Why We Go - Rene
"In essence, my inspiration behind this project lies in the synergy between two essential elements: helping others with hearing disabilities and harnessing the therapeutic power of nature. By intertwining these aspects, I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with hearing impairments while promoting the importance of nature for mental health and well-being.”
"I find immense inspiration in the act of helping others, particularly those who face challenges related to hearing impairments. By shedding light on their experiences and advocating for their needs, I aim to foster a greater understanding and inclusivity within society. My project serves as a platform to educate and raise awareness, with the ultimate goal of empowering individuals with hearing disabilities to lead fulfilling lives and overcome any barriers they may encounter.”
"I have also witnessed firsthand the remarkable impact that nature can have on one"s mental health. The tranquil and awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world has the ability to soothe and rejuvenate the human spirit. Whether it"s taking a leisurely stroll through a lush forest, basking in the warmth of sunlight at a beach, or simply marveling at the grandeur of a majestic mountain range, immersing oneself in nature can provide solace and serve as a powerful form of therapy.”
"Through this project, I want to emphasize the significant role that nature plays in promoting mental well-being. By highlighting the positive effects of spending time outdoors, I hope to encourage others to incorporate nature into their lives as a means of finding solace, reducing stress, and nurturing their overall mental health. By combining the awareness of hearing disabilities with the healing potential of nature, this project strives to create a comprehensive and inclusive approach towards enhancing the well-being of individuals from all walks of life.”
"During the course of the project, I encountered a couple of challenges that required careful consideration and planning. Firstly, ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for charging camera batteries was one of my primary concerns. Recognizing the remote and potentially rugged nature of the shooting locations, I meticulously arranged for portable power solutions and backup batteries. This made sure that my equipment remained operational, allowing me to capture the essence of the project without any technical setbacks.”
"Secondly, being mindful of the local wildlife added an extra layer of responsibility to the project, particularly in the captivating setting of Big Bend National Park. Sharing the habitat with animals such as black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, and other native species demanded utmost respect and caution. To ensure the safety of both the team and the animals, we closely followed established guidelines and protocols set by the park authorities. This involved proper waste disposal, secure food storage, and adhering to restricted areas when necessary. By being conscious of the wildlife"s presence and understanding their behavior, we aimed to minimize our impact and maintain a harmonious coexistence with the natural inhabitants of the area.”
"Lastly, the unique shoot location posed the challenge of ensuring an adequate water supply for our survival. Situated in the Chihuahuan Desert, which spans the U.S./Mexico border, this arid environment demanded careful water management. We meticulously planned and packed enough water, considering the duration of the shoot and the needs of the team. As well as this we relied on expert advice and local knowledge to identify potential water sources along the way, to make sure we had contingency plans in place to supplement our supply if needed. By prioritizing water conservation and prudent usage, we aimed to strike a balance between our project"s requirements and the fragile ecosystem of the desert region.”
"In addition to the those challenges, another significant hurdle I encountered during the project was finding suitable shooting locations in each area while contending with extreme heat conditions. With temperatures reaching as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit, it was crucial to ensure the safety of the team and the integrity of the equipment in such extreme weather.”
"Another challenge that arose from working in remote areas was the lack of cellular service. This meant that we had limited or no communication capabilities, which posed logistical difficulties and potential safety concerns. To navigate this situation, we employed alternative communication methods, such as satellite phones and two-way radios, to stay connected with the team and maintain a reliable means of communication in case of emergencies.”
"For the project, I used the Blackmagic Mini Ursa 4.6K camera as well as the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. These two camera models offered distinct advantages and functionalities, along with the Miller Tripod Arrow. Coupled with the cameras I used 3 lenses, Rokinon Cine Lenses, the 16mm, 24mm and the 35mm. I choose these lenses because they are compact and lightweight and also if something were to happen (drop in canyon, falls in river, gets eaten by a Mexican Black bear) it won’t be too expensive to replace compared to if I were to use a more expensive bigger and bulkier lens. I do often use bigger and pricier lenses but trekking miles through the Chihuahuan desert makes you have to streamline and go smaller in order to keep weight down. I also carry the cameras, support gear and tripod. You’re lucky to get help if the budget allows or you have a good friend that wants to hang out for the experience.This allowed me to capture high-quality footage and bring my vision to life.”
"The editing process for the project involved collaboration with the skilled editors from Hydroflask. Their expertise and creativity played a crucial role in refining and enhancing the captured footage, bringing the project to its full potential.”
"Despite encountering a minor setback with an accidentally overcooked dinner during the evening, I genuinely really enjoyed the entire experience. The overall enjoyment and fulfillment I got from the project far outweighed the temporary disappointment of the culinary mishap!”
"From the the very start of the project, I found myself deeply engrossed and passionate about the goals and objectives it aimed to achieve. The opportunity to make a positive impact by raising awareness for individuals with hearing disabilities and emphasizing the healing power of nature was both inspiring and rewarding. Throughout the project, I embraced every moment, relishing the chance to contribute to a cause that resonated deeply with me.”