Quiet on Set!

Behind the Scenes

Shooting BTS Photos for an upcoming movie out of Dallas, Texas. 2026

Hey guys!

I wanted to provide an update on a new opportunity that I was able to experience.

As some of you know, for the past few years, I have been wanting to experience being a still photographer on movie sets. I’m also in love with the old physical press kits that movies use to have when promoting any upcoming movies. Maybe it’s just the nostalgia of it all, but I really do enjoy them!

As someone who has no experience in the movie industry, I understand that there are steps that I’d have to take to eventually receive an opportunity to step foot onto a major movie set. What’s that? I’d have to ATLEAST start with local movies and build a portfolio. I also heard that you will eventually need to be unionized and I’ve heard of plenty pros and cons from others within the industry via social media. Social media makes the world seem a little smaller than it is.

Anyway…

Well, thanks to James, DFW Film Crew, I finally got to experience a movie set!

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March 21, 2026, the set for this day was about an hour away from where I was and my arrival time was scheduled for 11:00 am. I always arrive at least 15 minutes early and calm my nerves and remind myself to not overthink what’s about to happen. To be honest, it doesn’t take much for me to become somewhat of a nervous wreck, but I always remember that in order to get where I want to be, I need to take those steps -scared/nervous or not.

So, after allowing time to pass at least 10 more minutes, I texted James letting him know that I am outside of the location and make my way to the entrance of the movie set. Luckily, another member of the crew was standing outside, and I was able to make an entrance without interrupting any scenes. Upon entering the set, James approached me with a hug and introduced me to everyone. I really appreciated that personally, because again, I can definitely be an overthinker and create a little bit of an awkward space.

I shook hands with the directors, husband and wife, Cynthia and Lonnie. Lonnie immediately pulled me to the side and introduced himself again, giving me a little bit of background in regard to their movie as well as their company, No Budget Filmz located in Dallas, Texas.

Making sure, I was not in anyone’s way, I moved over to the side and begin grabbing my Fujifilm camera body and lens. My main camera body is a Fujifilm XH1 and for most of the day, I used my Fuji 50-140 lens which allowed me to stay back and quietly move around in between takes. I also had a 35mm lens with me and 3 batteries including the battery charger. While connecting the lens to the camera body, wiping off the glass of any smear marks, I observed that whole set up in the room and took mental notes of how everyone was moving. Basically, I was checking “temp.” lol.

You have to fill out the atmosphere and the energy. Everyone was so nice and welcoming!

I took so many images within a short period of time and BOOM, the first memory card decided to mess up on me and a “Read Error” message appeared on my camera screen. I hated that we lost those images, but I stayed a little longer and took some more photos to make up for the lost images but man, that first set of images was amazing. I had captured video of laughter and even some dancing in between takes. I couldn’t dwell over that too much longer and got back to shooting and capturing more video before sneaking out the door just before 4pm.

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Once you experience something for the first time, you always take mental notes of what you can improve or some items that you may need to carry with you! ———I know that for the next time, I should bring along my laptop and an external ssd so that I can immediately back up any photos that were taken within the first quarter of the day.

Again, I want to thank James for always rooting for me and providing me with opportunites. Also, thank you to the cast and crew for the warm welcome and again to the directors, Lonnie and Cynthia for allowing me on set.

Below are some inspiring BTS/Still photos from some movies/tv shows that you be familiar with!

Any tips or words of encouragement our always welcome below! :)