Reading & Writing

• Chapter 1 – Basics
  • Camera lenses work by capturing light that is reflected. Instead of sending this picture to the brain, like how a human eye works, this image is transferred to film. On digital cameras, pixels are modified based on the light and color of the picture.
  • The amount of light that enters a lens is called exposure. The aperture is what controls the amount of light that enters into the camera; the bigger the aperture the more light is let in. The light being entered can vary in color. To determine the different colors from light, temperature is used.
  • While lenses resemble human eyes, they are not quite as complex. Lenses need a lot of different characteristics to just begin to act as an eye. There are also three types of lenses: wide angle, normal and telephoto. Focusing a lens allows it to be clear and not blurry. Zooming a lens brings the subject closer or farther without moving the camera. There is a fine line of how much the lens can be zoomed while maintaining the same level of focus called the depth of field.
  • Different settings have to be adjusted on cameras in order to account for all of these things and more.
    • The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video
• Chapter 2 – Composition
  • Using a camera gives a different perspective to seemingly ordinary things. By taking a picture of something, it doesn’t give the whole picture of what is trying to be captured. Instead it is selective and completely up to the photographer. Tripods are vital to create good composition and ensure that pictures are stable.
  • Another important practice to capture a good picture is the Rule of Thirds. It frames the image horizontally and vertically instead of simply centering the subject. It draws the focus to the true point of the picture. It is also important to remember balance which leaves enough space on either side to not overwhelm. Balance can also apply to colors. Certain colors may draw the focus away from the subject rather than making it stand out.
  • Angles also need to be taken under consideration. Since pictures are only 2-D steps need to be taken to make them appear 3-D. Framing and leading lines also draw the attention of the viewer to where it is supposed to be. Backgrounds also need to remain in the background instead of moving forward.
    • The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video
• Chapter 5 – Camera Moves
  • To move a camera, there are three options: zoom, pan, and tilt. Zooming in brings what is important to the foreground. On the other hand, zooming out can show more of the picture. Panning and tilting can also show new pieces of the puzzle. When moving the camera to all these different positions, it is important to remember to begin and finish with a non-moving shot. While shooting the photographer needs to be comfortable in order to maintain the shot throughout.
    • The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video
• Chapter 6 – Montages
  • A montage is used to group similar shots that may have the same time frame, location or mood. While they are related, the photos in a series can not be identical, otherwise they can easily blend into one another. They should be positioned differently but have the same overarching theme.
    • The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video
• Video Pre-Production Planning Check-List
  • Before beginning to shoot anything, it is important to have certain details ironed out and double checked. A lot of the steps include ironing out the details of the project. Equipment, cast and location selections are vital to have prepared beforehand.
    • https://quickframe.mountain.com/blog/video-production-planning-checklist/
• Storyboarding
  • Creating a storyboard is one of the steps in the checklist. It is basically a step by step guide for each shot that wants to be captured. They include and important characters, dialogue, props, etc.
    • https://creately.com/blog/diagrams/how-to-make-a-storyboard-for-video/

Research to Inform

• Sound of Music
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKlAj5YcAjE
  • This particular moment of the scene shows the principle of Framing. The couch, glass door and even the guitar all create a makeshift border framing his face. Since he is the only one singing at that time, it is important that he is the main focus.
• Gilmore Girls: Season 2 Episode 5
  • https://youtu.be/ml7scK9fURA?si=CfIPjY_34S73eY6f&t=10
  • This scene demonstrates the Rule of Thirds. The framing of the lake perfectly separates the shot into three vertical sections, with the bridge taking up the middle portion. When Jess is pushed into the lake, he transitions from the middle third to the leftmost.
• Once Upon a Time: Season 4 Episode 21
  • https://youtu.be/VSmmaOCtSyE?si=Y9Y-ZAxiCkU25sMZ&t=30
  • Angles are demonstrated here. By angling the camera down, it gives the impression that something is going to befall Regina. She is in a lower position of power as to what is approaching her.

Create

Time to create a video! I came up with the idea of detailing the process of eating at one of my favorite places here in Southern California: Miguel’s Jr.