In the previous article we discussed choosing the perfect camera for the beginner home photographer. It's to time to specify what the future holds and how to produce a professional movie with our new video camera.
The Future is Already Here
This time, for a change, it's not a cliché. In video, a field which changes at a very quick pace, the future is almost already here. In the whirlpool of changes there are technologies that pop up and it's clear to everyone that they are here to stay (like DV cameras) and technologies that exist that are here for the blink of an eye. The distinction between the two is very important. It isn't recommended to purchase a camera with promising technology, but with low compatibility to existing equipment like other cameras, tapes and editing systems.
The Future Belongs to the HDV Format
Today, at a relatively low price, a semi professional video camera can be purchased, which films at a much higher quality than that with which we are familiar. There are those who compare it to a cinema camera; the comparison is of course exaggerated, but the improvement in picture is significant. In colour, in the differences between bright parts and dark parts of the picture (contrast) and in the distinguishing of small details. In addition, it films in widescreen format.
Home cameras that film in High Definition are about to come out very soon. Most of the editing systems are already compatible, since the cameras film on regular DV tapes and connect to the computer by a usual FireWire cable. HDV cameras are already pretty much in use in the country and the pictures they produce extract admirable reactions.
On the other hand, the future is drawing away from the cameras that exist today, which record directly to DVD. The filmed DVD is not fully compatible with home players or to editing and the recording quality is relatively low because the recorded video is significantly compressed.
Up to this point technology, from here on out a little technique.
General Instructions
Correct filming has a few important rules:
Keep in mind that the viewer has no idea where the movie was filmed. The movie must be clear enough and deliver all the information we intend to supply, therefore the area in which the event is taking place must be filmed, in order to locate the viewer and only afterwards focus on the details.
Small cameras must be held in such a way that the size of the strap that circles the hand fits it. If not, the size of the strap can be fitted by stretching it.
The camera must be laid on the hand cushions, the thumb on the film button and the finger on the zoom button. The grasp must be easy and comfortable.
Ten Commandments for Professional Filming
1. I am the photographer - good filming gives the viewer the sense that the photographer has a say and that he planned the shoot and chose to show this picture intentionally. A good photographer examines, chooses a filming angle and then shoots. In the event there is need to correct while shooting, its best to move the camera gently as if the movement was planned in advance.
2. Use a tripod - the tripod prevents shakes and by using it the photographer is caused to choose a filming angle. The use of tripod is crucial when working with small cameras. Whoever feels that carrying an easel is awkward can use a monopod - an easel made out of one telescopic pole at the end of which there is a connector for the camera and is characterized by more comfortable sizes and weight.
3. Wait before filming - begin filming, count to five and only then simulate the beginning of the shot. As soon as the record button is pushed, a few seconds are passed until the camera begins to actually record.
4. Refrain from using the zoom while filming - the shot must be directed before beginning to film. In the event that the zoom is required while shooting, it must be done slowly and gently. We've all experienced the fatal results of watching a movie that was filmed while playing an aggressive game with the zoom button.
5. Take lighting into consideration - do not film an object on a background that is brighter than it. A background that is strongly lightened, such as a white wall, window, sky etc. will make the object look like a shadow. In order to film with such a background add reflected lighting (such as white polystyrene or cardboard wrapped with tin foil). If you don't have any - work with the camera in manual mode and open the shutter.
6. Film at the height of the eyes - a good shoot of people is created when the camera's lens is at the height of the eyes of the person that is filmed. In order to film kids, for instance, you must get down to their height. A character that is filmed from up high is minimized, while a character that is filmed from below receives terrifying proportions that are suitable for horror movies.
7. The height of the frame - in order to create correct balance in the picture, the object must be located correctly. There is often confusion due to the numbers that appear in the upper part of the camera's screen. But these numbers can be used as a tool. When filming a portrait, its best to locate the character so that the numbers appear on its forehead.
8. Practice - It important to practice camera movements. Like in every field, a successful shoot is a result of practice. Play with the camera, practice right and left movements, up and down, until you feel confident enough to combine them in the shoot.
9. Save raw material - There is no replacement for the quality of video recorded on the original tapes. They must be kept in a protected place and make sure to note on every tape the date and content of it. Make sure you save them even if you've transferred the material to DVD or to a regular tape. The original tapes will be used for editing and copies in the future.
10. Stay focused on the shoot - breathe in a relaxed and steady manner. Breathing creates movements in the body which appear in the shoot. Narration is added when editing, the photographer is not a narrator. It's best not to conduct idle conversation when filming. Try to have another person assist you who will direct you with the equipment and help you in choosing the theme of the shoot.
Planning the Shoot
A little director is hidden in each and every one of us. It all depends on perception. It's very easy to pull out the camera and shoot. It's much easier to observe, think about what we are interested in filming and only then - shoot. Why is the second method easier? Because in this way we film only what we are really interested in, it's easy to watch a filmed movie and in fact, it doesn't? require any special resources - only a minute of thought in advance.
After a small practice a step can be taken forward in planning the entire scene, including shooting angles, towards editing. It's a simple method: lets say the scene is about a trip to the country. We're in a wooded area, looking at the amazing blossom with all of the family members.
How would we have filmed this? Exactly as if we would describe the trip to friends in words:
1. First Shot - Setting the Location: here we would show the viewer where we are. The picture is wide, so that we could see as much of the filmed environment as possible. This kind of shot is called a long shot.
2. Second Shot - the Characters: make it clear who the characters in the scene are. Here we would get close to the family, best not while filming. The professionals change the angle of the shoot, and focus on half of the body, from the waist up. It's best to go through the characters while moving right or left. This movement is called panning and the shot is called a medium shot or midshot.
3. Last Shot - the Object: in the end, the object observed by the family must be showed - the flowers. Here we'll bring an especially close picture of the flower, maybe even with an observing face in the background. This kind of shot is called closeup.
Depth
In order to create a rich frame. It's best to organize the picture so that it is layered. When a filmed object is amongst objects, for instance the face observing the flowers: film as if the flower is at the front of the frame, the face in the middle and in the back and in a blur a little of the trees of the woods could be seen.
|