Find the right Behind the Scenes Photographer for your shoot
Behind the Scenes Photograph of Beyonce- Sam Faulkner
"What I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career "
What is takes to be a Professional Behind the Scenes Photographer
Are you on the lookout for a seasoned film and television stills photographer for your upcoming TV commercial or social media campaign? Here’s an interesting bit: Operating as a behind-the-scenes (BTS) photographer is a specialised art, honed over years of meticulous practice. Undeniably, anyone with a camera can take a photo, and even your iPhone can suffice for a quick social media snapshot. But, the true essence of this profession lies in achieving a level of finesse for your brand or client and exceeding content expectations. Allow me to spotlight five indispensable elements to consider when recruiting a behind the scenes photographer:
Set Etiquette
Ninja Abilities
Speaking Up to Capture the Shot
Specialist Equipment
Adapting to Long Hours and Schedules
These factors will elevate your expectations of a film and TV stills photographer to a whole new level.
Mastering the Dance of On-Set Decorum
A Behind the Scenes photographer must be well-versed in set etiquette. This expertise is only gained over time and on the field. A keen understanding of the set hierarchy and the callsheet, which hosts all vital information about the crew and scenes, is fundamental. Building a rapport with the 1st Assistant Director and the camera, sound, and grip teams is crucial. This is because the stills photographer often needs to mirror the main camera's shot, recreating similar angles and capturing evocative portraits. This might seem a straightforward task, but when multiple cameras and equipment like cranes and tracking shots are in play, it's easy to become an obstruction, resulting in production delays—a cardinal sin in the industry.
Behind the scenes photo of Gisele Bündchen
The Art of Invisibility and Sensitivity
Enter the skill of ninja abilities or stealth mode. Behind the scenes photographers need to be nearly invisible, especially during deep and emotional scenes. The slightest disturbance could lead to immediate termination. Even for TV commercials, ads, or social media spots, it’s essential to put new talent, possibly nervous or easily distracted individuals, or children, at ease. This is where the intuitive "sixth sense" of the BTS photographer comes into play. Understanding how close they can approach the talent without affecting the situation or mood is a skill that can’t be taught online—it must be learned through experience.
Making Your Voice Heard at the Right Moment
Ironically, staying out of the way doesn’t excuse a behind the scenes photographer from getting the shot. After all, their primary role is to capture images that boost product sales or social media presence. Experienced behind-the-scenes photographers excel at negotiating short yet productive photoshoots with the talent. Preparation is key here—setting up a mini studio at the side of the set can help capitalise on a brief five-minute window with the talent. Perfecting the art of negotiation and timing is vital; you wouldn't want to take up valuable time on set unless there’s a break in the main movie camera action.
Having the right tools
Employing specialist equipment, such as sound blimps or mirrorless cameras, is a mark of a professional BTS photographer. A sound blimp muffles the shutter noise, ensuring a quiet set and keeping sound technicians happy. This is particularly beneficial for a closed or quiet set where discretion is paramount to avoid distracting the talent. Hiring an experienced unit stills photographer gives you access to this specialist on-set equipment, raising the bar for quality behind-the-scenes photography.
Extended Hours and Schedules
Finally, behind the scenes photographers must be prepared for long hours and revolving schedules. A stills photographer's role is often secondary to the main film shoot, their work serving as an added bonus, providing extra content for the social media campaign. It's essential for them to seamlessly blend in, working around the main production schedule and identifying windows of opportunity. Building quick friendships and trust within the crew allows them to create standout imagery amidst the chaos, truly capturing the essence of the talent.
Here are some FAQs about BTS photography:
Sam Faulkner shoots BTS Photos & Video
Sam has over 20 years experience shooting behind the scenes for some of the world’s leading brands. You can see more of his BTS photos here. Sam also creates BTS video content. Through Fashion Films, he works with a dedicated team of filmmakers, editors and crew.
FAQs
Here are some FAQs about BTS photography:
What exactly does a behind-the-scenes photographer do?
A behind-the-scenes photographer captures images of the process and people involved in creating films, TV shows, or commercials, which are often used for promotional purposes or to provide audiences with an insider's look at production.
How does a behind-the-scenes photographer differ from a standard photographer?
Unlike traditional photographers, behind-the-scenes photographers operate in a constantly changing and challenging environment, often working around the schedules of the production team and having to adapt to a variety of lighting and spatial conditions.
What is the role of specialist equipment, like sound blimps and mirrorless cameras, in behind-the-scenes photography?
Sound blimps are used to silence the camera's operation, ensuring it doesn't interfere with the ongoing shoot. Mirrorless cameras are lighter, quieter than traditional DSLRs, allowing photographers to capture images in a wide variety of settings without disruption.
Why is set etiquette important for a behind-the-scenes photographer?
Set etiquette is crucial as a BTS photographer must understand the hierarchy on set and work harmoniously with the crew. They need to know when to take their shots without disrupting the filming process and also build rapport with the crew for a successful shoot.
What is meant by a photographer's 'ninja abilities'?
This refers to a photographer's ability to be unobtrusive and blend into the background while also being able to seize the perfect shot, often in challenging conditions. This ability to work quietly and subtly is essential in a busy, demanding environment like a film set or a commercial shoot.
How important is the timing for a behind-the-scenes photographer?
Timing is crucial for a BTS photographer. They must identify the perfect moments to take their shots without disturbing the ongoing shoot. They also need to balance capturing images that document the process and those that can be used for promotional purposes.
Why is building trust so important for behind-the-scenes photographers?
Building trust allows photographers to foster a comfortable environment for the crew and actors. This often results in more natural and candid photos, as subjects feel more at ease knowing their activities and work aren't being intrusively monitored.
How do behind-the-scenes photographers work around everyone else's schedule?
Behind-the-scenes photographers must be adaptable and ready to work at irregular hours, often falling in line with the schedules of the cast and crew. They must work swiftly and efficiently without disrupting the main production.
What does 'behind-the-scenes of photography' entail?
This refers to the process and work that goes into capturing the perfect image. It covers everything from setting up the equipment, understanding the scene, and selecting the right moment to capture, to post-processing the image.
Should I hire a behind-the-scenes photographer for my own production?
Absolutely. Behind-the-scenes photographers can bring a unique perspective to a range of events, from private functions to commercial productions. Their images offer a fascinating insight into the 'making of' the event, providing a narrative that goes beyond the main spectacle.