Colorado-based photographer and filmmaker Sean F Boggs’ recent work for PBS show Humans: The World Within captures a diverse cast of people with fascinating stories. The show, which is now streaming on NETFLIX, is a five-episode docu-series that explores the human body’s inner workings through human-centered-personal stories.
Sean was recommended for the project by the show’s Director of Photography, Walter Mather. The recommendation, his experience documenting people, and his ability to capture both still and motion work ultimately landed him the gig.
This was Sean’s first time working with both PBS and NETFLIX. He enjoyed the camaraderie amongst the crew while working closely with the team to capture both still and motion clips during filming.
I loved working with this crew! Everyone got a random nickname based on an animal, and mine was “Flying Squirrel.”
Filming for these episodes took place in several locations in the American West, primarily Denver, Colorado, and Utah. While shooting in Utah, Sean and the crew had to deal with unexpected circumstances like the extreme heat and an ant infestation.
I killed my breaks using the AC to cool down between shoots and had to drive from Western Utah to central Colorado with no breaks! We also had a crazy ant infestation and had to get used to them crawling all over us. Our guide said, “don’t squish them, they communicate, and they’ll all start fighting you!”
The show’s diverse talent included Survivalist Cat Bigney, Navajo Ultramarathoner Shaun Martin, U.S figure skaters Danny O’Shea and Tarah Kayne, and Flor de Aguileña, an all-female Mexican Escaramuza Charra team based in Denver.
I really enjoyed shooting the Charras from Denver and learned to work with a wide variety of cultures and people on these shoots.
While the show itself goes pretty in-depth into how our brain and body react and adapt to various circumstances, Sean’s imagery shows us a glimpse into the show and the lives of the incredible human beings being featured.
Sean spent decades working primarily on still photography, but over the years, his focus has changed. The demand for motion work has increased exponentially, and he has been honing his skills with documentary shows like this one, finding a new passion for the film industry.
I’m now Director of Photography for a Documentary about Salt Flats Motorcycle racing and have shot for a show on Netflix. I love learning all the new stuff that comes with producing motion. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
See more of Sean’s work on his website.
Credits:
Photographer and Filmmaker: Sean F Boggs
Director of Photography: Walter Mather
Executive Producer: Charlie Marquart, Picture Island Entertainment, Inc.
Producer: Mariah Wilson
Clients: PBS and NETFLIX
Further Reading:
Read more articles about Sean F. Boggs on our blog.
Read more articles related to social documentary shoots on our blog.
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