My Videos - Learng and Making Them

[daniyal]

Good clean audio is very difficult unless you got someone specifically to just man the audio. For recording a feed off the mixer, the golden rule is to arrive early and do a mic test to ensure the levels are optimal.

Hotshoe shotgun mics are generally cardioid or hypercardioid patterns which reject sounds from the sides. However, this is not a 100% thing. The thing is when used with a DSLR with auto-gain, it doesn't produce as much noise as it would without the hotshoe mic. And to add on, if you edit with a music track, the noise is almost unnoticeable. It's still there, but it's unnoticeable, so it's still acceptable. Unless you're doing interviews where 0 noise is a must, the noise is fine for a wedding video, depending on your editing style.

hamanoshun>>> Thanks for your inputs and comments. You have just sealed it! Meaning, whatever I learned for the past months by myself, it is correct. Now need to be thick skin, and going to send out emails to few companies who might be interested in a newbie as a back up videographer.

 

[daniyal]

frozentomtom>>> Sorry. I was refering to the thumb screw with flippable wing. No need to bring your screwdrivers along. When I go to hardware stores, they sell these.

 

[hamanoshun]

frozentomtom>>> Sorry. I was refering to the thumb screw with flippable wing. No need to bring your screwdrivers along. When I go to hardware stores, they sell these.

This is called a wing nut.

Anyway, another tip for the video, no camera shake should be allowed, it makes your footage look very amateurish.

 

[joryan]

This is called a wing nut.

Anyway, another tip for the video, no camera shake should be allowed, it makes your footage look very amateurish.

I totally agree.

 

[daniyal]

Thanks joryan and hamanoshun. I would take note of that.

 

[daniyal]

It has been quite a while since I last posted. Been busy with reservist, Hari Raya and work.

In the meantime, I was reading up about time-lapse. Was learning and figuring out how to incorporate time-lapse into video. Was inspired by fellow forumer, PettyPoh, on his time-lapse works.

Came across this video, Lion City.

My jaws dropped. I was breathless. My hearts pumping as though I got asthma. I even had goosebumps.

Hope you guys enjoy this as much as I did.

[video=vimeo;49753231]http://vimeo.com/49753231[/video]

 

[pettypoh]

hey bro, you say like that i very paiseh lah

keith's timelapse video is very good stuff

i think keith is based in singapore =D you can go vimeo and post question ... maybe he's in CS as well?

 

[daniyal]

pettypoh>>> Dun be paiseh. I meant it.

Keith's works is fantastic. In fact, I have followed him in Vimeo for the past 2 months. Only this clip was close to my heart (because it is Singapore) and it opened up my eyes on his other works. This one beats the rest!

 

[daniyal]

29th September 2012

Recently, my riding budding offered me to cover his company Dinner and Dance event. I turned him down even though he is willing to pay me quite handsomely. I dun think I am capable to shoot Dinner and Dance event just yet. I would not want to spoil his event and his company image.

I was lucky enough when my working colleague engaged me for his Hari Raya Class Reunion. I jumped at the opportunity to learn about shooting an event. As usual, I will be sharing my mistakes or areas that I should improve and you guys could avoid if you are doing your own gig.

WHITE BALANCE
- My white balance was inconsistent due to the lighting of the ball-room. I realised it when I was editing. DARN!!!
- Pay attention to the lights!!

AUDIO RECORDING
- I just dun believe it. Along the way to the event venue, I dropped by SPC and Shell petrol station. THEY DUN SELL 9V BATTERY!!! I can't use my shot-gun mic.
- I have to rely on Canon 60D internal audio system, which I think the results is pretty decent. But you need to crank the recording level down to 25% if not, it will pick up the room noise and those high pitch sounds terribly.
- Brought along my Zoom H4N but forget to press record!!
- Moral of the story is Always Prepare One Day Before and Dun Be Complacent. Another thing, Dun Rush Yourself even you are doing it all alone.

