IF I BUILD IT...

I like to create, innovate and generally be at the helm, which is why I think I got into photography. It's not every day I have the chance to develop something creative. Once in a while, I get lucky with a project that gets my creative juices flowing, for example I recently photographed Hilotrons for Hour Community in Montreal. Since the actual photography aspect only took seventeen minutes, here's a look at the behind-the-scenes from the Hilotrons photoshoot.

The idea for the photo first came from Jon Bartlett, from Kelp Records. Hilotrons were scoring the silent movie, Caligari, in Montreal and needed to be photographed and Jon thought we should keep the silent movie concept for the shoot. I hired local artist Meredith Snider to build a backdrop. We met at her studio and talked about the concept, where I suggested the use of charcoal to thematically smear the backdrop.

Knowing I had a short time frame, I contact my talented friend Jennilee Murray to do make-up. I was certain she would be able to get five guys through make-up in thirty to forty minutes. The make-up concept is taken directly from the movie to maintain the general theme.

Meanwhile, Andrew Carson (assistant) and I were running around preparing two sets for the shoot. Pressed for time, I had to start photographing the band in the first location although the background wasn't fully pieced together. Andrew looked at me and said "Trust me". I did.

In just over an hour, we were able to meet and greet all parties, set up, do make-up, create two group options, takes portraits and capture a short video. Here is the cover photo, as well as some outtakes.