Capturing the Light of Freedom: Behind the Scenes of the Lynchburg Jubilee Film Shoot
Recently, I served as the unit photographer on set for a pivotal sequence documenting the Lynchburg Jubilee for the Lynchburg at War documentary. This was the precise moment in 1865 when African Americans in our community were finally told they were free.
When shooting on-set photography for historical documentaries and films, the goal goes far beyond taking beautiful pictures. You are capturing the emotional weight of an era. The challenge of documenting a subject as heavy and significant as the end of enslavement is honoring the profound trauma of the past while letting the hard-won resilience of the Jubilee break through.
Exploring the Gallery: Lynchburg’s Emancipation Story
The photos below represent more than just a day on a film set. They are a tribute to resilience, a visual record of a community's defining moment of liberation, and a reminder of the stories that demand to be told with respect, depth, and unwavering dignity.
Elevating Local History Through Visual Storytelling
Documenting the Lynchburg Jubilee reminds us that our local history is complex and vital. Whether providing production photography for independent films or documenting heritage craftsmanship, the ultimate goal of the lens is to bear witness.
Thank you to the incredible cast, crew, and historians who poured their hearts into making this shoot happen.
Looking for a Unit Photographer for Your Next Production? If you are filming a historical documentary, independent feature, or narrative short in the Central Virginia region, let’s collaborate.
Behind the Lens: The Visual Psychology of a Historical Film Shoot
When providing production photography for independent films or historical documentaries, my goal is always to capture the unspoken truth hidden within a scene. During a recent film shoot documenting the Lynchburg Jubilee—the monumental moment in 1865 when African Americans in Central Virginia were finally declared free—the weight of history was tangible on set.
True historical film set photography isn't just about documenting a production; it’s about capturing the emotional residue of the past. One specific image from this shoot stopped me in my tracks and perfectly illustrates the power of visual storytelling on a cinematic set. When I tell you, the way this image made me GASP! Let’s talk about it.
First, the juxtaposition of postures creates a profoundly moving, layered narrative that transcends the present day. The women standing in the background have their arms tightly crossed over their chests. Crossing the arms across the torso is widely recognized as a subconscious protective barrier. It is an instinctive method of guarding vital organs like the heart and lungs, shielding oneself from emotional discomfort, or deep trauma.
The young girl is the only one who turns to meet the camera’s gaze…entirely exposed, yet staring directly into the lens completely unafraid.
In sharp contrast, the young girl stands with her hands clasped behind her back. This stance is a primal display of complete vulnerability, trust, and openness. By placing her hands behind her, she leaves her chest and heart completely exposed, signaling that she is unguarded, and facing the world with innocent security.
While this is a modern photo, the heavy historical truth of what the actors are channeling makes this moment so powerful. When a child stands in that space, holding the raw vulnerability of an open heart while staring down the lens with such fierce, unafraid clarity, it bridges the gap between generations. It feels less like a staged moment and more like a timeless echo - a direct, powerful connection to the very spirit of resilience that defined the Jubilee.
In the context of a film shoot about slavery and emancipation, this visual contrast is breathtaking: it beautifully symbolizes the heavy, guarded generational trauma carried by those who lived through the horrors, standing right alongside the heartbreakingly pure, open-hearted vulnerability of a child stepping into the dawn of freedom.
Documenting History in Central Virginia: Let's Collaborate
Bringing historical narratives to life requires a crew that understands the delicate balance of authenticity and emotional reverence. As a Central Virginia unit photographer, I partner with directors, wardrobe stylists, and production teams to capture striking, cinematic behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos and production stills that elevate your project’s marketing and distribution.
Whether you are filming an independent feature, a period-accurate narrative short, or a local history documentary in the Lynchburg, Bedford, or Roanoke areas, I provide professional on-set photography tailored to the unique atmosphere of your production.
Looking for a unit photographer or art director for your next film project?
Faces of History: Capturing the Cast| Production Stills of Lynchburg at War
When you strip away the distractions of color, a modern face has to do a specific kind of work to feel authentic. It requires a willingness to carry a certain gravity. In monochrome, every line on a forehead, every smudge of field dirt on a jawline, and every weary, stoic glance becomes magnified.
