future project—feel free to drop a line or chat when you see me around. Stay tuned for what’s coming up!