SWIM returned to Upperland Studio in Richmond, BC for a second project that paired a simple glass bottle with the LED wall. Vocalist Chase, producer Nick and their team used a practical object in front of the lens to create a dreamlike image, bringing the artist’s performance together with light from the background.
An optical effect made on set
Curved glass bends and scatters light. Holding a bottle in front of the camera lens can soften part of the frame, create streaks and distort the view of a bright background. The operator can change the effect by moving the bottle or changing its angle relative to the lens. These are practical optical choices that the camera can record during the performance.
In this session, the LED wall supplied the background imagery for that experiment. The creative interest lies in the combination: a physical object close to the lens, a performer on the stage, and a luminous background behind them. It gives the crew an image to judge on set while leaving room for the artist’s movement and expression.
A continuing collaboration with SWIM
This visit was part of our ongoing connection with SWIM. The duo’s atmospheric alt-R&B and the production team’s interest in visual texture led the approach; the studio supplied a place to try it. The photographs below document the glass-bottle session. Visit the artist’s official links for their music and new releases.
Another SWIM shoot explored ocean, fire and twilight backgrounds. For production planning, see our LED wall stage and booking information.
Production photographs
Artists & production credits
- Artist: SWIM — Instagram · Official website · YouTube
- Studio / location: Upperland Studio — Instagram
