Loren Miller Bar Association - 50th Anniversary Keynote Film

As one of the Directors of Photography for the 50th Anniversary Keynote Film of the Loren Miller Bar Association (LMBA), I found myself immersed in the pivotal history of civil rights in Seattle. Under the astute direction of Nils Cowan, and with production leadership from Hemlock Productions LLC, we set out to capture the profound narratives of legendary civil rights activists whose stories weave the fabric of our community's progress.

One technical challenge presented itself in the form of reflective windows which served as the backdrop for our interviews. These reflective surfaces, while visually intriguing, threatened to overshadow our subjects. However, with careful lighting techniques, employing large sources such as the ARRI S-60 skypanel positioned strategically overhead, we combated the glare and embraced the ambient light. The skypanel's robust illumination allowed us to balance the interior light with the brightness of the day, ensuring our subjects were seen not just in the literal sense but in the weight of their presence and history they carry.

The film serves as a testament to the LMBA's enduring mission. For half a century, the LMBA has stood as a beacon of progress—a Washington statewide organization that is the local affiliate of the National Bar Association (NBA), the oldest minority bar and the largest collective of African-American attorneys in the nation. Through this film, we celebrated the LMBA's steadfast dedication to improving social and economic welfare, fostering exemplary relations between the legal profession and the community, and its vibrant role in leading and networking to address the complex, multifaceted issues faced by the community it serves.

Through my lens, I aimed to not only document but to honor the LMBA's 50 years of thriving efforts and its unwavering commitment to legal excellence and community advocacy. It was more than a filming assignment; it was an opportunity to reflect on the organization's remarkable history.