In this gallery of black-and-white stills from the Lynchburg at War set, the focus isn't on the grand scope of the production - instead, it’s on the skin, the grit, and the eyes of the people who stepped into the frame to bring regional history back into the light. By focusing on the tangible, human elements—the texture of a wool collar, the grime on a hand, the sharp contrast of light hitting a determined expression, these stills honor the weight of the history we are tasked with telling.
Recreating the Stonewall Jackson Funeral Procession in Lynchburg, Virginia
The specific sequence captured in these stills centers on a pivotal, somber moment in regional history: the funeral procession of Stonewall Jackson as it passed through Lynchburg. To recreate the sheer scale of the historical event, the set had to mirror the massive influx of people who converged on the city in 1863. Reenactors and extras traveled from all over the country—from as far as Texas, Pennsylvania, and beyond—to fill the streets. Standing together in the heat, their collective focus brought an unmistakable, heavy solemnity to the scene. It wasn’t just a crowd of background extras; it was a gathering of people dedicated to channeling the exact gravity of a community witnessing history unfold in real time.
On Set in Central Virginia: Production Photography with Lionheart FilmWorks
Go behind the scenes at the Petersburg historic site with Makers Workshop and Lionheart FilmWorks. From hauling period-correct timber and prepping the camp layout in the grueling summer heat to capturing cinematic, character-driven unit photography on set, discover how we bring authentic American history to the screen in Central Virginia. Take a deep dive into our extensive 70+ image production gallery featuring raw editorial portraits of the cast, including Aidan, Matthew Blake Rogers, and Scott Wichmann.
Authenticity is the lifeblood of historical storytelling. When a period piece transports an audience back to the defining moments of our collective past, every single frame must hold up to scrutiny. From the weave of a wool uniform to the structural weathering of a wartime encampment, the details establish the illusion of time travel.
Recently, I had the privilege of stepping back onto a cinematic set with the team at Lionheart FilmWorks for their upcoming feature adaptation of Stephen Crane's classic Civil War masterpiece, The Red Badge of Courage.
Sourcing History: Period-Accurate Timber for Set Styling
Long before the cameras begin rolling, a film’s environment must be built from the ground up. Having previously collaborated with director Kevin Hershberger on our local documentary production Lynchburg at War, we shared an established shorthand for the rugged, visual texture required to make historic narratives feel immediate and real.
For this project, the script called for an authentic, period-correct cabin structure to anchor the military camp.
Finding timber that replicates the exact texture, weathering, and scale of mid-19th-century logs requires more than a trip to a modern lumber yard—it requires a deep understanding of local agricultural history and preservation. Navigating the rural landscapes surrounding Lynchburg and Central Virginia, we coordinated the selection, logistics, and delivery of raw timber to the set.
Before any construction could even begin, we spent a grueling day weed eating overgrown brush in the heavy Virginia heat, so the art department could step in and work their magic recreating the historic encampment. Watching those raw materials and hard physical labor transform into a weathered military camp is the exact kind of tangible world-building that makes production work so profoundly rewarding.
Capturing the Final Frames: Still Photography on Set
With the physical environment secure, I traded the logistics of timber hauling for my camera body, spending a pivotal day on set as a still photographer.
The day I spent shooting was charged with a beautiful, bittersweet energy. It marked the final day of filming for the exceptional young actor, Aidan Close, who portrays the film’s iconic protagonist, Henry Fleming. Capturing his final frames in character was a masterclass in watching an artist work. The raw intensity and vulnerability required to bring Crane’s tortured young soldier to life were palpable in every single take.
It comes as no surprise to anyone who witnessed his performance on our Virginia set that Aidan has since taken his immense talents to one of the biggest stages in the world, currently starring on Broadway in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The portraits captured that afternoon—weathered faces, piercing stares beneath wool kepis, and the heavy atmosphere of a camp waiting for battle—embody the grit and cinematic depth that Central Virginia's creative teams can consistently manifest.
