A specials shoot is a publicity shoot for a film or TV show that is specifically to capture promotional stills. Promotional stills are integral press and publicity resources and are usually shot in a studio environment with the key cast. On high profile film productions “Specials” photographers are often iconic photographers such as Annie Leibovitz...
[singlepic id=1019 w=250 float=right] I’ve got to say, that one of the most rewarding aspects about shooting production stills is the opportunity to create amazing images in collaboration with Actors. As a photographer on set, it is my utmost goal to create strong and marketable images that give the best portrayal of the film and...
Have you ever found yourself at odds with an actor / actress ? I am new to the game and immediately found myself aggravated by a person with a small role – she’s had two walk on’s and now knows everything about the movie business and acting. It’s horribly annoying! So far I’ve kept my mouth shut. What would you do ? I don’t see that I can do anything that I’d like to do without ruining my reputation.
What would you do ??
Thanks !
Michelle
I don’t like to write about negatives without a positive spin. Here’s a list of ways I see film makers doing their show an injustice through poor marketing practices with examples of shows that I think epitomise success in avoiding those pitfalls. Start as you mean to finish – Have you observed what big shows...
Film sets are not all action, you’ll spend lots of time waiting around. Here’s my top 5 tips for making use of that down time. Crew Portraits – As I first discussed in TT 11, just about everyone on a film set will want some photographic record of where they have spent the majority of...
Have to thank you so much for your blog. I cannot tell you how helpful it has been. I have shot a number of student productions for theater and several video shoots but never a film production. This is a shoot with more seasoned film pros, working for fun on the 48 Hour Film Festival in Washington DC, where a short film is produced–soup to nuts- in 48 hours. I’ll be using a Nikon D7100, and have a 28-70, f2.8. a 70-200, f2.8, and a 35, f1.8. I have a prime 85 but perhaps it’s redundant. I’m expecting to go in without flash at a high ISO. No one knows subject, location or conditions until the starting “Go!” I’m going through your blog as fast as I can to fill in what holes I can, knowing that “Don’t get in the way” is #1. Any other critical stuff to flat out not forget in a situation like mine?
Thank you thank you thank you!
Slightly, late reply I’m sorry! Congratulations on your first gig! Definitely take your 85mm prime, film sets can get very dark leaving your 2.8 zooms a little slow for the lighting conditions. I hope you had fun!
I just want to say thank you for this great website. I wish I had found this resource a little earlier in my career. I started shooting set stills about 4 years ago in addition to my editorial and corporate I had worked on for 10 years. I had to figure out a lot as I went along but this website has given me some pointers. Again, thank you for this service.
I’ve shot production stills on a lot of projects over the last 5 years. What I’ve learned from all of this work and all the ones I’ve passed on is that there is always plenty of shoots that an aspiring stills photographer can be involved in. Picking your jobs When I’m deciding which projects to...
