PRISMA Issue 25 by PRISMA Photography Magazine

EditorialArticle

TheArtofBTSand StillsPhotography onFilmSets by:MaggieZhu

INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF PRISMA

Editor-In-Chief: Louise Anderbjörk & Tristan Sharman

Exploring the Corrientes: After selling their farm in Bolivia, Birgith Norelli discovered the proud, traditional gauchos of Corrients, inspiring her to capture their joy through photography

Feline Photography: Photographing cats at a shelter, Lydia tells the story of learning to be patient through her photos, highlighting the need to wait for the cats to make them feel safe and comfortable with the camera.

California Wildlife: Kristin Olson showcases the inspiring biodiversity at Point Reyes National Seashore, calling for conservation and connectivity to nature through her photography.

Sights in India: India offers a unique blend of chaos and tranquility, with vibrant cultures, delicious food, and diverse landscapes creating endless sights for photography and exploring, as Isla showcases.

Ruthin Arts Festival: Passionate about performance photography, Tracy documented the Ruthin International Arts Festival, connecting art, community, and nature in unique settings.

Self and the World: Helmut Pilo’s passion for photography ignited on his trip to in Iceland, leading to a deeper journey of self-discovery and stronger connections with nature's beauty.

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Editor-in-Chief-LouiseAnderbjörk

Editor-in-Chief-TristanSharman

EditorialEditor-AlexandraGodfrey

PhotographyEditor-KaileeParsons

PhotographyEditor-MaggieZhu

CopyEditor-HermioneHampton

WebEditor-IainCunningham

MediaManager-LucileBelorgey

ContentManager-AmandaMacEachen

editor@prismamagazinecouk

Photo:BirgithNorelli

Photo:KristinOlson

Photo:TracyHua

Photo:LydiaHanicak

Photo: IslaKerr

Photo:HelmutPilo

Photo: Kristin Olson

Issue 25 - 31 March 2025

PHOTOGRAPHY ON FILM SETS

EditorialEditor: Alexandra Godfrey

MAGGIE ZHU

Dear 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-thescenes (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

Photo:MaggieZhu

Photo: Maggie Zhu

EXPLORING THE CORRIENTES

PhotographyEditor:Kailee Parsons

BIRGITH NORELLI

A couple of years after selling our own cattle farm in Bolivia due to political reasons and moving back to Switzerland, my husband googled an Argentinian family farm to spend a homesick holiday Soon thereafter, we found ourselves on our way to Argentina, and when we arrived, I instantly fell in love with the Argentinian way of life in the countryside. I particularly loved seeing the pride and joy the gauchos of the district Corrientes and they way that shines through in their traditions in their daily lives Not only do they have the skills and knowledge that you need to work successfully with cattle to keep the animals safe and sane, unlike some other groups working cattle around the world. Equally, in contrast to the Bolivian vaqueros, who mostly dress in jeans and T-Shirts like westerns, the gauchos here dress very traditional and seemingly with a welcome touch of vanity The shirt is often picked to match the color of the alpargatas, the traditional light and colorful canvas shoes, and the bombachas, light cotton trousers Additionally, everyone I met had their own special belt, hat and a big, big knife, which forms a big part of their identity as gauchos. To see men who are working a physically hard and demanding job, that is not among the most popular ones of youngsters around the world, with pride and a smile on their faces is like finding a treasure for me A treasure that I like sharing with the world by taking their pictures. Taking these pictures offered me an incredible journey and experience, one I shall treasure for long. I hope you enjoy them.

Photo:BirgithNorelli

Photo: Birgith Norelli

CALIFORNIA COASTAL WILDLIFE

PhotographyEditor:Kailee Parsons

KRISTIN OLSON

California is well known for its unique and thriving biodiversity Hosting a rare climate type characterized by hot dry summers and cool wet winters, California is a place where life flourishes One of the most interesting regions of this massive state is the wide-ranging coastline. From long swaths of windswept sandy beaches to waves crashing on rocky shores, there is a huge variety of life to be found. My latest focus as both a photographer and naturalist has been on one particular gem located in Northern California, Point Reyes National Seashore Renowned for its beauty and vast biodiversity, I have spent a good chunk of my life exploring this beautiful place, yet somehow, I feel I have only scratched the surface. Point Reyes National Seashore teems with life. It’s a crucial stop for migrating birds, a winter breeding ground for Elephant Seals, a critical nesting ground for the threatened Western Snowy Plover, and home to the unique Tule Elk, among many other species Through my photography, I aim to inspire people to connect with nature, to look a little deeper and discover the wonder that surrounds them. I hope to ignite a passion for conservation, encouraging everyone to play a role in protecting this vital habitat. The opportunities to help are endless, from volunteering for habitat restoration to simply picking up a few more pieces of trash off the beach Every little bit helps, anywhere, not just here. Point Reyes National Seashore is just the beginning. We are intrinsically connected to the natural world, and our well-being depends on its health. We should not separate ourselves from it.

