Here you will find what I consider the basics one needs to know to get started with video DSLR journalism. Feel free to contact me with questions, and drop back from time to time as I will be updating the content frequently.
GENERAL NOTES
- Taking time into consideration:
As photographers you might not be used to the element of time which is not usually part of a photographers process since the end result is a static image. However when shooting video the element of time is crucial to being able to create a scene. Shots rarely can stand alone. Unless its an establishing shot or a timelapse most shots need extra shots in order to edit together and make a scene.
Understanding the element of time and mastering it will make your transition from photo to video much easier.
Some things to remember in regards to time:
- Dont be shy ask people to do things twice, it is hard to get the right shot immediately so dont be shy ask people to to do things several times. Usually the subject will sympathize with your desire for a better shot and will accomodate you easily. Another important reason to do this is so that you can get the shot from another angle. This will dramatically improve the scene when editing. For example when someone is opening a door and wlks through it. If you do not ask the person to open the door and walk through it a second time, you will only have 1 angle of the shot. ie. from behind (over the shoulder shot). If you ask the person to walk through the door a second time, you can shoot the second take from the other side of the door, thus having a second angle of the person walking into the door from the other side facing the camera. This way when editing the cut can join the two shots and a much more cohesive and continuous scene can be made. Obviously this applies to things like opening and closing: windows, doors, closets, reaching for phones, tools etc.
Here is an example from Yanni's Biliris truck story, his background as an editor has given the foresight to shoot things that can then easily be edited together.
- Another thing to remember is dont be afraid to go back to the same place on a second day to enrich your shots. The audience does not know that your shots might be done on separate days. Thus if for whatever reason you might have forgotten to get some Close-Ups, details, audio, or something that you might have thought of after watching your footage (dailies), go back to your location and collect the remaining footage. You will regret it later if you don't, knowing that the scene would have been better had you had that extra shot.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Folding the Production Process - Audio - Video - Audi - Video
- Folding the production process:
As a one man show you are essentially not just a photographer anymore, you are a digital media producer of the 21st century. The tools at anyones availability right now are such that with a little training, operating the camera, and the audio recorder is something that you will get used to, but there is a trick in making this simpler than it sounds.
Here are some things to keep in mind that will make things simpler.
FOLD THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
Audio - Video - Audio - video
- Dont try to do everything at once, take your time and choose one medium to work with at a time.
Start with audio when you are dealing with potential human subjects so as not to be as intimidating. An audio recorder is much less intimidating than a camera, and it will allow you to get closer to your subjects at the early stages of introduction. Bring your camera with you if you must, but this step will allow you to get familiar with your subject and place.
Use the recorder to record sounds that are characteristic to the place, and in this case also record the source of the sound if possible.
if your subject is human, have them tell you whatever they find relevant and interesting to your subject matter. This will be useful for you to get inspired as to what to shoot so as to match the audio with images and footage.
Having recorder the audio you can now proceed with shooting video and stills. DONT DO THEM SIMULTANEOUSLY. Switching back and forth between video and stills is tricky since there are different settings for each and flipping back and forth between the two can be very confusing, so set out to do one or the other. This will allow you to focus on the particular medium and get the best results. Use the audio that you recorded as a guide to the images you select to make, this will tighten your piece and again will help and improve your piece in the edit room.
Now you have recorded the audio and have gone out and shot video to "dress" the audio. As you review the material you will most likely notice gaps. Video that you shot that does not have audio to go with it and Audio without images to "dress" it with. Take notes of things you would like to cover on your next outing, then repeat the previous steps till you feel you have covered the subject and scene. By "folding" the process and deciding what medium you are going to focus on, you can break the media-collection process down into manageable steps that don't overwhelm you in the field.
You could begin with the camera in situations where you are comfortable and familiar with your subject, however starting with audio is a great way to get acquainted with your subject matter.
- Setting up to shoot a scene:
No matter whether you are shooting an interview, entering a new place, or following someone around, there are standard ways to create scenes and establish a sense of location to your audience. It is usually done by following a "stepping in to the subject" and then "stepping out".
In other words:
"shooting wide establishing shot - Medium shot - CU and Extreme CU - Medium Shot - Wide establishing shot"
This is obviously a very extensive coverage of a scene and you can get away with a lot less coverage, however its better to have more than less
- dont forget to shoot close ups of the details in the scene,
- cut ins and cataways an also be useful, so for example if you are shooting an on camera interview, cut to their hands, their feet moving, their sweat on the neck, their tattoo, their alligator who is crawling on their feet , their shaking arm, and anything you may find interesting.
As a one man show you are essentially not just a photographer anymore, you are a digital media producer of the 21st century. The tools at anyones availability right now are such that with a little training, operating the camera, and the audio recorder is something that you will get used to, but there is a trick in making this simpler than it sounds.
Here are some things to keep in mind that will make things simpler.
FOLD THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
Audio - Video - Audio - video
- Dont try to do everything at once, take your time and choose one medium to work with at a time.
Start with audio when you are dealing with potential human subjects so as not to be as intimidating. An audio recorder is much less intimidating than a camera, and it will allow you to get closer to your subjects at the early stages of introduction. Bring your camera with you if you must, but this step will allow you to get familiar with your subject and place.
Use the recorder to record sounds that are characteristic to the place, and in this case also record the source of the sound if possible.
if your subject is human, have them tell you whatever they find relevant and interesting to your subject matter. This will be useful for you to get inspired as to what to shoot so as to match the audio with images and footage.
Having recorder the audio you can now proceed with shooting video and stills. DONT DO THEM SIMULTANEOUSLY. Switching back and forth between video and stills is tricky since there are different settings for each and flipping back and forth between the two can be very confusing, so set out to do one or the other. This will allow you to focus on the particular medium and get the best results. Use the audio that you recorded as a guide to the images you select to make, this will tighten your piece and again will help and improve your piece in the edit room.
Now you have recorded the audio and have gone out and shot video to "dress" the audio. As you review the material you will most likely notice gaps. Video that you shot that does not have audio to go with it and Audio without images to "dress" it with. Take notes of things you would like to cover on your next outing, then repeat the previous steps till you feel you have covered the subject and scene. By "folding" the process and deciding what medium you are going to focus on, you can break the media-collection process down into manageable steps that don't overwhelm you in the field.
You could begin with the camera in situations where you are comfortable and familiar with your subject, however starting with audio is a great way to get acquainted with your subject matter.
- Setting up to shoot a scene:
No matter whether you are shooting an interview, entering a new place, or following someone around, there are standard ways to create scenes and establish a sense of location to your audience. It is usually done by following a "stepping in to the subject" and then "stepping out".
In other words:
"shooting wide establishing shot - Medium shot - CU and Extreme CU - Medium Shot - Wide establishing shot"
This is obviously a very extensive coverage of a scene and you can get away with a lot less coverage, however its better to have more than less
- dont forget to shoot close ups of the details in the scene,
- cut ins and cataways an also be useful, so for example if you are shooting an on camera interview, cut to their hands, their feet moving, their sweat on the neck, their tattoo, their alligator who is crawling on their feet , their shaking arm, and anything you may find interesting.
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