Aidan Close (Henry Fleming), Matthew Blake Rogers (The Tall Soldier), Scott Wichmann (The Loud Soldier)
Cinematic Film Stills from the Set
My documentary photography style is all about capturing authentic, unposed moments with cinematic depth. This gallery reflects my focus on dramatic natural light, rich historical textures, and character-driven framing. From wide, atmospheric shots capturing the scope of the set to tight, emotional close-ups that reveal the exhaustive reality of the scene, I specialize in creating imagery that feels both monumental and intensely personal. Explore the full production gallery below to see how I translate historical narrative into striking, editorial brand assets.
Looking back at the sheer scale of what was achieved on this production, I’m reminded of how incredibly lucky I am to collaborate with Kevin and Kathryn of Lionheart FilmWorks. Getting to step onto their set, roll up my sleeves, and watch them operate entirely in their element is a masterclass in dedication and cinematic vision every single time. It is a rare privilege to work alongside filmmakers who respect history just as much as they respect the craft of storytelling.
Are you planning a commercial shoot, documentary, or narrative feature in Central Virginia? Whether you need period-accurate prop sourcing or dynamic unit photography that captures the soul of your production, Makers Workshop is on the ground and ready to build your world. Contact us today to discuss your project.
The battle sequences, military encampments, and historic cabin scenes in this gallery were filmed at Pamplin Historical Park in Virginia.
To explore the history of this preserved battlefield, its living history events, and film location information, visit the Pamplin Historical Park & National Museum Guide.
Creating Authentic Civil War Soldiers for Film with Dirt, wounds, and Bruises
One of the most rewarding parts of working on historical documentary productions is helping modern actors disappear into the past. For a recent filming of Lynchburg at War at Blue Rock Farm in Virginia, I was responsible for creating realistic special effects makeup for approximately a dozen actors portraying Union soldiers held at Lynchburg's Civil War prisoner-of-war camp. The goal wasn't dramatic Hollywood effects, but authentic wounds, bruises, dirt, and signs of hardship that would appear believable on camera. Using a Mehron Pro FX Bruise Wheel, clean dirt, black special effects powder, fresh scab blood makeup, red-tinted bandages, and KY Jelly to create the appearance of wet blood, I transformed clean, modern faces into soldiers who looked as though they had endured weeks of difficult conditions. Every bruise, scrape, and layer of grime was carefully applied to help tell the story of men living through one of the most challenging periods of the American Civil War.
The documentary scene focused on the Union prisoner-of-war camp that operated in Lynchburg during the Civil War. As Lynchburg became a vital transportation, manufacturing, and hospital center for the Confederacy, it also served as a location for housing captured Union soldiers. As the war dragged on and prison populations grew, conditions for prisoners often deteriorated. Overcrowding, shortages of supplies, disease, and exposure to the elements created hardships for many of the men confined there. While the exact experiences of individual prisoners varied, historical accounts describe the physical toll that imprisonment could take on soldiers, making realistic makeup effects an important part of accurately portraying the period on screen.
Creating convincing special effects makeup for documentary filmmaking requires attention to details that viewers may not consciously notice but immediately recognize as authentic. A fresh bruise has different coloration than an older one. Dirt settles differently on skin than makeup alone. Bandages need to appear worn, stained, and practical rather than theatrical. For this production, the focus was on subtle realism. The combination of bruising effects, dried and fresh wounds, dirty uniforms, and weathered skin helped create the visual impression of soldiers who had been living in difficult camp conditions rather than actors who had arrived on set that morning.
Projects like Lynchburg at War demonstrate how historical storytelling relies on collaboration between historians, filmmakers, actors, and artists. Special effects makeup may seem like a small detail, but realistic wounds, bruises, dirt effects, and period-accurate aging help audiences connect with the human side of history. When viewers watch this documentary, the hope is that they see more than costumes and actors—they see real people whose experiences reflect an important chapter in Lynchburg's Civil War story.
