Snapbridge & 25×25 CRLS Precision Reflector
In his Joshua Tree studio, cinematographer Timur Civan recently lensed a new music video “Resurrection” for gothic country artist Blood Nebraska. Working in collaboration with director Bhavani Lee, the video features a poetic interplay of light and shadow, which Civan achieved using Snapbridge™ with Color Bounces from DoPchoice and Lightbridge.
The music video, starring Blood Nebraska’s Jesse Dvorak (known for founding the online arts community Art and Void), pictures the musician performing in a haunting, liminal space with a mysterious woman in flowing, veil-like dress. Combined with a smoke effect, each slow-motion sequence of the film has a dark solemnity reminiscent of a Rembrandt painting–with a gothic twist.
Through years of practice, Civan has cultivated a single-source lighting technique, which is at the heart of the ethereal luminance that defines “Resurrection”. This style relies on a single light source, in this case a Rayzr 7 300W Fresnel, reflected multiple times using Lightbridge Precision Reflectors. “Once you learn how to work with the Precision Reflectors, your whole approach to lighting changes,” says Civan. “You’ll never point a light directly at the subject again.”
For the video, the cinematographer bounced the Fresnel off a 15×15 Precision Reflector positioned inside a Snapbridge–the versatile lighting tool that seamlessly combines a Lightbridge Reflector within a DoPchoice bounce. “Once you start working with a tool like Snapbridge, you realize how flexible and purpose-built it is,” says Civan. “It’s a soft source, but it can give you that touch of sharpness and depth when needed.” Shot on the Fujifilm GFX100 II medium-format camera, the music video captures an eerie, but intimate mood.
The Snapbridge system allowed Civan to blend hard and soft lighting, resulting in a natural luminance that elevates the otherworldly costume and makeup. To further nuance the effect, Civan added Snapbridge Color Bounces for close-up beauty shots. “I’ve been using the split panels—the ones with unbleached muslin or daylight blue—to add complexity to the light. Adding a slight blue tint to the bounce can help correct skin tones, and gives the light a richer quality,” he explains. “You can have a soft push to fill the frame, with a shaft of light adding contrast. It gives you that window-lit feel without the need for a diffuser. It’s subtle, but it makes all the difference.”
The result was a visually compelling music video that complemented the haunting tones of Dvorak’s song. “The Snapbridge system is so versatile,” Civan reflects. “You can go from a soft glow to a sharp beam just by swapping reflectors. It’s fast and efficient, which is invaluable when you’re working with a small crew.” The Snapbridge and Color Bounce combination proved essential in crafting the unique visual narrative.
Watch “Resurrection” from Blood Nebraska: https://youtu.be/AgMG9wE35gI
More on Snapbridge with Color Bounce: www.thelightbridge.com/product/snapbridge-color-bounce
Check out Timur Civan’s other work, visit: timurcivan.com
“Resurrection” by Blood Nebraska
Artist Blood Nebraska