FAMILY PROJECT: THE INDY INSPIRED SETUP.
It had been quite a while since I embarked on a thrilling photography project with my kiddos. So when they approached me asking what I wanted for Mother’s Day, my heart skipped a beat. “A photography project together,” I blurted out with joyous excitement.
To me, it is not just about capturing beautiful pictures. it’s about the story we create that unfolds with each click of the camera. It is a therapeutic, magical escape into a realm of imagination and shared experiences.
From the moment we decided on the concept, the journey became an exhilarating adventure.
Of course, a grand photography project needed an arsenal of props. So I embarked on countless escapades, filling the car to the brim with treasures and trinkets. (it was pretty much me climbing on ladders, picking up dusty props, and packing them in my car as you may have witnessed on my Instagram stories). It was like a quest for hidden gems, each prop carrying a hint of mystery and wonder (did I mention dust!?).
But that was only the beginning! We ventured to Disney’s Hollywood studios to watch the Indiana Jones stunt show, and my daughter’s eyes almost pop out witnessing Indiana racing against the colossal boulder. Then we embarked on a movie marathon of epic proportions. We snuggled on the sofa, immersing ourselves in the captivating world of the amazing Indiana Jones.
When the time finally came to bring our project to life, we let our imaginations soar and be inspired by the movies, fully embracing the project while having the time of our lives.
So now, when I look at the captured images, I don’t just remember the moment I clicked the shutter. I am transported back to my sofa, my teenage son by my side, and the echoes of laughter and suspense filling the room. I can see the sparkle in my daughter’s eyes as she witnessed Indiana Jones’ daring escape from the rolling boulder, etching that exhilarating memory deep within.
It is not solely about the final product. It was about the experience, the collaboration, and the precious moments shared with my kiddos. Art has become our language, a medium through which we could express ourselves and forge unbreakable bonds.
THE SETUP.
The setup consisted of a beautiful XL Gravity Backdrop big enough to cover the width of my one-car garage and the part of the floors used for the scene. The texture and the color of this backdrop are definitely a must-have for every photographer.
The statue, skulls, rocks and ladder were borrowed from my friends at Spectacular Themes.
To create a realistic atmosphere, I incorporated an assortment of elements such as moss, dry leaves, twigs, and even dirt, which lent a genuine touch to the scenes I sought to capture. I have to admit that working with spiderwebs, despite their effectiveness in evoking a certain ambiance, was not a personal favorite!
THE LIGHT.
For this project I wanted to rely on constant light. My light of choice was a Aputure 600c Pro, an Amaran 300c and a couple of Amaran tubes for fill. I placed one of the lights in the back right side of the set to mimic sunlight coming inside “the temple” from a hole in the ceiling or above “the cave”. Then I placed another light with a large octa behind the camera to fill the light on the subjects. The Light Tubes were placed strategically and moved around the set to fill shadows around the set in different pictures. One of the most fun parts of the whole project was using a Haze Machine. It allowed me to add atmosphere and a softer effect to the light, giving the set a more cinematic look. above the
THE CAMERA.
When it came to the camera I used my handy NIKON Z7 and three different lenses, the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f4, the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f1.8 and the Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm f4. To take the group shot and my self portrait I relied on Nikon’s SnapBrigde App. I love that it allows me to adjust my camera settings, preview the shot and then I get to review the pictures on my phone to make sure everything looks the way I want it to.
Engaging in personal projects is not just enjoyable, but also immensely therapeutic. It allows me to discover and reconnect with my true self amidst the chaotic clamor of social media, photography fads, and professional responsibilities. Immersing myself in my garage, getting my hands dirty while constructing these sets, rekindles my passion for my artistry time and time again.
Although it saddens me to dismantle these sets each time, the anticipation of our next venture fills me with excitement!
- All
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