The Ken Burns Effect

Patriotism for nerds

When I booked the shoot with Burns, I was thrilled to be working with his iconic bowl cut, only to find out he’d moved on from the hairstyle, forcing me to pivot.

Brainstorming prop concepts with the clients was the most fun, though getting him to actually partake was a challenge. He agreed to pose with the red coat and the patriot-era toy soldiers, but drew the line at wearing a tricorn hat (I didn’t even show him the powdered wigs we’d brought!)

Top Image: Our first set up was a winner, giving The Police’s “Wrapped Around Your Finger” vibes (video directed by Godley & Creme in 1983).

Second Images: Over the shoulder, in studio, and then in Soho NYC (holding a 1746 Amérique Septentrionale map!).

Third Image: The depth of field was so narrow that I had to re-shoot the soldiers later and Photoshop them back into the shot.