Makers Workshop Featured in The Advocate for ‘Lynchburg at War’ Documentary
Lindsey Shiflett Smith featured in The Advocate newspaper as a Baton Rouge-based artist, highlighting her work on the Lynchburg at War documentary and Makers Workshop creative projects.
I am thrilled to share some exciting news — Makers Workshop was recently featured in The Advocate newspaper for our work on Lynchburg at War, the historical documentary project that has been at the heart of our creative journey this year. This recognition means so much to us as The Advocate is one of Louisiana’s most respected publications, known for spotlighting compelling stories in culture, life, and the arts. This is a reminder that art isn’t just about self-identification; it’s about showing up, creating, and letting your work speak. For me, that journey has intertwined deeply with the makers and stories I celebrate through my work at Makers Workshop and on projects like Lynchburg at War.
Bringing History to Life Through Craft
For months, I have been fully engaged in the Lynchburg at War documentary — a richly detailed project that explores the everyday lives of people in Lynchburg, Virginia during the Civil War. This isn’t just another history film. It’s a passion project fueled by archival research, craftsmanship, and deep respect for untold stories from the past.
Our role has extended far beyond traditional filmmaking. From historically accurate wardrobe work and handcrafted props to set design rooted in period authenticity, every element has been intentionally made by hand — guided by the same philosophy that defines Makers Workshop: slow, intentional, and deeply human work.
Why This Story Matters
What makes Lynchburg at War especially meaningful is its focus on the people behind history — not just battles and dates, but the individuals whose daily lives were shaped by war. The film highlights stories of caregivers, workers, and community members whose contributions have often been lost in broader historical narratives.
Being featured in The Advocate for this work is a powerful reminder that storytelling — especially when done with care and craft — still resonates. It validates what we’ve always believed at Makers Workshop: that the process is just as important as the product, and that thoughtful creative work deserves to be recognized.
Craft, Community, and Collaboration
This project has reminded us that important work rarely happens in isolation. Lynchburg at War has grown through collaboration with historians, reenactors, artisans, and neighbors who shared time, knowledge, and passion with us. That collective effort is what truly brings history into focus - not just as something to observe, but something to experience.
We’re deeply grateful to The Advocate for amplifying this piece of our story and to everyone who has supported this journey so far. The documentary continues to evolve as we prepare to share it more broadly and we can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Makers Workshop Featured in Lynchburg Living for ‘Lynchburg at War’ Documentary
There are moments in a long creative journey that feel like quiet confirmation—like a nod from the community that says yes, this matters. This month, Makers Workshop was honored to be featured in the November/December issue of Lynchburg Living Magazine in their story, “We Have a Different Story to Tell.” The article spotlights the vision, dedication, and historical curiosity at the heart of our ongoing documentary project, Lynchburg at War, and it was a privilege to see our work recognized in both print and digital form.
For the past year, our team has been immersed in a world of archival research, handcrafted set pieces, period accuracy, and local storytelling. What began as a simple desire to explore overlooked stories of the Civil War era quickly became something much larger—a community-sized project that pulls from the skills, passions, and lived knowledge of people throughout Central Virginia. Being featured in Lynchburg Living felt like a natural extension of that community spirit. The magazine has long championed local makers, artists, and storytellers, and their interest in our work speaks to the cultural relevance and human depth behind this documentary.
The article dives into why Lynchburg at War is not just another retelling of the past. It highlights the lesser-known narratives—the women who built hospitals, the workers who kept the city functioning under strain, and the everyday citizens who shaped wartime Lynchburg more quietly than the battlefield generals history tends to remember. As Lynchburg Living noted, our goal is to give voice to these stories with accuracy, artistry, and respect.
For Makers Workshop, this feature is more than a recognition of our filmmaking. It reflects the full ecosystem of craft that makes our work possible. From sewing accurate period clothing to building props by hand, from photographing behind-the-scenes moments to preserving historical textures through film—every piece of the project is rooted in the same philosophy that guides everything we create: slow, intentional, heritage-minded work. Having that approach acknowledged in a regional publication means a great deal to us.
