Why BTS Matters More Than You Think
Every polished photo you see online has a story hidden behind it. People often assume it’s just a click-and-done process, but ask any photographer, and they’ll tell you — the real magic happens before the shutter is pressed.
That’s why we love creating behind the scenes videos (BTS). They show the process: the trial and error, the laughter, the technical fixes, and the tiny details that add up to a perfect frame.
In our latest BTS shoot, we captured exactly that — from setting up the tripod and moving lights around, to using a diffuser to soften the harsh light spots, and finally revealing the wide frame final photos. The founder of The Vintage Shutter Films himself was on set, not just supervising but actively adjusting the setup.
Let’s walk through how it all came together.
Step 1: Building the Photography Setup
Every shoot begins with the foundation — the photography setup. This is where we decide not just where the subject stands, but also how the frame will tell the story.
We started with:
- Tripod and Camera Placement: A stable frame is non-negotiable. Our camera was locked onto a tripod, allowing us to freely adjust angles without losing consistency.
- Background Selection: We kept the backdrop clean, making sure nothing pulled focus away from the subject.
- Testing the Space: Walking around the frame, checking for unwanted reflections, cables, or clutter.
It might sound like routine work, but here’s the truth — the setup stage makes or breaks the session. A well-prepared environment saves hours of post-editing later.
Step 2: Experimenting With Lights
If the setup is the backbone, lighting is the heart. No camera can compensate for poor lighting setup for videos or photos.
In our BTS, this part took the longest. At first, the subject’s face had patches of bright glare while shadows cut across awkwardly. It didn’t look natural at all.
We tried multiple things:
- Shifting softbox lights to 45° angles.
- Reducing brightness levels to soften contrast.
- Moving lights closer and farther until the subject looked evenly lit.
At one point, we thought we nailed it — until we noticed small “hot spots” on the cheeks and forehead. That’s when we knew it was time to bring out our secret weapon.
Step 3: Diffuser to the Rescue
If you’ve ever stood under direct light, you know how uncomfortable and harsh it can feel. Cameras exaggerate that harshness, making skin look uneven and details too sharp.
This is exactly where a diffuser comes in.
We placed the diffuser between the light and the subject. Immediately, the difference was clear:
- Shadows softened.
- The skin tone looked balanced.
- The overall frame gained a natural, cinematic glow.
Honestly, this was the turning point of the shoot. Without the diffuser, the images looked like quick snapshots. With it, they looked like professional photography.
Step 4: Shooting Wide Frame Shots
Another decision we made during this shoot was to use wide frame shots. Instead of keeping the frame tight, we opened it up to show more of the environment.
Why wide frames?
- They tell a more complete story.
- They leave space for creative edits later (cropping, zooming in, or text overlays).
- They look cinematic, which makes the subject feel grounded in their surroundings.
In the BTS video, you can see us adjusting the camera height and distance multiple times. We’d check each wide frame, make small tweaks, and reshoot. It was a process of refinement, but the results were worth it.
Step 5: Multiple Shots, Multiple Angles
No shoot is ever about one click. We took multiple shots from slightly different perspectives. Some from the side, some from eye level, some with the subject shifting posture.
This gave us options:
- Some frames felt more candid.
- Others highlighted the lighting work better.
- A few stood out simply because of a natural expression caught in the moment.
These variations are what make BTS photography so interesting — you get to see how every small adjustment changes the final mood.
Step 6: The Final Photos
After all the experimenting, light adjustments, diffuser placement, and wide frames, we landed on our final shots.
Looking at them side by side with the BTS footage, it almost feels like magic. But it isn’t magic at all — it’s the result of careful planning, patience, and persistence.
The final photos had:
- Balanced, soft lighting.
- A natural, professional look.
- A storytelling element thanks to the wide framing.
They didn’t just look good — they carried the story of the entire process with them.
Takeaways for Creators
If you’re trying your hand at photography or videography, here’s what our shoot taught us:
- A strong photography setup saves you later headaches.
- Lighting is never “one and done” — keep experimenting.
- A diffuser is non-negotiable for soft, professional results.
- Wide frames give flexibility and depth to your photos.
- Don’t settle on one shot — take multiple angles.
Wrapping It Up
At first glance, a polished photo might look effortless. But behind it, there’s always a story of setups, fixes, and experiments.
In our BTS-to-final photography journey, we went through all the steps: setting up gear, battling light, using a diffuser, experimenting with wide frames, and taking multiple angles until we landed on the perfect shots.
For us at The Vintage Shutter Films, this process is just as important as the result. Because the final photo isn’t just about what’s inside the frame — it’s about the creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving that happened behind it.
So next time you see a perfect picture online, ask yourself: “What must the BTS have looked like?” Chances are, it’s a story worth telling.
