Creating Rachel Clearman’s “Burnt Out”
Music Visuals in my Pensacola Studio
When singer-songwriter Rachel Clearman reached out about filming a music video for her new single “Burnt Out,” I knew this project would be something special. Rachel is a Pensacola native now making waves in Nashville, and every release shows more depth, intention, and confidence in her artistry. We’ve worked together before—I shot the cover art for her last album—so stepping back into a creative space with her again felt natural. This video marks an exciting step toward her upcoming EP set to release in early 2026.
As a Pensacola-based photographer and filmmaker, I’m always looking for opportunities to push boundaries and create work that feels saturated, bright, edgy, alternative, and emotionally honest. This project checked all those boxes.
Concept & Approach
The concept for “Burnt Out” was built around simplicity—stripping everything down so Rachel’s presence, emotion, and performance could take center stage. I wanted to show her with her guard down, capturing that raw honesty she carries so well.
To create a unique visual style, I shot the main performance five separate times using the DJI Pocket 3 mounted overhead, giving us consistent movement and a mesmerizing top-down perspective. This vantage point let me build a visual rhythm that syncs perfectly with the mood of the track—intimate, vulnerable, and a little haunting.
The second angle came from the Canon R6 Mark II, where I captured all the close-up details: the textures of her outfit, the emotion shifting across her face, the subtle nuances that make a performance feel real.
In post-production, I blended these two perspectives—cropping, recomposing, and layering—to keep the viewer engaged while still keeping the spotlight firmly on Rachel.
Lighting, Atmosphere & Aesthetic
For lighting, I used a single 2’x4’ gridded LED panel overhead. The goal was to sculpt Rachel with a soft but directional glow, creating contrast while still highlighting her features.
To add depth and character, I introduced a bit of haze into the room and shot with a bloom filter. This combination softened the highlights, introduced dreamy halation, and brought a warmth and texture that matched the emotional tone of the song.
The final look reflects what I’m known for here in Pensacola’s creative scene:
Saturated and bold
Bright but moody
Alternative and edgy
Deeply connected to the subject
Raw, honest, and unguarded
My goal is always to showcase artists the way they feel inside—not just how they look on camera.
A Solo Production From Start to Finish
This entire project, from concept development to shooting, editing, and directing, was a solo production. I love working this way. It keeps the creative energy focused, nimble, and personal. When it’s just me and the artist in the room, the connection becomes stronger, and the work reflects that intimacy.
I’m grateful Rachel trusts me with her vision as her audience grows and her songwriting evolves. Being part of her artistic world again was truly special, and I can’t wait to see how this song and her EP resonate when it’s released in 2026.
