A Chance with Country Fame!
Summer 2024,
I was lucky enough to work on a shoot for Lainey Wilson’s music video for her song “Out of Oklahoma,” featured in the film Twisters.
Working as a PA, I was able to snap this picture of Ms. Wilson practicing for her performance. The resulting photo displayed a behind-the-scene look at the video’s set life, as well as a candid image of Wilson in action. I was proud of the result!
There are multiple layers that give the image depth: a foreground, midground, and background. The woman and the ATV both provide a foreground, while simultaneously framing the image on its right-hand side. The photographer and set equipment frame the left in the middle of the depth of field, while Ms. Wilson draws the eyes to the dead center.
The landscape in the background provides further depth, with the added addition of a crew member in the wheat fields. It helps that the set itself was designed to center around Ms. Wilson!
The Process
The process of refining this photo was not so cut and dry. I had to ensure that Ms. Wilson was the primary focus, drawing your attention the second your eyes met the image.
To do so, I went through multiple iterations of the same photo, adjusting lighting, color, and texture. I created a gradient beam of light to simulate the spotlight on her face, adding extra brightness to her and dimming the surrounding image.
From there, I experimented with color differences and added a simulated lense flare and vignette to draw the eye in more immediately.
Below, you can get a glimpse at my creative process, starting with the raw camera file!
Below is what I consider the quintesential colored version. Hope you enjoy!