We’re also incredibly grateful that the magazine highlighted the collaborative nature of the project. Lynchburg at War is not created in isolation. It is powered by historians, reenactors, makers, artisans, local venues, and a community willing to show up, stand in the cold before sunrise, lend their knowledge, or step into a scene to bring 19th-century Lynchburg back to life. This feature honors all of them.
If you’d like to read the full article on Lynchburg Living’s website, you can find it HERE or pick up a physical copy around Lynchburg, VA.
We’re grateful to the editor, Megan Williams, and writer, Emily Mook, at Lynchburg Living for their thoughtful coverage and for recognizing the heart behind this project. As we continue filming, researching, and building the world of Lynchburg at War, we hope this documentary continues to shine a light on the stories that deserve to be remembered.
Thank you for supporting Makers Workshop, for sharing our work, and for helping keep handcrafted storytelling alive in Lynchburg and beyond.
Lynchburg at War: Buzzards Roost
Explore our Buzzards Roost portrait series from the Lynchburg at War production, featuring historical costuming, handcrafted props, and detailed period styling. Shot in Lynchburg, Virginia, this collection highlights our work in photography, set design, casting, and collaboration with expert artists to recreate the city’s gritty 1800s past with accuracy and artistry.
In the mid-1800s, Lynchburg’s Buzzards Roost was the city’s rowdiest, rough-edged district—a tight maze of boarding houses, saloons, brothels, and back-alley commerce that pulsed late into the night. River men, laborers, and travelers crowded the streets, drawn by gambling tables, cheap whiskey, and the thrill of cockfights held behind taverns. It was a place where fortunes were won and lost in minutes, where women working in brothels carved out a living on the margins, and where the constant rumble of trade from the riverfront fed an economy of vice as much as necessity. Gritty, smoky, and alive with noise, Buzzards Roost was both the heartbeat of Lynchburg’s working class and the city’s most notorious playground—an unforgettable slice of 19th-century life.
For this shoot, I handled (along with our team) set styling, costuming, makeup, photography, casting, and helped build the fire-cresset props to help shape the gritty, atmospheric look of the scene. Photographed in Lynchburg, Virginia, these portraits highlight the character, texture, and storytelling at the heart of Makers Workshop. If you’re looking for heritage-inspired photography, historically grounded visuals, or handcrafted production work in Virginia, this collection captures the craftsmanship and depth that define my approach.
We were honored to work with Alistair McPherson, a Scottish-born special-effects and prosthetics artist, on this shoot. McPherson earned his stripes early on as a prosthetic technician on Hellbound: Hellraiser II. After years in the UK, he later resumed his work in the U.S., bringing decades of experience and a finely crafted eye to every project. Our film also features costumes from Historical Wardrobe, a Richmond, VA–based film-costume house whose inventory spans centuries with meticulously researched and tailored historical dress. Historical Wardrobe was created by Kevin Hershberger, an Emmy-nominated director, producer, screenwriter and founder of LionHeart FilmWorks.
Enjoy this Behind the Scenes clip from Dlearyus Media.
Director — Greg Starbuck
Producer — Daniel W. Dixon
Primary Camera — Chloe Shelton Films
Secondary Camera — LionHeart FilmWorks
Third Camera — Dlearyus Media LLC
Makeup Lead — Alistair McPherson
Makeup Artist — Lindsey Shiflett Smith
Fire Cresset Props Fabrication — Dwayne Phillips, Daniel W. Dixon, Lindsey Shiflett Smith
Costumes Provided By — Historical Wardrobe
Animal Handling & Livestock Provided By — John Bare and Cody Williams
Filmed On Location At Historic Sandusky Museum, Point of Honor Museum
Woolrich x Target: what does it mean for heritage brands?
The Woolrich x Target collaboration raises big questions for heritage brands. What does it mean for a label known for quality craftsmanship? Can a long-standing brand maintain its reputation while reaching a mass audience? In this post, we explore the balance between heritage and accessibility, asking what collaborations like this mean for the future of American-made, well-crafted apparel and goods.
