A day behind the scenes with Adobe 📷
I always find my work as a photographer exciting, interesting, and always different. Assignments, collaborations and personal fine art projects, Always motivate me to achieve more, so I keep sharing my interesting work on my social media: Instagram and X. I usually share photos taken on the spot but rarely explain what happens behind the scenes. In this blog, I'll show the different parts that made an inspiring day.
When Team Lewis invited me to collaborate with Adobe on a creative photography project, I was thrilled. It would showcase a day in my life and inspire others with tutorials using their top-tier editing tools. As a photographer, I value their state-of-the-art software and gladly accepted the opportunity., like I did before in a series of blog tutorials. And so began an inspiring day!
Preparation is key
Prior to the day in question, both myself and Adobe I started a professional talk about what they expected from me and the project. I was happy to hear they trusted my work and valued my contribution enough to give it wide exposure. Of course, I was naturally ecstatic as I have continually used Adobes diverse range of products within my photography and in my graphic design work for many years. This chance felt like my true calling, and I knew I couldn't miss it. It gave me a great way to share my ideas, improve my skills, and show my vision as a photographer to a larger audience. Most importantly, it let me share my passion for photography with others who feel the same.
Fine tuning the content
Creating a concept is one step; perfecting it is another. Preparing for the day was fairly simple. I kept working through many ideas, writing them down and keeping them in my mind. I wanted to make sure my signature ‘Silence’ theme was clear in all the images and during the day. Since I’m known as a photographer for my calm and quiet style, it was very important to highlight this clearly.
Living in the busy city center of Rotterdam, I faced a tough challenge when Adobe asked me to capture the theme ‘Silence’ in an urban setting. I’m always looking for new spots and moments of Silence to photograph. I enjoyed the challenge, and in the end, everything came together naturally. To keep things clear and efficient, I shared my ideas with Adobe, and with their input, we planned a great, inspiring day.
D Day - the day in question
Our day began early with an alarm. I expected a busy day, moving quickly between places. Staying calm was important, but I was confident because the plan was clear and everything would go smoothly. The day had different parts that would come together to tell a story. I was filmed in three spots around my hometown, Rotterdam, for the story of Silence . I picked these locations carefully because I knew them well and wanted places that contrasted with Rotterdam’s busy city life.
Photoshoot 1: Watertaxi Erasmusbridge Rotterdam
Our first photoshoot would be in the vibrant city of Rotterdam and the main focal points like the skyline along the river Maas at the foot of the Erasmusbridge. We took of from Leuvehaven, from where we took the famous Rotterdam watertaxi.
I had to get used by being followed round by a camera crew
Making the most of the perfect morning light and shooting across the Maas towards the skyline beyond.
Great light above the river Maas really enabled me to capture some really great morning shots.
Checking the camera settings and viewing the shots.
It was really fantastic to see how all the hard work came together to produce (what I think) is a real quality video. Below, you can see for yourself:
After setting up the shot, I sorted and edited the images through the use of Adobe Lightroom CC. Below you can see the final edited image from this perfect morning. I particular liked how the editing tools enabled me to really enhance the suns natural light.
Click here to see the full tutorial on how I edited this picture using Adobe Lightroom CC.
Before and After
Photoshoot 2: The Beach - Hoek van Holland
For the second shoot, I chose the beach of Hook of Holland, a place where I grew up. It always offers a location I always feel at home with. A place I can retreat to and escape from reality, from time to time to find Silence.
I love the dunes and the light contrasts that can be displayed here. In the meantime talented photographer Jurriaan Huting was capturing my portrait.
Attempting to find different subjects for the perfect picture.
The beach always offers a challenge. Her I am trying to find leading lines for my picture
Time for a break and a moment to review and reflect upon the best bits of filming.
The beach was fantastic and provided a great day for shooting, in some perfect weather conditions. You can view the final video here:
Here is the final edited image from my second shot of the day, before and after. I really like the leading lines that lead to the person in the distance.
Photoshoot 3: The Park - Kralingse Plas, Rotterdam
Finally, I chose an area in the city that is always dedicated to peace and serenity. An area of Rotterdam where the locals can frequent in the hope of periodically replenishing and recharging their batteries.
The jetty walk provided the perfect location and vantage point for shooting. Especially with the fantastic sunset!
Setting the camera and shooting long exposure. Using the tripod to steady the shot.
Filmed again, this time at Rotterdam Central Station.
Completing some last minute editing on my iphone
Below you will find the video:
Unlike the first two images, I have took this one with my iPhone and edited it on the spot. Click here see the tutorial in how I did that!
The final image, before and after. Which was the end of a perfect day and a wonderful evening filled with plenty of Silence
This fantastic day, captured by Adobe’s talented, professional and patient crew, was demanding but rewarding, producing excellent video footage. MG-Productions (who produced the video content) are based in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. They are a great group of guys producing and delivering inspiring content.
Talented Nijmegen photographer Jurriaan Huting took many portraits that day. His excellent, creative, and inspiring work perfectly matched my vision. I believe he has a bright future.
Thanks to the talented Team Lewis, whose experience with top clients like Adobe made this campaign possible. I appreciate your trust and the opportunity to work together.
