Lighting a Mountain A behind-the-scenes look at how Justin illuminates people and nature for a National Geographic story

The Brief

The National Geographic Magazine commissioned Justin to shoot a story about pre-historic humans in Tibet, following a team of archeologist digging for fossils in a high-altitude, dark, wet mountain cave.

Method

At his studio he studied photos shot by the archeologists and made technical plans to light up the mountain, cave, archeological work, and fossils. He brought my specialist remote-control lights to Tibet and turned the location into an open-air theatre.

Archeologist's Picture

Justin's Result

Justin's lights illuminated both the exterior of the mountain and inside the cave.

Archeologist's Picture

Justin's Result

Creating a natural, warming light inside a dark cave.

Archeologist's Picture

Justin's Result

He treated the fossil like high jewellery, giving it strong 3D lighting to bring out the texture of this ancient bone fossil.

Archeologist's Picture

Justin's Result

Working with people, he blends the existing lights from the headlights with strobes.

This on-going international photography project looks at how archeologists map out our past.

International recognition for Justin's work includes awards by Picture of the Year International, Magnum Foundation and Hansel-Mieth, Germany's renowned journalism prize, where in 2021 he was awarded top prizes for both writing and photography. Rijksmuseum of Amsterdam hosted his major solo-exhibition.

Appreciate