Adventures in Photography -Light Art Play
There’s a pretty cool independent film scene going on in Atlanta which we’ve been privileged to be a part of over the last several years. One of the guys leading the charge is Dan Bush and when he asked us to help him on a music video for Ben Lovett, we were more then willing. In doing this, we got to be behind the camera filming, acting in front of the camera, provide wardrobe for some of the characters and in the interim, take innumerable still photographs. Dan’s music video also turned into a short film.
Capt. Dan
A Quick back story: Lovett has been on a roll with some amazing music videos from his self-produced album, “The Highway Collection”. Two outstanding notables: “The Fear”, directed by our friend Dave Bruckner and “Eye of the Storm”, directed by Christopher Alender can also be found on this album. However, a most impressive point worth stating is that everything has been done on a low or no budget deal; just a bunch of creative people pulling together to make something cool.
The first scene that we could help out with took place in a brothel. There was opium and liquor surrounded by whores and greasy man sluts (Nate & I were the later). When we weren’t involved in the action on screen, we were busily snapping stills of the cast and crew and, in the moments where we had a little time, we would set up a nice “art shot” that would later serve as pieces for our show.
The week following the brothel shoot, we found ourselves on a road trip to Asheville, NC where we would be shooting the bulk of the film. Dan led us to a place where he had spent many family vacations in his youth. The place was amazing; it was like stepping back in time. I wish I could say that I remembered how we got there because it was truly breathtaking (I believe Dan actually took us on some extra roads, across random rivers, and through unnecessary tunnels. I’m pretty sure that none of the crew could even tell you how to get back there). Tons of gear was hauled up the mountain and while the shot count began rising, Chris Campbell (The DP), made it look like a walk in the park as he was strapped down with his steady cam rig holding a giant RED camera. He moved across the mountain like a lanky, one-armed octopus. The scenery was just fantastic, and as the the filming commenced, we snapped as many shots as we could between & during takes.
"Trust Dr.Jessee"
The Producer
Green on the Mnt 
In the river
cold Ben
Dr.Jessie
Chasing Ghost
Running Solders
Group
Great to see your photos. I was thrilled to have been an extra in the final day of shooting at the river. I was entirely impressed by the crew and cast. The professionalism, dedication, creativity…were tremendous. I was an extra in a a major film production a few years back (Songcatcher) and the crew on this shoot excelled in all aspects in comparison to the Songcatcher shoot.
Can’t wait to see the film and more photos.
Don Talley
Black Mountain NC