See the FULL STORY at www.stuckincustoms.com/2010/01/29/the-secret-lair-of-hans…
I Approach my Quarry!
Six days ago I was up at 3 AM, listening to Hans Zimmer while editing photos, and then I had an idea for a project with him, so I made a blog post. Now, less than a week later, I was in his studio in California!
For those of you that don’t know who Hans Zimmer is, he’s, like, the Liger of composers. He did the soundtrack for The Dark Knight, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lion King, Gladiator, Sherlock Holmes, and many more! In fact, back when I was in college and had a double major in Computer Science and Geophyisics (I dropped the Geophysics bit after a fight with the professor), I commandeered the SGI machine in the Geology department to make a computer animation, and I set the whole thing to one of Zimmer’s songs from Backdraft called "Burn it All". So, in short, I’ve had Hans Zimmer’s music in my head for about 20 years.
The Story of How I Got Into Hans Zimmer’s Studio
It’s because of you! We have millions of visits here on the blog every month, and you all know how thankful I am for your repeat patronage. It’s tough to get a pretty photo up every day, and I thank you for all your feedback! So, when I put out the call in my newsletter, I got a ton of responses. My math-guess was that I was one or two degrees away from Hans, especially since there are many creative-types that are regular visitors.
Also, many of you hyper-active types (like me!) talk to me, ask questions, and follow me on Twitter — thank you for being responsive to real-time requests and news.
About an hour after I sent out the newsletter at midnight, I got a response from a German gentleman (name private) who is friends with Hans! In fact, he told me he was going to see Hans the next day at his studio near Hollywood! He did a few things to help out, and, although I could not meet Hans today, I did get an amazing opportunity to take photos of his studio. I knew I could make his studio look the way it feels — I had a sublime confidence I could make it happen. Anyway, I was like a kid in a candy store. I got a ton of shots… I only had time to process four of them.
Hans Zimmer’s Studio
I don’t know if words do it justice, but I hope these photos do.
The studio is even bigger than I thought, and I was reminded of the Crimson Lounge in Chicago. In fact, I pulled up the image on my laptop there on the table to compare textures and light. I thought everything worked well together — the decadence and richness of the decorations integrated with the technology. I don’t know if there is a word for such a look… It’s something out of a Phillip Pullman novel, somewhere between Steampunk and Techno-boudoir. Again, words fail.
The first two photos I have placed on Flickr. You can click on them to go to Flickr and then zoom into the full-res size. Amazing details — especially in the chair photo. I’ll post more in coming weeks, months, and years, as usual. So, stay tuned in my this ongoing quest!
from Trey Ratcliff at www.stuckincustoms.com
Lovely interior shot!
Here are the other shots:
i can smell the scotch and cigars from here… rich imagery
very nice atmosphere and great perspective. the textures came out well.
Gorgeous, Trey. Thanks for letting us take a peek into the "Lair of the Liger!"
perfectly framed and the warmness of the image is just contagious!
So whats the deal Trey. Your the image master and he’s the musical master! I take it somehow you want to combine the two for a spectacular show of somekind?! (ie put some music to the photos in some format)
The image is incredible by the way.
That is amazing news! Go Trey!!
Wonderful interior photo and a great story!
That’s quite a large amount of electronics for making music – interesting to think of what a voice and 1 guitar can do, in contrast.
hehe thanks… d norwood funny
Kieran — no no – I don’t know anything about playing music… My son plays piano, but that is about it.
I guess I’ll have to stay tuned. I was thinking this Hans would do the music somehow although if your son is a maestro all the better!
Wonderful place to relax. Textures and details pop up perfectly, I can almost feel, like I am there already. I just need a book, perhaps one from your list, Trey…
P.s.: I see small KungFu Panda on left side!
Great.
wow, what a great studio, and great shot, is that your laptop on the table with another shot showing ?
wow tons of electronic gadetry… imagine all the wires hidden behind the recesses… I wonder if he has to reboot occasionally…
Great shot, with great textures and details..
Thanks all
Yes that is my laptop !
I love the macbook in the pic !!!
Woooow so we finally see your laptop… well I guess I have to give me an oportunity to hear at his music…
your shot? Amazing as always!
Most Excellent Photo!!
One day if I grow up I to will have robots guardian my fireplace
Amazing as always…enough said!
[ via Julien Denoyer's contacts on flickriver --Julien Denoyer ]
This is great, thanks!!! I especially love Gladiator and Pirates of the Caribbean 3 soundtracks – I listen to them all the time.
Fantastic Trey…love the rich texture and hot colours!
Amazing symmetry btw…
Congrats!
Thats stunning Trey. Awesome colors and processing, very moody. Impressive studio lounge indeed.
Wow fantastic post.
Absolutely amazing views. "Wow" at Hans Zimmer studio. Lighting, textures, colours – everything is conveyed in a way to feel the inspirational side of masterpieces by H.Zimmer. OT: my fav is Rainman OST
wow, he really can be VERY inspired !!
Wow, incredible series here Trey!
Love the post work on this – a most excellent shot!
Very cool. You’ve got a great following and thats awesome how it worked out. Looks like a cool place to hang out. Nice work as always!
You captured the warmth and old-world feel perfectly.
The beauty of life is freedom, that of choosing a successful and when you step involves, on the ground and the person with the right parameters are equally distributed, and that catches my attention, for its beauty, and my having the last laugh in every detail, and if you find my comment is so good.
Wonderful lair
Well captured and thanks for the information.
Wow, this is awesome! I am a huge Hans Zimmer fan, listening to the Rock soundtrack now!
Can you post a larger size of the opposite side with the piano?
Great subject/location and your images, as always, complimenting it wonderfully. An insight into another’s world, otherwise, never seen.
Beyond awesome!
Amazing series! I am in Moog Analogue Heavan! WOW! Now this is a studio!
Damn…
I need one of these setups at my home
That is way too cool of an opportunity. It stands to reason a place as magical as this would have an actual wood burning fireplace,
I see Kung Fu Panda, Tom Cruises helmet from Last Samurai and a poster of Maria from Metropolis in the main photo.
TA
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Seen in my contacts’ photos. (?)
Lovely interior shot!
Looks very cozy!
Congratulations on Explore, this is unique
b>Post this magnificent shot to the Exemplary Shots – Flickr’s BEST GROUP
Exemplary Shots – Flickr’s BEST (Post 1 Award 3)
Please JOIN US and post this wonderful picture !!!
***SCREAM OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER***
B> THIS IS YOUR INVITATION!!
You have been invited to post your photo
at Better Than Good.
By accepting this invitation, you agree to
comment on 2 other images in the group pool.
Please share this wonderful picture with the group b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l (award2)
Yeah, Hans’ studio is crazy!
Beautiful shots in there, seems like he has EVEN MORE Moog modules than when I was there about 2 years ago.
Wow! All these shots are fantastic Trey – what a cool place!!
One word, Spectacular!!!
Oh my gosh ~ this is A M A Z I N G ~ just looked at every little detail in original size and I’m amazed. I’d love to see the other side of the room with the piano posted so we can view it in its original size too! (Hint-Hint) Also, the image that is on your laptop looks like it is an intriguing shot as well. You moved it (lap top) for the piano shot I see. (:
amazing experience! great story and shot!
That was a wicked place!
Cool shot also, btw.
Wonderful deep red colours Trey!
Awesome Trey, glad I could help! Peter
These are fantastic! Congrats on the photo op.
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Seen in my contacts’ photos. (?)
Gorgeous shots man. Pretty awesome you were able to get into his studio!
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Seen in my contacts’ photos. (?)