Tips on Photographing Behind the Scenes Content
January 5, 2023A behind the scenes photographer is crucial for capturing the raw, unedited moments that happen on set or during the production of a project. These photos can provide a unique perspective on a project and help to tell a more complete story of what goes on behind the scenes. Behind the scenes (BTS) content can also be used to create additional branded content for social media or other marketing materials. This can be especially useful for projects that have a strong fan base, as these photos can help to keep audiences engaged and interested in the project. It’s a fast-paced environment but you learn a lot from every BTS shoot and it can be a lot of fun!
Here are some top tips for photographing behind-the-scenes content:
Avoid using a prime lens
On a busy set where there isn’t always time to set up for the perfect BTS shot, a prime lens might be quite restrictive and limiting. With lots of people, equipment, and lighting stands in your way, a zoom lens is a much better choice. A zoom lens like a 24-70mm would offer much more variety in its focal range and the type of shots you would be able to achieve without even having to move the camera. It will also allow you to capture more of the action in a single shot, which can be especially useful for capturing the energy and chaos of a busy set.
Don’t worry about perfection
As a photographer, we love to be in control of the shot so the vision in our heads can come to life. However, behind the scenes photos are all about capturing the unguarded, candid moments that happen on set. It’s important to not get bogged down looking for the perfect shot; make do with what you have in front of you and be creative with your angles.
Pretend you’re invisible
Make sure you are aware of other people around you; anticipate their movements and get out of their way so they can get on with their job. With that being said, you are surrounded by creatives and it is fine to chat with other crew members and talent when it’s appropriate.
Get close to the action
Don’t be afraid to get close to your subjects (when appropriate) and capture their expressions and actions in detail. Look for moments of laughter, concentration, or other unplanned moments to really capture the essence of what’s happening. Behind the scenes sets are often chaotic and unpredictable, which can lead to some truly candid moments. Photographers have the opportunity to capture these unguarded moments and show the personalities of the people involved in the project.
Edit sparingly
Behind-the-scenes photos often have a raw, candid feel to them, so try to keep your editing to a minimum. A little bit of colour correction or exposure adjustment is fine, but try not to overdo it.
It’s important to remember that behind the scenes photos are a great opportunity to learn about set etiquette, gain some photographs to boost your portfolio and connect with other creatives in your industry. Hopefully these tips help you capture great behind-the-scenes photos.