Day 3 of the truck bed set build was a really important one! The goal was to frame out the tops of each of these flats.
That part is so important because the set is actually designed to be photographed two completely different ways. The primary way is as a reverse forced perspective tunnel set. That’s how it will look when we photograph through the truck bed. But when we photograph it from the front of the truck, the set becomes a staircase.
We designed it this way because we figured there might be some locations where we just can’t get the truck close enough to really get the shots we want. But if we can go higher, we’ll be able to see some pretty wild landscapes clearly within the frame, even if they’re further away.
So the tops of these flats are a major structural element. We have to actually be able to climb and stand on them.
It was also a really exciting day because, for the first time, you can actually start to see what this set is going to look like. AND it's looking AMAZING. I'm honestly kind of blown away at David's ability to take his journal sketches and turn them into physical sets that look just like the photos. The one thing no one ever really realizes is the amount of math that goes into all of his set builds. Every 1/16th matters and the level of precision he brings to his builds is really remarkable.
Another huge thing we’ve had to figure out is lighting. Getting the set and our subject properly lit while still showing off the landscape through the giant picture window is going to be a challenge, especially when we’ll be photographing in completely different locations, weather, and lighting conditions every day.
We’ve decided to use Flashpoint lighting built into the sides of the set. We’re going to integrate the lights thoughtfully and diffuse them throughout the space so we can get the light we need without taking up a ton of room inside the set.
Just WOW though. This set design has involved so much thought and problem solving. It is by far the most complicated set we’ve ever built. Not because of the size, but because of all the different variables we have to work around to make this actually successful on the road.
But it’s finally starting to look like something!!
This project has been a major undertaking and is only possible because other people have believed in it too! If you want to follow along + help support the Journey, you can sign up for our Journey Journal and receive a exclusive updates and photos from the road!
The 7,500 miles 20+ day road trip across the United States kicks off in 11 days!
Keep following for Day 4. That’s when we face the flats and this thing really starts looking like the sketches.
