The Art of Projection Photography in Music Videos: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Reconnecting with an old friend can lead to incredible creative opportunities, as I found out when Patrick and I united to create the "Heartbreak Pulsar" music video for his band, Trash Panda. Our friendship dates back to the mid-2000s, where Patrick was not only my guitar teacher and mentor but my best friend. Fast forward to2017, a chance encounter in Atlanta rekindled our bond and set the stage for an exciting collaboration. With Patrick’s new musical venture, Trash Panda, and my burgeoning interest in projection photography, we brainstormed for a month before deciding to use this innovative technique to bring his song to life. In this behind-the-scenes look, I’ll share our journey of merging music and creative videography to craft a visually stunning music video that encapsulates our shared passions.

From Guitar Lessons to Best Friends

Patrick and I first met in the mid-2000s when I was eager to learn guitar. He quickly became more than just my guitar teacher; he was a mentor and a friend. We bonded over our shared love for music, spending countless hours jamming and making silly home movies. Our friendship grew stronger over time as we supported each other's creative endeavors. I even visited him in Boston while he studied at the Berklee College of Music. Those days were full of exploration and growth, forming a foundation for what would become a lifelong friendship. Even though we eventually lost touch for a couple of years, the bond we built during those formative years remained strong, setting the stage for our eventual reconnection and collaboration on the "Heartbreak Pulsar" music video.

We lost touch for a couple of years, but fate had other plans. In2017, I found myself in Atlanta shooting a wedding. By sheer coincidence, Patrick was also in town. It didn't take long for us to reconnect and pick up right where we left off. We spent hours reminiscing about the good old days and discussing our current projects. Patrick shared his excitement about his new band, Trash Panda, and I told him about my burgeoning interest in projection photography. This chance reunion was more than a nostalgic catch-up; it was the spark that reignited our creative collaboration. Little did we know, this encounter would lead to the creation of the "Heartbreak Pulsar" music video, blending his musical talent with my passion for creative videography.

Patrick has always been a prolific musician, dabbling in various projects and bands over the years. During our reunion, he introduced me to his latest endeavor, Trash Panda. This new band represented a fresh direction for him, combining elements of indie rock with introspective lyrics and catchy melodies. Patrick’s passion for Trash Panda was palpable, and it was clear that this project was close to his heart. The band's sound was innovative and captivating, making it the perfect canvas for creative videography. As we brainstormed ideas, the concept of using projection photography to visually represent the band's unique style began to take shape. This new venture was not just a musical journey for Patrick but also an opportunity for me to merge my love for music and videography. Together, we set out to create the "Heartbreak Pulsar" music video, a project that would encapsulate our shared creative vision.

The Appeal of Projection Photography

Projection photography had recently captured my imagination, offering a unique way to blend light and imagery. This technique involves projecting images onto various surfaces, including human forms, to create an ethereal and dynamic visual effect. What fascinated me most was how the light contoured to the shapes of the body, adding an organic element that felt both intimate and visually striking. Unlike traditional lighting, projection photography provided a singular source of illumination, making images appear almost otherworldly. This innovative approach resonated with Patrick, and we both felt it would perfectly complement the emotive and dreamy quality of Trash Panda's music. Using projection photography for the "Heartbreak Pulsar" music video allowed us to explore new creative boundaries and produce a compelling visual narrative that aligned seamlessly with the song's themes. Thus, the decision to rely solely on the projector's light became a defining feature of our project.

After weeks of brainstorming, we decided to create a music video for Trash Panda's song, "Heartbreak Pulsar." The track's emotional depth and cosmic imagery made it an ideal candidate for our projection photography concept. The song's lyrics, filled with themes of love and loss, seemed to beckon for a visual counterpart that could match its intensity and beauty. We envisioned a narrative that would intertwine with the song's pulsating rhythm, creating a mesmerizing experience for viewers. The celestial imagery in the song inspired us to use open-source images of stars and galaxies from NASA, further enhancing the ethereal quality we aimed to achieve. This choice not only aligned with the song's lyrical content but also provided a vast array of stunning visuals to project. Settling on "Heartbreak Pulsar" was a pivotal moment, solidifying our creative direction and setting the stage for an unforgettable music video.

A Month of Creative Planning

The excitement of our initial idea quickly transitioned into a month-long period of intensive planning. Patrick and I dedicated countless hours to fleshing out the concept, storyboarding scenes, and selecting the right visuals to project. We wanted each frame to resonate with the song's emotional and visual tone. This phase involved a lot of trial and error, as we experimented with different images and projection techniques to see what worked best. We carefully chose open-source images from NASA, ensuring they would complement the song's cosmic theme. Additionally, we discussed logistics, such as locations for shooting and the equipment needed, including an Epson projector that would serve as our primary light source. This planning stage was crucial as it allowed us to align our visions and prepare for the actual shoot. By the end of the month, we had a clear roadmap for bringing the "Heartbreak Pulsar" music video to life.

