BASIC RULES FOR ANY CAMERA OPERATOR
Consistency
No matter what techniques you decide to use, the number one rule is consistency. Images that jump from one style to the next without reason tend to detract from the story and draw attention to the camera itself. The camera's purpose is to give the viewer a sense of being privileged to witness some event by being a part of a scene. Drawing attention to the camera tends to remove the viewer from this experience. Everything needs to Flow & be as Smooth possible.
Staging
This is the first craft to master. No one can work on a set until you decide where a camera will be placed and how your images will tell the story. This is the most important thing you can do. Weather you are shooting a skate video or Home Movie Determine where the action will be taking place. Then visualize how you want it to look and from what angle you would like to see it. Then place the camera in the appropriate place & verify the shot.
Plan every shot
Have you ever wondered why so much time is spent setting up one shot? Each shot in a major motion picture is carefully planned, story boarded and discussed weeks if not months before actual shooting takes place. The more fluid each shot, the better the image looks on screen.
Every shot should be planned as much as possible before you press Record. Don't just roll tape because you have plenty of it. This will save time during the editing process by not having to go through all those worthless shots, & don't forget to mark your tape.
Be Creative Look for Different Angles
Use The Cam Caddie to your advantage, get different angels don't just hold the camera up at eye level and hit record. Get down low, get up hi or get right in to the middle of the action and get the shot.
Hand held work
Although there are times that jumpy images may be wanted but, the majority of the time you want a steady image. How many movies have you watched with the camera zooming in and out? Zooming in and out tends to make the viewer aware of the camera. Static focal lengths tend to be much better for the viewing experience. When shooting hand held, you will want to eliminate as much stress on yourself as possible so you can concentrate on your subject. The Cam Caddie™ is designed for just that purpose.
Fluid Movement
Once you are able to shoot a professional image you should begin to experiment with more dynamic shots. Images that flow through a scene are the most dynamic shots that you can use to increase the quality of your production. Zoom lenses do not give the viewer a sense of depth within a scene. By using a Cam Caddie to move a camera through a set or location, the viewer's mind will begin to establish a sense of dimension within that scene.
Floating the Camera
The Cam Caddie will allow you to float the camera with your hand to eliminate any vibration caused from footsteps or movement. You will be able to get smooth flowing shots that would be impossible to achieve without spending thousands of dollars on bulky & elaborate camera stabilizing devices. |