STABILIZER
- I think I am getting pretty good with the stabilizer shots. The key is to balance your set-up properly. It might take some time. Once you tune it up properly, the rest of the day will be solid.
- DO NOT do stabilizer shot from outside of the ballroom to inside of the ballroom or vice versa. OR from bright place to well lit place. You will get bad footage due to your camera settings with respect to ISO and Aperture.

ANTICIPATE ANTICIPATE
- Don't forget to anticipate. I believe after shooting 3 weddings, if you are not video shooting a controlled story, 80% of the time, you should be anticipating what could happen next.
- It is best to work closely with the organisor or the host for the day. To tie things up. But for this event, things were not going according to plan with respect to time keeping, performances and you do need to study the crowd in order to make your job easier.

JUMP CUTS -EDIT
- I tried something which I have learned via the internet. A complete flow of actions which you have to cut them up or make them jump to end faster. Look out for it @ 02:25min. Let me know what you think.

BASE PLATES
- Get a standardized set of base plates. So you need not to remove and fix different base plate for different set up. For my case, it was the tripod and stabilizer. Getting a standardized base plates really helps. Which I will be doing it very soon to standardize my set up between tripods, stabilizers, sliders and crane set-up.

Hope you enjoy the fun video as much as I enjoyed video-shot it. Comments and scrutinizations are greatly welcomed!




[youtubehd]UzvJ1KYIGpE[/youtubehd]

 

[eleveninth]

can't see the video.

 

[daniyal]

eleveninth>>> Fixed liao.

 

[pettypoh]

looks good, i think you have been garnering up lots of experiences .. thanks for sharing the "what works" and "what to watch out for" techniques

music is good match for the event, i agree recorded sound's a bit off but then again ... for such events, maybe having too professional audio may not be optimal either (as in it might feel too "corporate" instead?)

your first shot - focus system - you were using stabiliser and focusing at same time? bit shaky, probably coz it was focused up close. any better way to do the focusing? for this type of shots, i will use tripod and focus on object, then manually unfocus it ... then reverse the shot in post, but make sure there's no people activity in the background (otherwise they will be walking backwards)

i think one improvement would be to collect more "b-roll" (is that the correct term?) and also capture more alternative angle shots to a "single scene" - then during editing, you can switch the views around .... but of course the challenge is "manpower and equipment"

well done and keep it up bro

btw, the games and performances look super farnie ... i loved the one with the singer on stage and his fans bring him a pot of plants (instead of flowers) =D

 

[joryan]

Daniyal,

I believe you had a blast making this video. Good job in capturing the atmosphere and sharing it with us.

Just a few comments if I may:

1. Good use of the stabilizer!
2. Some earlier scenes were abit shaky. Did you use the monopod?
3. The jump cut edit wasn't very obvious because there was not much motion in that scene. If I am not wrong, it is better used when you want to "cut short" a movement from point A to point B.
4. I could see the camera wasn't level at some scenes. Was that made in purpose? I hope you don't go into the Mediacorp style where they like to tilt the camera from left to right then right to left during all their live shows! I remember they did it during one of the NDP when they went close up to the then President Nathan. I find it so disrecpectful to the President.
5. I would prefer you go near the stage for some of the shots. I can see the same angle and same position for most the video.

Keep them coming!

 

[daniyal]

your first shot - focus system - you were using stabiliser and focusing at same time? bit shaky, probably coz it was focused up close. any better way to do the focusing? for this type of shots, i will use tripod and focus on object, then manually unfocus it ... then reverse the shot in post, but make sure there's no people activity in the background (otherwise they will be walking backwards)
- I was using the stabiliser as a monopod. That didn't work well. But that was the best shot I could use. I will do the same thing as you mentioned. In fact, this time, I was trying to work light. Bringing small number of equipments and maximizing them. I only brought a tripod and a stabiliser. I would love to bring all my equipments but I dun think it is practical. Least, I did max out all the possibles usage of the equipment that I brought along.

