Carly Mask of Camp Digital approached me through Andrew Albright with a creative challenge: bring Aura Frames’ digital picture frames to life through a series of dynamic, home-based scenes. The concept required not only staging the frames in believable environments but also incorporating precise camera movement to reveal the frames in a visually engaging way.
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To achieve the signature move—starting on a full-screen image and smoothly pulling back to reveal the frame—I relied on a Dana Dolly for controlled, repeatable motion, giving me more freedom to rack focus. For efficient post-production, we placed a temporary image in the frames during filming to make tracking easier. I also collaborated with Carly to style each setting so it felt lived in while keeping the frame as the visual anchor. We leaned into a natural lighting approach, using a single light, diffusion, or no additional lighting at all to maintain an authentic atmosphere.
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Because the project needed to be shot vertically, Mason McCaskill hooked me up with a custom rig that allowed the camera to mount upright and fully utilize the sensor without cropping. The result is a set of polished scenes that highlight both the product and the environments around it. Below is one final example with the dolly move implemented, followed by screen grabs from all of the setups.