
The array of equipment on the market today can be confusing. I tell you what features you need to look for when selecting equipment and why.
Codecs & Bitrates explained
Camera Features:
-Zebra for proper exposure
-Iris & F-Stop (Manual vs Auto)
-Neutral Density Filters
-Shutter Speed
-White Balance (Color Temperature explained)
-Focus (Manual vs Auto)
-Focus Enhance
-Zoom: Servo & Manual
-SDI/HDMI Output (recording uncompressed video)
-Formats
Continuing the equipment selection process...camera audio, tripod, audio, portable lighting
Your Camera's Audio Features
-XLR Inputs
-Line/Mic switch
-Trim (gain)
-Auto Level vs Manual Level
-Phantom Power
-Wind Filter
-Necessary Camera Features Summary
Tripod
-Fluid Head
-Pan & Tilt tension adjustment
-Pan & Tilt locks
-Bubble Balance
-Ball Level adjustment
-Spreader
Audio
-Be Quiet!
-Microphones
-Shotgun
-Lavalier
-Hand Mic
-Wireless Audio
Extra batteries, windscreens, clips
Lighting
-On-Camera Light
-Reflector
Battery Chargers, power strips, extensions, adapter
We learn everything from setting up your camera, how to correctly operate it, and discuss types of shots and camera moves.
Setting Up Tripod & Camera
How to White Balance
Iris/100% Video/Using Zebra
How to Focus
Types of Shots
Types of Camera Moves
Dolly vs Zoom
Handheld Boom Shot
Video “Handles”
Rack Focus
Camera Placement
Shooting Handheld
Telling a Story
Trick for Limiting Depth of Field
You'll learn how to shoot interviews outdoors with both lighting and audio issues. You'll also learn how to frame your subject and the different types of "B-Roll" you'll need to shoot to support your story. Finally, I'll shoot a story with both interviews and B-Roll and you'll learn how everything we've learned up to now comes together.
Shooting Interviews Outdoors
-Bright Sun
-Shade
-Check Your Background
-Audio Considerations
Framing & Headroom
Wide Angle Adapter
B-Roll
Putting It All Together: Shooting a Story
Light is the videographer's paint. You'll learn about the color temperatures of different light sources and how to manipulate the temperature to your advantage. Reflectors are indispensable and you'll see how to use one outdoors as well as indoors. Finally, we'll discuss different ways to control light to unleash your creativity.
Color Temperature
-Daylight
-Indoors
Reflector
Gel
Diffusion
Outdoor Lighting
-Reflector Techniques
-Diffusion Technique
Indoor Lighting
-On-Camera Light
-Ways to Light a Scene
-Reflector Indoors
Controlling Light
-Barn Doors
-Flags
-Snoots
-Gel
-Dimmers
Mounting Solutions
Black Foil
You will learn how to calculate amps to avoid blowing electrical circuits. It's easy and there's no Common Core involved. I'll teach you different ways to light an interview...from a down 'n dirty 2-light set-up if you're in a big hurry and then we'll add a third light and then a fourth light if you have more time and want to get more creative. I'll also demonstrate lighting for greenscreen.
Electrical Extensions
Electrical Circuits: How to Calculate Amps
Spare Bulbs
Lighting an Interview w/2, 3, & 4 Lights
Lighting for Greenscreen
Light Meters
Cheap-o Low-Budget Greenscreen Lights
The audio basics....We discuss what type of audio to record on separate channels of your camera. You'll learn about different types of microphones and wireless audio. You'll learn proper placement of lavalier mics and make sure your talent is using a hand mic properly.
Digital Audio Considerations
NAT Sound & Main Audio Tracks
Shotgun, Hand, & Lavalier Mics
Wireless Audio
Lavalier Mic Placement
Fabric Tape Tip
Hand Mic Position
I'll show you why, like video, audio is better when set to manual settings than automatic. We'll look at all the audio settings on the camera and in the camera's menu. You'll learn what level to record audio. I'll also teach you to be aware of audio problems to pay attention to.
Main Audio: Manual vs Auto
Audio Settings on the Camera
Audio Settings in the Camera's Menu
Correct Audio Level
Wireless Mic Settings
Noise: Environmental & Electrical
Windscreens
Audio Cables & Electrical Cables
Summary
Chapter 1 of various things I have learned through my own experience over the years. Hopefully, these tips will make your life easier and your production days more productive.
3 Things You Need to Have on You Always
How to Clean a Lens
What's in the Bag? What to Carry in Your Kit
Doormats & Step Ladders
Lighting: Stands & Cold Shoes
Reflectors Indoors
Field Expedient Reflector
How to do an Extreme Slow Zoom
Shooting from the Ground
Shooting from Field Expedient Support
Field Expedient Dollies
Handheld Tips
Chapter 2 focuses on helpful tips for working with talent (the people who are on-camera...actors, reporters, interviewees, spokespersons, etc.) You'll also learn the right way to wrap cable (Yes there's a right way and a wrong way) so your shoot stays organized and on-schedule. There's an interesting tip on making your own windscreen if you get into a jam. What's the easiest way to move all your gear from Point "A" to Point "B"? I'll show you a couple of ways. And finally, I'll fill you in on making sure your camera is "environmentally sound". Watch the segment to find out what I'm talking about which has ruined many a shooting schedule...now that you know it'll never happen to you.
Talent Tips
Cue Card Secrets
Sitting Position
Time Code
Wrapping Cable
Field Expedient Windscreen
How to Move All Your Stuff
Environmental Concerns
An insider's guide on making a career of videography. This is all about doing well and getting your next gig and building your reputation. You'll learn how to act professionally, how to stay organized, delivery of media, and how to get paid. I also struggled with this next one on whether to put it in this section or in the "Tips" section but you'll also learn why you shouldn't lend out your gear (Nice guys and gals finish last.) Probably the most important part of the series is my advice on "Valuing Yourself." Now get out there and practice your craft!!!
Traits of a Good Professional (Talent is NOT #1)
Organization
Deliverables
Getting Paid
Don't Lend Out Your Gear!
Valuing Yourself
Do you love creating video? Do you want to learn what it takes to make a career as a videographer?
Learn all the basics of videography and become a professional.
What you'll learn in this course:
Learn what features you'll need in the equipment you buy or that you will encounter when working for a production company or news station.
Learn all the basics of what to shoot & how to shoot to effectively tell a story.
Become an artist by learning the effective use of lighting.
Learn how to record clean, professional audio.
Discover the tips & tricks of the trade that will make your professional life easier & help you overcome obstacles.
Learn how to act like a professional and keep getting gigs.
Please note that we will be discussing equipment and techniques for typical "Run & Gun"/ENG (Electronic News Gathering) type of productions. This is the most common type of production you will encounter in news, events, and AV type environments where the ability to move fast is key. For this reason we will be discussing all-in-one type camcorders with servo zoom lenses and not DSLR cameras with fixed focal length lenses. We will also note be getting into stabilizers, gimbals, sliders, etc.
Become a pro videographer
While technology changes, the basics of visual storytelling stay the same. Those basics include effective camera operation, creative lighting & clean audio recording. You'll learn all of that with this course. Believe it or not, many people already earning a living as videographers don't have these basics mastered so you can gain an advantage by learning what I teach you. After you have the knowledge and practice your craft, you can work as a freelance camera operator, works at a news station or a production company. You can even start your own production company!
Why is this course unique?
I have 30+ years of experience and can help you avoid problems and overcome obstacles that only experience can teach you. Besides lectures, there are plenty of demonstrations with my assistants. I'll also show you real-world examples of professional video. I'll shoot a story and break down the elements for you so you can do it too!