Stepping into the canvas of a new year, I found myself embarking on a spontaneous photoshoot adventure. The catalyst? A call from the talented David Fernandez, seeking the perfect visual companion for his latest musical creation, 'Miles Away'—a melody inspired by the timeless tunes of The Beatles.
Our conversation over the phone illuminated his vision for a minimalistic image against a plain white backdrop. The only hitch? The studio I typically frequent was unavailable, presenting a challenge that ignited my creative instincts.
Pursuing a setting with a pristine white background and impeccable lighting, my thoughts gravitated towards an unexpected location—the iconic Horse Guards Parade. I can almost hear your perplexed thoughts, but bear with me. Art is the epitome of subjectivity, and as soon as David's brief echoed in my ears, my mind began to weave the tapestry of possibilities.
The title 'Miles Away' triggered a cascade of ideas, envisioning road signs standing sentinel behind David. Each sign is adorned with the names of various towns and their corresponding distances—a symbolic representation of the song's theme. While any flat terrain would suffice, I needed a naturally grey surface to avoid the colour spill associated with lush greenery. Enter Horse Guards Parade, a canvas of neutral tones, with just a hint of the occasional obstacle.
Navigating the landscape, I discovered that some sections were adorned with reminders of the equestrian occupants. A minor setback, yet with nimble legs and discerning eyes, we gracefully sidestepped the challenges. After all, in the pursuit of artistic expression, a touch of adventure only adds to the narrative.
With my Sony a7R IV geared up and ready to roll, complete with spare cards and a juiced-up battery, I had the a7 IV waiting in the wings just in case. For this gig, I opted for the Sony 85mm f1.8 lens, a solid choice to play around with a super shallow depth of field. The goal here? To make sure Photoshop could effortlessly pluck David out from the lively chaos of the Horse Guards Parade and the occasional photo-bombing tourists.
As you can see, David was not miles away, I would need a telescope for that, he was in fact only 10 feet away. We tried various angles to give variety for the final choice, and my idea of road signs signifying distances faded as we discussed the final look. As you can see, my version was not that far off from the final version.
My version
Final image
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