i think one improvement would be to collect more "b-roll" (is that the correct term?) and also capture more alternative angle shots to a "single scene" - then during editing, you can switch the views around .... but of course the challenge is "manpower and equipment"
- Yupz. "B-roll" / "Cut-aways" / "Fillers". So many terms just to describe one kind of cut. I, myself, not really familiar with the terms but basically, that's what you need in a story. So your audience won't be bored.
- You are RIGHT on the "capture more alternative angle shots to a single scene". It adds volume to your end product, I would say.
- Yes. It is challenging to do a one man show. But I would say it can be done. It is just that I did not know what to expect.

btw, the games and performances look super farnie ... i loved the one with the singer on stage and his fans bring him a pot of plants (instead of flowers) =D
- Hahhhaha..Total, there were 5 karaoke contestants. It all started with a flower which leads to another and another until the pot of plants. Hahahha. This is when as you can see I anticipated kinda late. I would expect the same thing flowers but when I look away from my camera, they were carrying a pot of plants. 20% Planned shots. 80% Anticipation.

2. Some earlier scenes were abit shaky. Did you use the monopod?
- I was using the stabilizer as a monopod. Did not turn out that well. Mine was MotionPro Stabilizer. Maybe I should look at Wondlan stabilizer. That is 2 in 1. Stabilizer and Monopod.

3. The jump cut edit wasn't very obvious because there was not much motion in that scene. If I am not wrong, it is better used when you want to "cut short" a movement from point A to point B.
- You are right. I could try something else the next time for my project. Thanks for putting it out.

4. I could see the camera wasn't level at some scenes. Was that made in purpose? I hope you don't go into the Mediacorp style where they like to tilt the camera from left to right then right to left during all their live shows! I remember they did it during one of the NDP when they went close up to the then President Nathan. I find it so disrecpectful to the President.
- Boss, are you referring to 02:38. If you are, actually, I was kinda "shooting and editing" on the spot. I have this idea of making those memories a little special in post but I figure it would take me a long time to do it. So I keep my camera movement doing "squares". Hoping that it would give that nostalgic feeling. That's my idea.
- If you are referring to the lady dancing blindfold, I slanted my camera. Since it was a funny scene, thought that slanted angle will be able to bring out the fun side. Another reason, people are crowding around me to take video of their friends. I cannot barely move around. So slanted was the best option back then.

5. I would prefer you go near the stage for some of the shots. I can see the same angle and same position for most the video.
- You nailed it! I admit to that. I would love to do that. But after shooting couple of weddings, some people commented that it is bad for me to do that. I would be blocking people's views. So this time, I was trying not to do that and practise "etiquette of shooting".
- I need 70-200mm F2.8. My 18-135 kit lens is kinda hopeless in that ballroom. My only position was the best because of the light. If I go to the other side, I will be pushing my shadows and highlights to the max.

Thanks Seniors for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it.

Hope with sharing we could bounce off ideas from one another.

 

[Sgdevilzz]

Did you flip the footage of the 1st shot of the slideshow? (2:39) It was spelled backwards

Looks like you got quite a lot of out of focus shots. Was it due to your lack of hands to control the focus ring while stabilizing your shots? Flycam/glidecam/steadicam is not really good for events like these because things happen fast and you lose focus easily. It is best to shoot at a small aperture if you want to continue using your current stabilizer. If not do consider a shoulder rig system.

Also be careful of reflections.

Although i don't understand a word they are saying, it's quite funny at times. You manage to capture the fun moments but more could have been done.

As always, keep shooting!


Don

 

[daniyal]

Sgdevilzz
>>> Did you flip the footage of the 1st shot of the slideshow? (2:39) It was spelled backwards
- No. I did not. It was the footages on the projector. It is like that.

Looks like you got quite a lot of out of focus shots. Was it due to your lack of hands to control the focus ring while stabilizing your shots?
- Spot on Bro. It was a challenge to shoot without a monopod and with the different light bulbs in the ballroom. I was shooting handheld. I set my focus at about 1.5ft. I played with my focusing distance.
- Thanks Bro for pointing it out. I will take note of it.

