I don’t think the photos can ever really capture exactly what it’s like on a film shoot. Somehow, the camera always manages to make it look like a serene, beautiful affair, and completely misses the thrill of leaving the house in the pitch darkness, the breathtaking moment of the sun rising over the horizon as you’re singing. Or the sleeplessness of getting up before 4:30 so you can be at the location with enough time to set up before the light is just right for filming.

Some of the places we film at need a bit of hiking to get to. Lo, How a Rose was nearly 20 minutes from the car, stumbling over a darkened path, pushing through clinging bushes to get to the white gum trees in time to set up. For Connemara Cradle Song, filmed quite near that stand of white gums actually, it was more of a case of shimmying round jutting rocks, edging along the river bank, and trying not to overbalance into the water with all the equipment.

Every time we go out, I have to wonder why on earth my team keeps coming with me. All through the long cold winter when our toes froze in our boots and our misty breaths could be seen on camera. All the early mornings, the windy days, the awkward locations. Connemara Cradle Song wasn’t an awkward shoot by any means. It was a little windy, but sunny and warm. One of the best we’ve had. But it still meant getting up fantastically early to be there to capture the glory of a sunrise over the river.

Filming Connemara Cradle Song was special as well because my dad was able to be there as well. Most of the time it’s just us girls and Mum out in the pre-dawn darkness. We work very well together after over a year of producing these videos. But it’s a completely different matter having Dad along. As a member of Team Elvis, his job appears to be to crack jokes, bust a dance move or two, and enjoy himself like he’s on a picnic.

This week’s behind the scenes has a lot of him in them. I’m never quite sure what’s gone on behind the camera until I get back and take a look at the footage. It captures so many magic moments that I would otherwise have missed if it wasn’t for putting these behind the scenes videos together. I think they’re some of my favourites. I hope you enjoy them too!