A Wild West Workshop
Nestled in an old western film set in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a group of photography enthusiasts, led by myself and famed photographer Joe McNally, gathered to master the art of speed lights. The scene was set with a distinct Wild West vibe, complete with cowboys and the dusty backdrop of an old saloon town. As the workshop wound down, an unexpected opportunity arose to capture something truly unique.
The Opportunity
As the day drew to a close, we discovered some leftover blank rounds from a previous shoot. The setting and props were too perfect to pass up, sparking a spontaneous idea: why not stage a real-looking cowboy shootout? Despite the tight schedule, I pitched the idea to Joe and our cowboy-clad participants. With enthusiasm, they agreed, ready to embrace the challenge.
Spontaneous Shootout
With no script and no plan, I instructed the group to “have a shootout” when I yelled action. Joe was on standby with his camera, ready to capture the rapid-fire action as the cowboys drew their guns. Amidst the staged chaos, a dog, ever so curious, kept weaving through the scene, adding an unexpected layer of authenticity and humor to the shots.
Capturing the Moment
I manned two cameras—one for a wide shot and another handheld to get up close with the action. The goal was to capture the raw, unscripted energy from every angle in a single take. The footage was chaotic, lively, and brimming with the spirit of the Old West.
From Bust to Buzz
Back home, the initial review of the footage was disappointing; my team thought it was unusable. Yet, I saw the potential in those raw, authentic moments. After encouraging the team to dig deeper, we isolated the best snippets—those that captured the genuine excitement and chaos of the shootout, including the unintentionally hilarious moments with the dog.
The Final Cut
With some creative editing, sound effects, and a fitting soundtrack, we crafted a promo video for the photography class. The focus was on the shootout, prominently featuring the amusing antics of the dog, which unexpectedly tied the whole scene together. This promo not only highlighted the workshop’s educational value but also its fun, unpredictable atmosphere.
A Wild West Workshop
Nestled in an old western film set in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a group of photography enthusiasts, led by myself and famed photographer Joe McNally, gathered to master the art of speed lights. The scene was set with a distinct Wild West vibe, complete with cowboys and the dusty backdrop of an old saloon town. As the workshop wound down, an unexpected opportunity arose to capture something truly unique.
The Opportunity
As the day drew to a close, we discovered some leftover blank rounds from a previous shoot. The setting and props were too perfect to pass up, sparking a spontaneous idea: why not stage a real-looking cowboy shootout? Despite the tight schedule, I pitched the idea to Joe and our cowboy-clad participants. With enthusiasm, they agreed, ready to embrace the challenge.
Spontaneous Shootout
With no script and no plan, I instructed the group to “have a shootout” when I yelled action. Joe was on standby with his camera, ready to capture the rapid-fire action as the cowboys drew their guns. Amidst the staged chaos, a dog, ever so curious, kept weaving through the scene, adding an unexpected layer of authenticity and humor to the shots.
Capturing the Moment
I manned two cameras—one for a wide shot and another handheld to get up close with the action. The goal was to capture the raw, unscripted energy from every angle in a single take. The footage was chaotic, lively, and brimming with the spirit of the Old West.
From Bust to Buzz
Back home, the initial review of the footage was disappointing; my team thought it was unusable. Yet, I saw the potential in those raw, authentic moments. After encouraging the team to dig deeper, we isolated the best snippets—those that captured the genuine excitement and chaos of the shootout, including the unintentionally hilarious moments with the dog.
The Final Cut
With some creative editing, sound effects, and a fitting soundtrack, we crafted a promo video for the photography class. The focus was on the shootout, prominently featuring the amusing antics of the dog, which unexpectedly tied the whole scene together. This promo not only highlighted the workshop’s educational value but also its fun, unpredictable atmosphere.
Conclusion
The impromptu shootout promo became the first in a successful series for Kelby Training. This project showcased the power of spontaneous creativity and the potential to turn unexpected opportunities into memorable marketing material. It was a testament to the idea that sometimes, the best results come from embracing the chaos and going with the flow.
