What I Learnt From The Camera Workshop

By completing the camera workshop I gained knowledge of how to use a camera, using different techniques and different shooting methods that can be use in order to make my trailer look more professional. I practiced using pieces of equipment which are new to me such as a tripod and a dolly, Practicing with them now means I will be more familiar with how they work by the time I get to do my actual filming, which will help to ensure that my final product is of a higher quality.

Principle Photography:

• I must make a shot list and a storyboard before I start filming and ensure that I follow these throughout as they will help me with consistency and continuity (and I will know what I need to shoot and where.)
• I must shoot each scene a minimum of three times for three reasons

1. It will help my continuity when editing.
2. I will have a variety of shots and therefore will have a choice of which is best to use in my trailer.
3. If something is wrong in one of the shots that I didn't notice whilst filming (e.g. an actor makes eye contact with the camera or the top of someones head is out of the shot) I have other shots of the same scene I can use instead.

• It is best to leave a few seconds before and after the scene when shooting as it will help me when editing my trailer and also ensure that nothing is accidentally cut out (e.g. the first word of a piece of dialogue.)
• I should do blocking in the locations I am filming in to allow me to find the best positions for the camera and actors.

Camera Position/Movement:

• Different camera angles will have different meanings and therefore will provoke different meanings, e.g a high angle shot will show vulnerability whereas a low angle shot will show dominance.
• I should decide before filming how I would like the footage to come out, for example if I know I want steady footage, I should use a tripod whereas if I want a more rough and shaky footage I will hold the camera by hand.
• Some camera angles work well with other and compliment the scene, e.g. a close up is followed up well with an eye-line match.

Framing:

• When filming I must remember headroom and moving/looking space must be given in order for a better quality shot.
• The rule of thirds is a very important framing method as it connotes all different meanings, for example if someones in the centre of the frame, it will mean they are the centre of this seen and are likely to be a protagonist.

Distance:

• The use of depth of field is just as important as the rule of thirds as proxemics can change the mood of a scene.
• I must remember to use the correct focus and zoom on the camera.

Lighting:

• Lighting can effect the continuity of a trailer.
• Flat light (which occurs due to poor weather conditions) will reduce the quality of your footage.
• Use light effectively for what you are wanting to shoot.