Shooting in Atlanta

Our first night of filming took place in Atlanta, setting the stage for the main scenes of the "Heartbreak Pulsar" music video. The vibrant city provided a dynamic backdrop that contrasted beautifully with the ethereal projections. We used an Epson projector to cast celestial images onto various surfaces, including Patrick and the other band members. The natural light from the projector created an intimate and almost surreal atmosphere, perfectly aligned with the song's mood. Shooting in Atlanta allowed us to capture the raw energy and emotion we were aiming for. Despite the challenges of shooting at night and relying solely on the projector for light, the results were stunning. The projections danced across the band members and the urban landscape, adding layers of meaning and visual interest to each shot. This initial shoot was crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the music video, making it a memorable start to our filming journey.

After the initial shoot in Atlanta, we moved on to filming the cutaway shots that would depict the journey of two lovers finding their way through the stars. For these scenes, we chose a more intimate setting—my parents' pool. This location provided a serene and reflective environment, perfect for the narrative we wanted to convey. Our friends, Erica and Patrick (number2), played the roles of the couple. The projections of stars and galaxies on their bodies added a magical dimension to their journey, emphasizing the cosmic theme of "Heartbreak Pulsar." The water's surface reflected the projections, creating mesmerizing visuals that enhanced the dreamlike quality of the scenes. By capturing the lovers' journey in this way, we aimed to visually represent the song's emotional depth and the celestial connection between the characters. These shots added an essential layer to the music video, making it a truly immersive experience.

Erica and Patrick (number2) played crucial roles in bringing the lovers' journey to life in the "Heartbreak Pulsar" music video. Their natural chemistry and willingness to embrace the creative vision made all the difference. We needed performers who could convey a deep emotional connection while engaging with the unique projection technique. Both Erica and Patrick exceeded our expectations, providing authentic and heartfelt performances. The projections of stars and galaxies on their bodies added a surreal element, but it was their genuine interactions that grounded the scenes in reality. They moved gracefully through the water, allowing the light to contour and accentuate their forms, creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant shots. Their involvement added a layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative, making the cosmic love story both believable and compelling. Without Erica and Patrick's dedication, the music video wouldn't have achieved the same emotional impact.

Projecting Images onto Human Forms

Projecting images onto human forms is a captivating technique that adds a layer of complexity and beauty to visual storytelling. In the "Heartbreak Pulsar" music video, this method allowed us to merge the human element with celestial imagery seamlessly. By projecting stars and galaxies onto the bodies of the performers, we created a dynamic interplay between light and form. This approach added an organic quality to the visuals, as the light contoured naturally to the shapes and movements of the human body. The result was a mesmerizing blend of reality and illusion, enhancing the ethereal atmosphere of the video. We deliberately opted not to use any supplemental lighting, relying solely on the projector to illuminate the scenes. This decision intensified the intimacy and authenticity of the visuals, making each frame a unique work of art. Projecting images onto human forms became a defining feature of our creative videography, elevating the music video to a new level.

The Beauty of Natural Light

Using natural light from the projector added a unique and captivating dimension to the "Heartbreak Pulsar" music video. By forgoing supplemental lighting, we allowed the projections to become the sole source of illumination. This choice created a more intimate and organic atmosphere, as the light naturally contoured to the shapes and movements of the performers. The beauty of natural light lies in its ability to create soft, delicate shadows and highlights, adding depth and texture to each shot. This approach enhanced the ethereal quality of the celestial projections, making them appear more integrated with the human forms they adorned. The natural light also contributed to the emotional resonance of the video, as it reflected the raw and unfiltered essence of the song. By embracing the beauty of natural light, we were able to create a visually stunning and emotionally compelling narrative that truly captured the spirit of "Heartbreak Pulsar."

Incorporating NASA's open-source images of stars and galaxies added an authentic and awe-inspiring element to the "Heartbreak Pulsar" music video. These images provided a stunning visual backdrop that aligned perfectly with the song's cosmic themes. By using real celestial photographs, we grounded our artistic vision in the beauty of the actual universe, adding layers of depth and realism to the visuals. The high-resolution images offered a rich tapestry of colors and patterns, which we projected onto the performers and various surfaces. This decision not only enhanced the ethereal quality of the video but also connected our creative work to the broader, awe-inspiring context of space exploration. Utilizing these open-source images allowed us to achieve a level of visual sophistication that would have been difficult to replicate otherwise. The result was a mesmerizing blend of art and science, making the music video both visually captivating and emotionally resonant.

Why I Love Capturing Music Videos

Capturing music videos is an experience like no other. It's a unique intersection where visual art, storytelling, and music converge to create something truly magical. The challenge of translating the emotional depth and narrative of a song into a visual medium is incredibly rewarding. With every project, you dive into the essence of the music, striving to capture its soul and present it in a way that resonates visually. The process requires meticulous planning, creativity, and an intimate understanding of both the music and the visual elements that will complement it. Whether it's the subtle play of light and shadow, the choreography of movements, or the intricate details of set design, every aspect plays a crucial role in bringing the music to life on screen. For me, the thrill lies in the collaboration - working closely with musicians, understanding their vision, and adding my own creative touch to craft a final product that is greater than the sum of its parts. Capturing music videos allows me to explore the depths of my creativity while honoring the artistry of the musicians I work with.