Photo:KristinOlson

Photo: Maddison Aufmanis

RUTHIN ARTS FESTIVAL

PhotographyEditor:Maggie Zhu

TRACY HUA

I have always been passionate about capturing performances through photography To me, it’s fascinating to preserve the dynamic, energy-filled moments of a live performance in the stillness of a single frame. This passion found new meaning at the Ruthin International Arts Festival, where I served as the artist liaison for one of the sessions Initially, my role was limited to documenting the performances of the session I was assigned to However, as the festival progressed, I found myself photographing other performances as well, using these opportunities to connect with artists. Sharing the photos later turned into a way to bond and exchange stories, leading to unexpected friendships with performers from around the world What makes this festival truly unique is its deep integration with the local community in Ruthin, a picturesque village in Wales The performance venues were not traditional theatres but everyday spaces imbued with the rhythm of village life. For instance, the session I was involved in took place on a lush green field typically used for grazing sheep. Artists embraced these settings fully, incorporating the surroundings into their performances This interplay between art and environment revitalized the village, casting familiar locations in a new light and inviting both locals and visitors to experience the space differently. Photography became my way of celebrating the harmony between art, nature, and community. It was a privilege to witness how art could breathe new energy into a small Welsh village and create lasting connections between artists, organizers, and audiences

Photo:TracyHua

Revitalizinga villagewiththearts

Photo: Tracy Hua

FELINE PHOTOGRAPHY

PhotographyEditor:Maggie Zhu

LYDIA HANICAK

I recently had the opportunity to photograph cats in a local animal shelter for adoption purposes It was a valuable experience I got to use my photography skills and hangout with cats at the same time! I also recently photographed a few feral cats that are cared for in a local colony in my community. As anyone who owns a cat knows, they are unique creatures that have different personalities, each requiring different levels of care and affection The same idea applies to photographing cats some are superstars in front of the camera and seem to love the attention, and others are more shy and take time to become comfortable. In my experience, the hardest part of feline photography is getting the cat to look at the camera, and often times I had a cat toy in my left hand and my camera in my right hand Treats also came in handy when I needed to get the cat’s attention It is important to make the cat feel secure, as their playful personalities will come out when they feel safe. It quickly became clear that a high shutter speed is important when shooting, as it may take several frames to get the perfect shot. However, most of the work came naturally, as cats are naturally photogenic creatures Another important virtue to practice when taking photos of cats is patience allowing the cats to become comfortable and approach you on their own accord is key for getting quality photos. At the beginning of my shoot, I set my camera on the floor and let the cats get accustomed to it before picking it up to photograph them. Being at the shelter was a great experience and I encourage any feline-loving photographers to give it a try

Photo:LydiaHanicak

Photo: Lydia Hanicak

ENDLESS SIGHTS IN INDIA

PhotographyEditor:Maggie Zhu

ISLA KERR

Visiting India was always a when and never an if for me I have travelled for as long as I can remember and while in my personal life I often cling to the peace and quiet there was something about its pandemonium that always appealed to me. Our journey began in Punjab or, more accurately, around 4AM bleary eyed and jetlagged at the Golden Temple. A rickshaw took us through winding streets until we finally arrived at the gates The intricate detail and magnificent colour was like something from a dream This dream only continued through the rest of Punjab Street side stalls packed with every fruit and vegetable imaginable, winding roads towards the Himalayas where monkeys, cows, camels and buffalo all plodded along beside us. We soon swapped mountains for desert as we headed to Rajasthan. Cities like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur had long called my name and they didn't disappoint Jodhpur with its beautiful blue buildings and vibrant market square, Jaisalmer with a fortress that feels like time forgot and Udaipur’s magnificent connecting lakes. An early breakfast consisting of vegetable parathas and a masala chai set the precedent for the rest of the trip. “Best Chai I've ever had” was a daily cry We stuck to a similar routine when it came to food, dinner often featuring one of three of our favourite curries It wasn't until our final stop in Delhi that things were shaken up. Here we picked up as many different street foods as we could. Each one better than the last until we finally had no room for more. India exists in a timeline of its own. Tranquility in the chaos. Both moving forward but deeply entwined with the past

Photo:IslaKerr

Exploringin Udaipur

Photo: Isla Kerr

SELF AND WORLD

PhotographyEditor:Kailee Parsons

HELMUT PILO'

Contrary to the impression my name might give you, I was born and raised in Cassino, a small town in central Italy My passion for photography began in 2016, when I took my first trip to Iceland. I bought a camera to capture the most beautiful places, with the intention of preserving the memories. The wild and majestic nature of Iceland conquered me. Its untouched landscapes, the magical silence, and the natural wonders deeply fascinated me, giving me a sense of peace and awe Back home, looking back on the photos I took, I knew I wanted to dive deeper into my interest in nature and photography. At first, I thought that a good camera was enough to take good pictures, but that was not the case. I began to devote all my free time to photography, and the more I devoted myself to it, the more I felt that this was my dimension From the great Northern landscapes of Iceland, Norway, and Lapland, to the Dolomites, the Abruzzo forests, and the Tuscan hills, what attracted my attention most of all was the spectacle of nature itself. As time passed, I longed for ever-deeper contact with it. I didn’t want to be simply in front of nature, but inside nature. I wanted to enter into an intimate and intentional relationship, where I would discover more about myself, as well For this reason, my attention was drawn to the details, the nuances, emotions, and sensations that often go unnoticed, revealing the true essence of what we observe and who we are. If I had to define what photography is, based on my own experience, I would say it is a journey of discovery–of both myself, as an artist, and the world