Video Journalism - DSLR notes

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.