On Set in Central Virginia: Production Photography with Lionheart FilmWorks
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.