I recently shared a carousel on Instagram highlighting the Woolrich x Target collaboration, a mix of heritage craftsmanship and modern accessibility. As a Lynchburg brand photographer who loves documenting quality made goods, I wanted to explore what this collab means for a heritage brand like Woolrich, which has been making durable, trusted apparel since 1830. The post has been sparking some thoughtful conversations about how classic brands evolve while staying true to their roots.
To see the full carousel, including close-ups of the pieces and my take on the collection, head over to my Instagram @makersworkshop. It’s a great way to connect, follow along for more behind-the-scenes looks at heritage brands, and join the discussion about craftsmanship, design, and modern collaborations.
“The Woolrich x Target collab hits stores on October 18. What happens when a 180-year-old heritage brand like Woolrich enters the big-box space? Does this feel different than a brand like Stanley showing up on the shelves? Is this a responsible shift based on social change? Woolrich carries nearly two centuries of craft, culture, and outdoor expertise. Truly they are living pieces of American history. I'm having a rollercoaster of thoughts and feelings on this so let's chat. What do you think?”
Lynchburg at War: Train station shoot
In a powerful reenactment at Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery train station, the Lynchburg at War team brought to life a pivotal moment from the Civil War era: Lucy Mina Otey’s courageous journey to Richmond to petition President Jefferson Davis for permission to establish the Ladies Relief Hospital in Lynchburg.
Lucy Mina Otey’s Bold Journey to Establish the Ladies Relief Hospital
In a powerful reenactment at Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery train station, the Lynchburg at War team brought to life a pivotal moment from the Civil War era: Lucy Mina Otey’s courageous journey to Richmond to petition President Jefferson Davis for permission to establish the Ladies Relief Hospital in Lynchburg. This hospital, founded in 1862, became a beacon of compassion and efficiency, boasting the lowest mortality rate among hospitals.
Our recent film shoot aimed to honor this remarkable chapter in history. With meticulous attention to period-accurate costuming and staging, we recreated Lucy Otey’s departure to Richmond, capturing the essence of her determination and the era's atmosphere. These images not only pay homage to Otey’s legacy but also highlight the critical role women played in Civil War medicine.
Red Wing Work Boot Photography: Capturing American Craftsmanship with F.L. Showalter
At the F.L. Showalter Company Picnic in Lynchburg, Virginia, I spent the day photographing the people and products that keep this town running. Red Wing Work was there, showcasing their newest lineup of work boots—the Apex with the BOA® Fit System, the Traction Tred, and the King Toe—each built for comfort and endurance on the job.
At the F.L. Showalter Company Picnic in Lynchburg, Virginia, I had the incredible opportunity to document a collaboration rooted in hard work and deep heritage. As a Lynchburg brand photographer, my goal for the day was to capture the intersection of community, history, and the rugged products that keep this region moving forward.
Documenting Red Wing Work Boots in Action
Red Wing Work was on-site showcasing their latest lineup of high-performance work boots—each meticulously engineered for maximum comfort, safety, and endurance on the job. Throughout the day, I focused on commercial product storytelling, capturing these boots in their natural, rugged element.
My lens caught the details of three standout models built for the modern tradesperson:
The Apex with the BOA® Fit System: Highlighting modern utility and precision engineering.
The Traction Tred: A classic silhouette built for stability and long days on your feet.
The King Toe: Showcasing the roomier, protective design built for tough work environments.
Visual Storytelling for Heritage Brands
Red Wing has been crafting dependable, American footwear since 1905. Seeing that rich tradition active on a modern job site reminded me exactly why I specialize in heritage brand photography. Through Makers Workshop, my mission is to document the dedication, craft, and quality of brands that value authenticity.
Seeing Red Wing side by side with F.L. Showalter—one of the oldest continuously operated construction companies in the Commonwealth of Virginia—felt like a perfect pairing. These are two historic names built on reliability, skill, and an undeniable pride in the work itself.
It was a day deeply rooted in community, local heritage, and the enduring value of well-made things. Whether shooting on a construction site or in a workshop, capturing the texture and grit of authentic craftsmanship is at the heart of my commercial brand photography.
