TogsTech

Part 5 – Aaaaannnddd Rolling!

This week we’re going to spend a bit of time working with filming and using video. We’ve now been self-isolating at home and its time to learn how to film ourselves hands-on, but with a bit of difficulty trying to guess what we’re doing.

CAMERAS

NOW its time for us to learn about different types of:

CAMERA ANGLES

When filming, it’s important to know the different types of camera angles that are useful to have when you need to film yourself. Furthermore, always try to have two cameras set up as ‘fixed shots’ (cameras that don’t move/follow you) as well as having a second camera so you have a backup or redundancy shot if a mistake is to occur. These include:

• Wide angle
  • The camera from about knee height up and captures your full body
• Close ups
  • A camera shot from the waist up! Most common when we get used to filming ourself and an IMPORTANT angle to perfect
• Extreme close ups
  • Shoulders up! Really good for capturing someones attention for parts when your the sole speaker HOWEVER it can be a little bit full over extended periods of time
• Newsreader angle
  • Neatly frames elbows to top of head. Similar to the close up in that this is common and should be practiced when possible
• Edge of the shot
  • When you stand to either side of the screen and not in the centre. Interestingly, different positions you have can create different sensations:
    • Facing towards the centre of the camera feels less awkward to the viewer
    • Facing away from the centre adds tension due to the distance from behind
• Shoulder to top of head
  • Ensures people are listening however not to be used too often, more commonly used during more inspirational video styles

CAMERA TYPES

• The important thing regarding using cameras is that you need to acknowledge that the theory of different ones is the same.
• Mirrorless camera
  • This type of camera has the ability to shoot in 4K which has both pros and cons:
    • CON: it can make editing difficult due to its size making programs work slowly
    • PRO: it can however supply you with the opportunity to edit framing mistakes which you have made during filming
  • Has the ability to change to different lenses if needed

LIGHTING

• Lighting is extremely critical in making you look good and interesting in a camera shot. Here is a few of the different tips and tricks:
  • Make sure you always light up yourself from in front.
    • Lighting from behind makes you look dark and hard to differentiate any physical features
    • Lighting from above make your eyes look dark and sunken
• If you have to film something without natural light, find other ways to create light boxes and light sources (you could use desk lamps with tissue paper can also do the job)

RECORDING

• Another important element to filming is to be able to record yourself, whether it’s from an instrument or a spoken voice. Below I talk about Zoom Recorders and some tips and tricks with them all
  • Zoom Recorder
    • Has built in microphones on top
    • The angle of the recording is at 120*
    • Recording levels show up on the screen for easy adjustments
  • Phasing and positioning
    • It can be important to ensure you have your microphones placed nicely an evenly to where you’re talking to ensure different volumes and staggered entries don’t occur.
    • XY mics are the best way to avoid this

TogsTeach

Microphone use is extremely important for filming and recording school performances and ensembles. Talk to people who know microphones well and can advise you as to the most appropriate ways of positioning them for certain ensembles to maximise an overall balance of sound