Creating a Cinematic Lifestyle Video in Atlanta

Before Christmas last year, I worked on a cinematic lifestyle video for a couple who reached out after finding my work online. They were looking for a Cinematographer in Atlanta and really liked my previous videos. They had a clear vision for the shoot, which always makes my job easier. The wife sent over B-Roll references she had found on YouTube blogs along with a full shot list. I also drew up some quick storyboards to make sure we nailed a few of the key sequences.

This is exactly the kind of project I love. I get to be creative and use my knowledge of lighting and cameras to make something visually awesome.

For the shoot, I filmed on my RED Komodo-X with Leica-R lenses and used my Sony FX6 for the gimbal shots. To make sure we had the highest production value possible, I brought on an AC and Gaffer to help out.

We filmed a number of beautiful sequences. One of my favorites was on a rooftop with a clear view of the Atlanta skyline. I used a wide-angle lens to capture the full environment, and then switched to a telephoto lens for close-ups. That second lens turned the city lights into bokeh balls, and it created a really dreamy look that I loved.

Another favorite was the opening shot. I used a slider to create dramatic camera movement. The scene begins on a Christmas ornament and then slides back to reveal the full living room as the subject enters frame. I love using camera movement like this. It feels cinematic and really elevates the storytelling.

One of the most challenging shots involved the subject riding a horse. I was running in front of the horse with my gimbal, trying to keep her in frame, stay in focus and not fall over. A golf cart or wireless focus puller would have made this way easier, but we made it work.

In the end, I was really happy with how this project turned out. I love the picture created by the RED Komodo-X paired with the Leica-R lenses. I also edited the final project, I had a lot of fun color grading the RED files. The final footage feels personal, cinematic, and polished, exactly the type of work I want to keep doing.