Ariel Shepherd-Hall FOLLOW ARIEL ON INSTAGRAM: @arielmermaidsh
When I think about a patriotic symbol that represents American made cars, I think of Chevrolet. Not only do they have the slick smooth exotic Corvette, they also make the heavy duty ultra-country Silverado. On this commercial shoot I got to experience a long-lost lingering childhood dream by watching a special presentation of the new 2014 Corvette. Besides watching my dream car unwrapped (like a sweet salivating candy bar), I also learned more basics of photography and video. Between shooting the gorgeous trucks and unraveling a millionaire’s car, I got to observe some pretty intriguing aspects of media.
Lighting and composition were the key elements that John emphasized on the cars, utilizing the natural light as a source of grabbing visual attention. John explained to me the intricacies of photography and the extreme importance of lighting. Now referring back to a previous blog, Plato’s Lesson, light is the core of shooting whether it’s for cinema or photography. It takes a skill to paint with light to see and capture a visual image so that you can see the picture on TV. Clients visualize where the products will capture the most attention but it’s our job to replicate it. Especially when it comes to the creating a long-term dream for a child, like me.
Commercials are one of the best ways to visually capture attention for all ages. When I was four years old, I saw my first Corvette commercial. It was a blizzard out in Colorado, I decided to watch television to wait-out the storm. As I anticipated for Barney to come-on, I saw the slickest coolest most amazing Corvette on TV ever! And I thought to myself one day I’m going to own the coolest most jaw-dropping car that was ever made in America….the Corvette. Fast-forwarding to present day, I saw my dream wrapped in white covers, my eyes became as bright as HMI lights. I watched my dream fantasy unveiled only for a few minutes, but it was enough to leave a lasting impression forever.
Even though my jaw dropped and it was a little difficult to pay-attention to the educational portion of the shoot, John had me look through the viewfinder and point out the important elements in the shot. He outlined the composition; what type of objects were in the background that could divert attention from the main subject, like a trash can. Where are your eyes drawn to first in the frame. We continued to shoot a variety of cars and people. The anatomy of cars, the surgery of cars, and the initiation into a services were just a few spots where photos evolved a simple car into a desirable luxury. I had thoughts ping-ponging in my mind, but ultimately I learned how important it is to focus on the bells and whistles. It’s what brings the ohhh and ahhs to viewers all over the world. This is what persuades people to drive miles just to see is this reality or is this just TV? The whole time I watched text-book terminology happen in real-life.
When I think about a patriotic symbol that represents American made cars, I think of Chevrolet. Not only do they have the slick smooth exotic Corvette, they also make the heavy duty ultra-country Silverado. On this commercial shoot I got to experience a long-lost lingering childhood dream by watching a special presentation of the new 2014 Corvette. Besides watching my dream car unwrapped (like a sweet salivating candy bar), I also learned more basics of photography and video. Between shooting the gorgeous trucks and unraveling a millionaire’s car, I got to observe some pretty intriguing aspects of media.
Lighting and composition were the key elements that John emphasized on the cars, utilizing the natural light as a source of grabbing visual attention. John explained to me the intricacies of photography and the extreme importance of lighting. Now referring back to a previous blog, Plato’s Lesson, light is the core of shooting whether it’s for cinema or photography. It takes a skill to paint with light to see and capture a visual image so that you can see the picture on TV. Clients visualize where the products will capture the most attention but it’s our job to replicate it. Especially when it comes to the creating a long-term dream for a child, like me.
Commercials are one of the best ways to visually capture attention for all ages. When I was four years old, I saw my first Corvette commercial. It was a blizzard out in Colorado, I decided to watch television to wait-out the storm. As I anticipated for Barney to come-on, I saw the slickest coolest most amazing Corvette on TV ever! And I thought to myself one day I’m going to own the coolest most jaw-dropping car that was ever made in America….the Corvette. Fast-forwarding to present day, I saw my dream wrapped in white covers, my eyes became as bright as HMI lights. I watched my dream fantasy unveiled only for a few minutes, but it was enough to leave a lasting impression forever.
Even though my jaw dropped and it was a little difficult to pay-attention to the educational portion of the shoot, John had me look through the viewfinder and point out the important elements in the shot. He outlined the composition; what type of objects were in the background that could divert attention from the main subject, like a trash can. Where are your eyes drawn to first in the frame. We continued to shoot a variety of cars and people. The anatomy of cars, the surgery of cars, and the initiation into a services were just a few spots where photos evolved a simple car into a desirable luxury. I had thoughts ping-ponging in my mind, but ultimately I learned how important it is to focus on the bells and whistles. It’s what brings the ohhh and ahhs to viewers all over the world. This is what persuades people to drive miles just to see is this reality or is this just TV? The whole time I watched text-book terminology happen in real-life.
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After the shoot was done John went over the importance of maintaining a high amount of respect for your work and for your clients. One of the most prideful ways to shoot a professional car photo is the three-quarter shot, the angle of the car’s trim (the curves), front grill, and extending to the back wheel. Three-quarters of the car is shown from the front corner to the back. The frame outlines the depth and sculpture of the car where perfect points accentuate its design. He informed me on how to capture shots from different levels rather than taking 50 shots in one eye-level stance. This is important because how creative can you get from standing in one position shooting head-on? Variety is the epitome of composition, and composition is the reason why I want a Corvette. This is what makes me proud that I can work with such an amazing production company.
The cliché is right, knowledge is power. This summer I’m lucky enough to observe and experience the process of commercials. From where it begins to where it’s broadcasted on television. Christensen Media gave me an opportunity to grow as a producer and as a person. When I see an open door for opportunity, I go for it. I am thankful and lucky to work with such an amazing group of intelligent tenacious people. Quick on their feet and ready to work, Christensen Media honed my slow delayed skills to speedy thinking during shoots. I am applying my motivation for media in Paris this semester. The extra drive, more incentive, I will find a production company who will fit more for my future careers and let me absorb more information. Rio de Janeiro Olympics get ready for this Chevrolet girl to come to town.
[Ariel studies French at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and will be an exchange student in Paris by the end of Summer. She chose to intern with Christensen Media in the mean time to better her skills in media production.]
The cliché is right, knowledge is power. This summer I’m lucky enough to observe and experience the process of commercials. From where it begins to where it’s broadcasted on television. Christensen Media gave me an opportunity to grow as a producer and as a person. When I see an open door for opportunity, I go for it. I am thankful and lucky to work with such an amazing group of intelligent tenacious people. Quick on their feet and ready to work, Christensen Media honed my slow delayed skills to speedy thinking during shoots. I am applying my motivation for media in Paris this semester. The extra drive, more incentive, I will find a production company who will fit more for my future careers and let me absorb more information. Rio de Janeiro Olympics get ready for this Chevrolet girl to come to town.
[Ariel studies French at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and will be an exchange student in Paris by the end of Summer. She chose to intern with Christensen Media in the mean time to better her skills in media production.]
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