Flycam/glidecam/steadicam is not really good for events like these because things happen fast and you lose focus easily. It is best to shoot at a small aperture if you want to continue using your current stabilizer.If not do consider a shoulder rig system.
- To certain extent, I agree with you. It is just that I am quite poor getting those fantastic shot with stabilizer. My idea of using the stabilizer is to capture "tea-party kinda of feel" interaction. In the end, I did not manage to capture much of it.
- I was using the Samyang 14mm and I shot with F2.8. I set my focus at infinity which roughly estimation of 3ft. Do correct me if I am wrong. If I set it this way, I believe from 3ft onwards, the image will be focus and sharp. Everytime I shot with stabilizer, I will try my best to maintained a distance of 3ft.
- At the same time, I was using this event to practise my shooting with a stabilizer.
- I do have a shoulder rig. The problem is I have yet to buy the adapter for my shoulder rig to be fiitted on my tripod. Without that adapter, I will be spending a lot time changing my base plates. Another problem is I do not like my current shoulder rig as it do not have counter weight system. After a while, it will get heavy. Judging on my shots, my handheld produces same quality as my shots shot with a shoulder rig. As of now, I love to shoot on a monopod compared to a shoulder rig. That's heaven.
- If I were given the time and with additional help, I will definitely for sure will bring my crane and sliders alongs. Then I will have lots of B-rolls which I can play with. Since it is going to be one man show, I picked my equipments. For this event, I decided to bring my stabilzers only. I guess I picked the wrong one.
- Anticipating is like sugar rush. Something happened, you need to capture it as fast as you can. In this case, I could forget about the focusing part or focusing distance.
- Thanks Bro for pointing them out.

You manage to capture the fun moments but more could have been done.
- Thanks Bro for your kind words. Could you kindly elaborate more or share more about the "more could have been done" part?
- You could direct me to what kind of style that I should look into or explore. While going for this shoot, what I had in mind was "mini-clips" event clips like the ones you saw on TV before the next programme start. You know like Ch5, when they showed about Lee Hwa Jewellery event before the start of the news, or President's Star Charity snippets. That kind of feel.
- Honestly, while shooting this event, I was getting confused with the video composition with regards to 180deg rule. My guide was the stage. As long as I do not get up on the stage or I shoot from the stage, I will consider myself safe.

Thanks Bro Don. I really appreciate in you taking the time to watch it and scrutinize my video. All your pointers, I shall take note of them.

Do pardon for my long replies as I do not mean to defend my decisions or my approach. I merely want to share my working process so that you can point out where I could do better or improve. I hope by sharing my working process, it will help others to keep a look out for their own video gigs.

Thanks once again Bro Don. As always, I will keep on shooting.

 

[Sgdevilzz]

Sgdevilzz
>>> Did you flip the footage of the 1st shot of the slideshow? (2:39) It was spelled backwards
- No. I did not. It was the footages on the projector. It is like that.

Looks like you got quite a lot of out of focus shots. Was it due to your lack of hands to control the focus ring while stabilizing your shots?
- Spot on Bro. It was a challenge to shoot without a monopod and with the different light bulbs in the ballroom. I was shooting handheld. I set my focus at about 1.5ft. I played with my focusing distance.
- Thanks Bro for pointing it out. I will take note of it.

