If we look at this unit from three aspects , the What went well, What didn't and What could be improved.
So what went well?
I think understanding the camera more is a given, it was good just to use the camera on my own without a wider group. I don't mean that in a bad way, more I could just focus on its use, make mistakes , trial and error in short just play with it without a time - peer pressure.
Shots in and around the Squirrel required a more stealthy quiet approach as to not distract or alert it to my presence despite having a zoom lens at hand. I think as a camera operator being invisible and a quiet as you can be to the subject is a skill. I am not saying I am by any means proficient at this, or that I am a form of camera ninja, but I feel I was largely successful here.
The back and foreground focus levels worked really well , the outputs were exactly as I envisioned. With what seems a series of simple shots, I feel I have learned a lot here.
Colour grading, really went well too, a bit better that I thought to be honest. Do I have showreel quality shots, I think I do, and I am particularly happy with the Squirrel at the tree, he's centre frame and the jump off at the end is a nice shot to close at.
What didn't go so well.
Picking a specialism, I found it quite daunting and wrestled with what to to , probably took too long in fairness. Once I chose it, it still felt too broad, how could I prove I can use a camera, what am I going to do and how. I narrowed it down by accident, I was randomly watching Blade Runner(2017) and picked up on the back and foreground out of focus shots, so I decided this was an aspect I wanted to draw out.
I tripped up a bit using the camera and the use of the focus ring, it was my approach and application which cause me a bit of confusion and lost time on the " set".
Some of the shots I wrote off mainly because I just couldn't satisfy myself that they were good enough, plus they felt boring to me. I left the drone footage out, I need a bit more flight time as the movement was not smooth enough, panning felt was a bit too abrupt . This has an upside as you learn from these issues, even in short amounts as it's more time with the camera. It's good to know what's good and what's not good enough at the end of the day.
Time management always seems to catch me out, it's an easy one to throw in but it does creep up on me. I need to step back and plan more and be more rigid in my approach especially as I move to a final submission.
Security- Risk assessment, there was a number of times people came over to "ask questions" which is fine but there is expensive equipment present and potential trip hazards. I can't be watching them or the rest of my equipment whilst filming. So there was a few unplanned stop starts. I did draw the attention of a group of lads on bikes, but they kept their distance. I was also accompanied , however it did make me feel uneasy. It's one to always consider when filming in an open environment
What could be improved?
On reflection It's too short, but I didn't want to over play my hand here, as it was more about camera use than the subject matter. However, I would have liked more intriguing shots such as :-
People moving their way through the park, their interactions with themselves and nature
More animals, say swans and ducks, bring out their definition and textures
Exploit the lenses more, really hone in on their capabilities, how can they influence the ambience etc of the shot
Comments