Music to Life Song of the Week: The Hanging Tree by James Newton Howard

I first heard this song sung by Jennifer Lawrence from the movie, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay,” and almost instantly I knew what my next concept was going to be for my Music to Life Conceptual Photography series. It’s not a literal interpretation of the song, but powerful nonetheless. I envisioned a girl imprisoned in tree roots, and although it looks bleak for her, her life force is giving strengthening all the plant life around her.

How I Shot It

This was shot in San Diego, California at Sunset Cliffs. There’s an area there where the tree roots are exposed and it was the perfect location to shoot my concept. Shannon, the model, wasn’t actually entwined in the roots, however. She sat up against the dirt and positioned herself in front of the roots, and later on in photoshop, I placed the roots on top of her. The roots were already there, I just need to erase parts of her body to make it look like she was trapped underneath them.

Play “The Hanging Tree”

If you’re interested in shooting a Music to Life series image, message me at contact@jimmybuiphotography.com and don’t forget to visit my website and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Thank you so much!