Flycam/glidecam/steadicam is not really good for events like these because things happen fast and you lose focus easily. It is best to shoot at a small aperture if you want to continue using your current stabilizer.If not do consider a shoulder rig system.
- To certain extent, I agree with you. It is just that I am quite poor getting those fantastic shot with stabilizer. My idea of using the stabilizer is to capture "tea-party kinda of feel" interaction. In the end, I did not manage to capture much of it.
- I was using the Samyang 14mm and I shot with F2.8. I set my focus at infinity which roughly estimation of 3ft. Do correct me if I am wrong. If I set it this way, I believe from 3ft onwards, the image will be focus and sharp. Everytime I shot with stabilizer, I will try my best to maintained a distance of 3ft.
- At the same time, I was using this event to practise my shooting with a stabilizer.
- I do have a shoulder rig. The problem is I have yet to buy the adapter for my shoulder rig to be fiitted on my tripod. Without that adapter, I will be spending a lot time changing my base plates. Another problem is I do not like my current shoulder rig as it do not have counter weight system. After a while, it will get heavy. Judging on my shots, my handheld produces same quality as my shots shot with a shoulder rig. As of now, I love to shoot on a monopod compared to a shoulder rig. That's heaven.
- If I were given the time and with additional help, I will definitely for sure will bring my crane and sliders alongs. Then I will have lots of B-rolls which I can play with. Since it is going to be one man show, I picked my equipments. For this event, I decided to bring my stabilzers only. I guess I picked the wrong one.
- Anticipating is like sugar rush. Something happened, you need to capture it as fast as you can. In this case, I could forget about the focusing part or focusing distance.
- Thanks Bro for pointing them out.

You manage to capture the fun moments but more could have been done.
- Thanks Bro for your kind words. Could you kindly elaborate more or share more about the "more could have been done" part?
- You could direct me to what kind of style that I should look into or explore. While going for this shoot, what I had in mind was "mini-clips" event clips like the ones you saw on TV before the next programme start. You know like Ch5, when they showed about Lee Hwa Jewellery event before the start of the news, or President's Star Charity snippets. That kind of feel.
- Honestly, while shooting this event, I was getting confused with the video composition with regards to 180deg rule. My guide was the stage. As long as I do not get up on the stage or I shoot from the stage, I will consider myself safe.

Thanks Bro Don. I really appreciate in you taking the time to watch it and scrutinize my video. All your pointers, I shall take note of them.

Do pardon for my long replies as I do not mean to defend my decisions or my approach. I merely want to share my working process so that you can point out where I could do better or improve. I hope by sharing my working process, it will help others to keep a look out for their own video gigs.

Thanks once again Bro Don. As always, I will keep on shooting.

Well i don't consider myself as a professional. Just a normal guy with some filming basics

"more could have been done" part. The performance and slideshow part was quite long and it gets "bored" after awhile. You need to let the audience rest for a second. In between you could insert footage of the audience's reactions. Even though you did quite a lot of cuts during the performance, it is still in the same area and it looks like it's the same footage that keeps on playing again and again.

i tend to go more "short film" style. Capturing emotions and expressions is what makes your videos good, just like photography. For example the slideshow, you could show the real person and their expressions (if they are there). That will give us a better picture on how they look like now.

Rules are meant to be broken in making videos/films. Even the 180 degree rule. In events these don't really apply much in my opinion. Simply because there are too many subjects. The audience can't tell who is who in the next shot, the rule becomes redundant eventually.


I've recently acquired a glidecam and currently learning to use it as well. I've been trying to go into a new style instead of shallow dof shots.

 

[daniyal]

Sgdevilzz>>> I shall take note of your pointers.

I've recently acquired a glidecam and currently learning to use it as well.
- Hell Yeah!!! Time to explore and explore!! My only pointer is use wide angle lens. It can gives the flying effects more vividly.

Thanks for sharing your opinions, views and pointers. I believe it will help other forumers as well.

 

[frozentomtom]

AUDIO RECORDING
- I just dun believe it. Along the way to the event venue, I dropped by SPC and Shell petrol station. THEY DUN SELL 9V BATTERY!!! I can't use my shot-gun mic.
- I have to rely on Canon 60D internal audio system, which I think the results is pretty decent. But you need to crank the recording level down to 25% if not, it will pick up the room noise and those high pitch sounds terribly.

How to lower the recording level to 25%? need to install magic lantern?

 

[daniyal]

frozentomtom>>> I did not install Magic Lantern. I just go into the Audio menu and adjust the recording level to 25% mark. I am using Canon 60D.