PHOTOGRAPHING FILM SETS
Maggie Zhu
Dear PRISMA readers,
Have you ever watched a film or a TV show and wondered how that flurry of moving images comes together on the big screen - how the lighting is shaped for each scene, how the director cues a moment, how the actors prepare themselves before the camera rolls? Behind every frame lies an intricate process of planning, collaboration, artistry, and storytelling that often goes unseen. This process is captured by the behind-the-scenes (BTS) and stills photographers. Both play a crucial role in preserving and promoting films, offering glimpses into the creative process while providing essential material for marketing and archives.
Over the past year, I was lucky enough to work as a BTS and stills photographer on a few film and drama sets. With little prior experience in film production, I initially felt like an outsider. I didn’t know the unspoken rules, the rhythms of a shoot, the ‘common knowledge’ of the industry, or even where to stand without being in the way. But I quickly discovered that these photography roles are surprisingly accessible gateways into the world of filmmaking. As a photographer, I used my own creative eye to blend into the background and observe. Without disturbing the workflow, I was able to document, learn, and eventually become part of the set’s community.
BTS photographers are silent storytellers, tasked with documenting the making of the film without interrupting it. They capture candid, unfiltered moments: the camaraderie between crew members, the quiet tension before a take, the bursts of laughter between scenes. From actors slipping into character to grips adjusting lights, BTS photography reveals the unseen side of filmmaking. These images celebrate the work of those rarely spotlighted - the gaffers, makeup artists, assistants, and technicians who make the production possible. In this role, I witnessed the entire production machine in motion and gained a real understanding of how each person’s contribution fits into the puzzle.
What makes BTS work so unique is the freedom of movement it offers. Unlike many set roles that are bound to specific zones, I was able to roam widely, drifting between departments, capturing honest slices of set life. This also created opportunities to connect with others and learn directly from them. What stood out most was the type of content I was able to document - the hard work, the exhaustion, the quiet moments of reflection, and the bursts of joy.
These moments are fleeting, often overlooked, but they reveal the true human effort behind the art. BTS images are more than promotional content; they are proof of craft. People behind the scenes often don’t get their processes acknowledged or remembered. These photographs serve as both validation and celebration. While BTS work captures process, stills photography is focused on outcome—carefully composed, high-resolution images that encapsulate the tone and story of the film. These are the images used for posters, press kits, and festival submissions. Unlike BTS photographers who can quietly crouch in corners, stills photographers need to be more deliberate.
There are always "best angles" to find, and that usually means positioning myself close to or just behind the camera operator. It’s about matching the cinematic perspective, framing moments that reflect the director’s vision. Precision is key. I must always be aware of camera movement, lighting direction, and blocking. While the film camera captures motion and flow, the stills photographer must isolate moments that tell a story in a single frame. A strong still not only markets the film but can come to define it.
Think of how many films are remembered by just one iconic image - that’s the power of a great still. BTS and stills photography may take place in the shadows of production, but their impact is enduring. These images offer practical support for promotion and archiving, yes, but they also honor the people and processes that bring stories to life. Whether it’s an actor mid-transformation or a focus puller adjusting for the perfect shot, these photographs tell stories of their own. As the industry continues to evolve, so too will the ways we capture and share its magic—ensuring the work behind the camera gets the recognition it deserves.
This article first appeared in PRISMA, Issue 25.