Capturing Post-Apocalyptic Authenticity: JoJo Whilden's Medium Format Mastery
Movie set photography often features directors huddling with actors or the hustle of the camera crew. However, JoJo Whilden’s work for Amazon’s upcoming Fallout series offers a refreshing departure. Her medium format film photos immerse viewers into the dystopian world, making them feel like authentic snapshots from the Fallout universe itself.
Set 200 years after a nuclear apocalypse, the Fallout series adapts the beloved video game into a compelling TV show. Whilden's decision to use a Hasselblad 500cm camera was driven by the show's artistic vision, as she tells PetaPixel. “My photo producer at Amazon, Cory Bird, was incredibly supportive about shooting film on Fallout. Using the Hasselblad for a more retro portrait-type feel was a no-brainer. The series itself was shot on Kodak film stock, so it was an obvious creative choice to go with Kodak Portra film stock.”
Immersive and Intimate: A Unique Approach to Set Photography
Whilden's approach goes beyond traditional behind-the-scenes photography. Her photos feature characters in rugged, post-apocalyptic outfits, standing against desolate backdrops. Whether it's a person in dark, tattered clothing near a dilapidated structure or an elderly woman with a rifle amidst ruins, each image tells a story, blending seamlessly with the Fallout world.
The decision to limit herself to one roll of film per day, allowing just ten frames, was deliberate. “I took my time and involved the actors in composing the photographs,” Whilden explains. “This may be why it feels more like I was a ‘photographer’ character in the world of the show rather than a behind-the-scenes unit photographer.”
Engaging Fans: Social Media Buzz and Audience Praise
Whilden’s photos have garnered significant attention on Amazon Prime Video's Instagram page, with the Kodak Portra 400 border visible in the posts. Fans were quick to appreciate the beauty and authenticity of the photos, urging the studio to tag the photographer. The images were praised for their formal, in-character feel, avoiding the typical behind-the-scenes vibe and instead presenting moments that could be part of the Fallout narrative.
Edward Thompson of the Pictures On My Mind YouTube channel highlights the uniqueness of Whilden's work. “Her photos feel like they exist in the same world as Fallout, and that’s why they’re brilliant. They don’t break the fourth wall. For the most part, they’re very formal pictures; the actors aren’t grinning, they’re kind of in-character still. There are some amazing moments.”
A Photographer in the Fallout World
One of the most striking aspects of Whilden's photography is how it resonates with the Fallout game's aesthetic. In the game, players can craft cameras resembling 1950s medium format cameras, making Whilden's choice of equipment and style particularly fitting. “That’s why it’s so exciting for me,” Thompson notes. “JoJo wasn’t working as a member of a crew on a film set; it’s like she was a character in Fallout. She was the photographer, and her photographs exist in that same world, which is why it’s so refreshing.”
JoJo Whilden's medium format photos for Fallout offer a unique, immersive glimpse into the show's post-apocalyptic world. Her deliberate artistic choices and collaboration with the actors result in images that blur the line between fiction and reality, enhancing the authenticity of the series. As fans eagerly await the show's release, Whilden’s work provides a tantalizing preview of the gritty, compelling universe that awaits.
For more of JoJo Whilden’s stunning photography, visit her Instagram and website.
___________________________________________________________________________
Vertical Bar Media
Immerse yourself in the world of high-quality creative media production. At Vertical Bar Media, we specialize in bringing artistic visions to life with our exceptional photography and videography services.
Immerse yourself in the world of high-quality creative media production. At Vertical Bar Media, we specialize in bringing artistic visions to life with our exceptional photography and videography services.
Source: PetaPixel
Photo Credit: JoJo Whilden
Social Media Hashtags: #FalloutSeries #JoJoWhildenPhotography #MediumFormat #PostApocalyptic #AmazonPrimeVideo
Comments
Post a Comment