Visual Direction Review
Hey team! I’m excited to share my ideas on how to improve photographic content with you all and to bring new ideas to the table.
Our change in vision
There has been a shift in vision this season, which was brought to my attention a few weeks ago. Since then I have changed my shooting strategy to make sure I capture ‘hero’ images which are wide and more contextual as well as my usual variation of images for usage on different online platforms. Finger pointing has been banned from all shoots and I’ve capped the number of images delivered.
I have outlined some key points which I feel if implemented, will improve the quality of output greatly.
Creative Input
I would love to be included in preliminary talks and conversations about upcoming events and give creative ideas and feedback. When I get to shoot locations, I'm having to be reactive to the environment I'm presented with, which has been 90% successful It would be fantastic to present ideas of shots I envision and plan accordingly and nail that final 10%
TImings
My knowledge of Alula allows me to know what type of light to expect in different locations at different times. When planning a shoot, asking me what time I feel is best to capture would be amazing. Kate has been asking me for ideal times for shoots recently, the Winter Park Visitor centre shots below are a great example. The light was perfect when I shot it at 4pm, the time I requested.
Lighting assistant
I have brought all my lighting accessories from London (an entire suitcase), so no matter how challenging the light is, I have a solution. The downside to this is carrying the kit around Alula and having someone to help me with reflectors and lighting. My initial proposal sent over the summer included budget for a lighting assistant and I think having one is still crucial. Kate has been super helpful during my shoots, but she has more important production matters to attend to and is not always there to attend. If there is scope to re-assess a lighting assistant, it would be a huge step in getting epic lighting for future shoots and raise the level of shots delivered.
Shooting Circumstances
Certain events and experiences have limited time and space, all the content creators try to respect each other's space however most of the time, it’s just not possible to shoot alongside a video crew. Wider hero images require more space to shoot, these images need a wider area to be clear, require more lighting sources and more time to plan and execute. I have discussed the possibility of shooting at a different time or day to the video crew with Kate, we would have to discuss beforehand as every shoot has unique circumstances, having the time to shoot at my own pace allows me to full concentrate at the task at hand.
Dedicated Shoot Time/Day
At the Harrat viewpoint yoga class, Kate organised the instructor to do some planned shots of his routine before his class started, this was lifesaving as the sunset shots were amazing. Once the class started, it became too dark to get a 'Hero' shot.
The Wellness festival is a great example of where this would be successful. I was told by a few people that we were being invasive of their space, a handful of people would leave the class and some would ask to not be photographed, then decide to sit right next to the instructor, making it impossible to shoot. A media only time slot would be a great, it would allow me to get shots not possible under normal circumstances.
Image Delivery Speed
I would love to approach my editing like a wedding photographer and not a sports photographer. Project delivery times depend on the images themselves, however I do feel slightly rushed sometimes (except when you ask me what a realistic ETA is). A handful of hours extra would help massively - and create better results!
Shiv's Ideas
90% of the ideas below are based on a vision of contextual portraits. They tend to have a wider field of view, showing more of the background than your regular close up portrait. The subject is still the focal point, however their surroundings tell the story of where they are.
Faces of Alula
Contextual shots of Alula personalities and talents in and around the Alula landscape. Rawi’s, falconers, horseback riders, camel farmers, citrus farmers, palm tree farmers, local chefs, local musicians, basket makers. A series of photographs celebrating the backbone of Alula and it's culture. These images would be captured during golden and blue hours using all my lighting techniques, connecting these people to the Alula backdrop. This can be presented as a gallery series in the future.
Ancestors of Alula
Contextual portraits of individuals in period costumes, some shots can be solo, as pairs and or with horses/camels. Think of Lawrence of Arabia, male dressed in black, black horse, female dressed in white flowing dress, this would look amazing in Ashar valley.
The Happy Couple
Atmospheric, wide shots of modern couples or individuals in iconic spots in Alula and surrounding areas, horizontal and vertical shots A bit like what we did for STA, but no more than 2 people. Selling Alula as a luxury retreat for young couples and even honeymooners.
Wedding shoots
I’ve been wanting to organise a wedding shoot in Alula since the moment I got here. Maybe we can invite a Saudi based wedding dress designer, hair stylist and make up artist and do a collaboration? Wedding content hits different with brides and brides to be, they will be pushing their partners to come here once they see the content!
Polaroids of The Past
Hold up polaroid images of iconic spots in Alula in the same place and position they were taken and take a picture of it.
The Flowing Dress / Abhaya
Yes it's been used everywhere, but wow, its impactful, it can be a mix of traditional Saudi clothes as well as a western dress.
Shiv's Beauty Shot Wishlist
Since I started coming to Alula, I have been requested to shoot and capture what’s on the schedule given to me, but I’ve never been let loose to just capture beauty shots and the organic textures and visuals of Alula. It would be great to have dedicated time to just bank these shots.
A few of the places below require a recce before actually shooting, so I can locate the best spots to take shots. The best light of the day only lasts for 1 hour at sunrise and sunset, it’s a very narrow window of time and requires some planning. I would use techniques such as focus stacking and the Brenizer method, which I haven’t used in Alula before. I’d be happy to explain these methods to you.
- Old Town fort at sunrise - shoot the Oasis from the top.
- Old Town sunset from the roof of Villa Fayrouz when its busy
- Ashaar valley at sunrise/sunset
- Oasis at sunrise
- Surround areas around Arch Rock at sunrise/sunset
- Harrat viewpoint at sunrise
- Mountain trail at sunrise
- Sharaan nature reserve - sunrise/sunset
- Wadi Al Naam at sunrise/sunset
