It came time to handle the camera, so I made a trip to the lab last Sunday afternoon to shoot 3 to 4 minutes. Lisa had told us she would review in the class this Monday the two to three minutes of video we shot. I shot some really bad stuff. Nothing very creative, just shot to get used to the camera.
But I still learned some valuable lessons, especially after Lisa played back to us what we shot Monday morning. Here’s what I learned:
- Foremost, before proceeding with a project check Lisa’s blog for tips and advice. Saves saying “huh” and looking dumb in class when she’s instructing.
- Panning and zooming are mega distractions like Lisa said. It’s obvious to me now why it’s discouraged.
- Shaky video? Use a tripod. Yes the video I turned out was very shaky. Next time the camera will be sitting on top a tripod regardless of how it looks or how inconvenient it is to take the tripod with me.
- Shoot black before and after a clip.
- Do a white balance before videoing.
My video was not earth shattering videography. But I did get experience. And I do have something, albeit very rudimentary, to use while learning the editing process. Nothing is wasted and if I screw it up, which I probably will, nothing is really lost.
You know, there are some things that work out all right most every time. As crude as my videography is, still this appears to be one of those times.
Now, let’s see, which way do I go from here?
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