They Came

Behind the Scenes

An elaborate hands-on process combining dioramas, overhead projectors, and live performance – all captured in a single iPhone exposure.

The Method

Each image began as a physical set: cardboard cut-outs, household props and carefully aimed overhead projectors.

Live figures were placed inside the set and the whole thing was photographed in a single iPhone exposure, with selective colour added later. The limits were useful. If the UFO looked as though it came from a kitchen cupboard, that was because it did.

Ed Wood Jr. and 1950s invasion films were the permission slip. The visible seams are part of the work, not something that survived by accident.

Behind the scenes of They Came production showing diorama setup

The artist's studio setup showing the physical diorama, cutouts, and overhead projector arrangement used to create the series.

The Aesthetic

The eleven images form a loose story of invasion and reclamation. It is suburban anxiety dressed as B-movie camp, which is cheaper than therapy and photographs better.