The 2026 Final Year ATU Galway Students of Textile & Fashion Design had their designs modeled in a closed shoot. Various different textiles pieces were modeled. While the shoot was primarily directed by college lecturers, close collaborator Sophie Fallon and I were invited to capture photos of these models in front of a large digital backdrop. While college lecturers filmed the models on video, we worked within their setup to achieve a consistent look with the video.
The 2026 Final Year ATU Galway Students of Textile & Fashion Design had their designs modeled in a closed shoot. Various different textiles pieces were modeled. While the shoot was primarily directed by college lecturers, close collaborator Sophie Fallon and I were invited to capture photos of these models in front of a large digital backdrop. While college lecturers filmed the models on video, we worked within their setup to achieve a consistent look with the video.
The Process
Immediately, the first obstacle was the digital backdrop. As we had to accommodate for the video that was being shot by college lecturers, we had little room for movement or adjustment, meaning we had to depend entirely on choice of lens and camera settings to achieve something that looked visually appealing. The issue presented itself in the form of scanlines on the screen. To account for this, we had to work within a specific shutter speed range or else the photo would not come out as intended.
The Process
Immediately, the first obstacle was the digital backdrop. As we had to accommodate for the video that was being shot by college lecturers, we had little room for movement or adjustment, meaning we had to depend entirely on choice of lens and camera settings to achieve something that looked visually appealing. The issue presented itself in the form of scanlines on the screen. To account for this, we had to work within a specific shutter speed range or else the photo would not come out as intended.
As you can see here in this raw test image, the screen banding and scan lines distract heavily from the subject. If this could not be accounted for when taking specific shots, I would have to resort to blurring the backround with bokeh effects in post-production to create the illusion of an underwater scene.
As you can see here in this raw test image, the screen banding and scan lines distract heavily from the subject. If this could not be accounted for when taking specific shots, I would have to resort to blurring the backround with bokeh effects in post-production to create the illusion of an underwater scene.
In the video, each model would walk back and forth across the stage, leaving us with a very narrow window to capture the ideal shot. We had to employ quick movement and rapid lens changes to get all angles of every textile piece.
In the video, each model would walk back and forth across the stage, leaving us with a very narrow window to capture the ideal shot. We had to employ quick movement and rapid lens changes to get all angles of every textile piece.
We made sure to capture some artistic imagery to go alongside the full-body display shots. This was done by taking advantage of step ladders & constantly crossing back and forth across the room. I wound up with countless images and put a lot of consideration into editing them down so that only the highest quality ones were delivered. With multiple factors working against us during the shoot, I had to employ careful consideration in which photos made the cut.
We made sure to capture some artistic imagery to go alongside the full-body display shots. This was done by taking advantage of step ladders & constantly crossing back and forth across the room. I wound up with countless images and put a lot of consideration into editing them down so that only the highest quality ones were delivered. With multiple factors working against us during the shoot, I had to employ careful consideration in which photos made the cut.
The final step was to restore the colour to the models and their outfits, as the screen had washed them over in blue. While significant blue accents were maintained, I wanted to make it contrast with the warm skin tones & be able to show off the textiles in their true colours.
The final step was to restore the colour to the models and their outfits, as the screen had washed them over in blue. While significant blue accents were maintained, I wanted to make it contrast with the warm skin tones & be able to show off the textiles in their true colours.
