Camera Workshop - Lenses & Composition

This year we will be using the same cameras as last year, the Black Magic URSA, meaning that we already know how to set up, strike and use the camera well, so it is now about learning new technical elements that the camera has that we can use. Firstly we looked at shutter angles, 180 degrees being its most natural. The lower the shutter the sharper the image - making things appear quite chaotic, often used in rock, dance or rap videos as well as action films. A higher shutter degree makes it blurrier, giving it a softer and warmer old-fashioned feeling, typical of the Wes Anderson style, making this something for us to consider using in our own video. 

When changing lenses it is important to turn the camera off beforehand as it could damage the camera long term as it is more sensitive. Previous to today we used zoom lenses, while these are versatile and cost effective as they could do wides and close ups, the quality had to be compromised. Now, we have been introduced into prime lenses. These lenses do not zoom and need assistance, making the resource heavy, however the quality and texture is noticeably different and there is a smoother gradient from things in focus to those out of focus. In order to focus a prime lens you must use a tape measure to find the focus plain, placing the end of the tape measure on the focus plain symbol. Then using the line on the dial, you must line it up with the correct distance (m - meters/ ft - feet). The lower the number of the prime lens the wider it is, meaning that the higher the number the closer it is.

In Indie-Pop videos it is common that they use tracking shots into the lead singer, I asked what type of shot you would use for this with prime lenses - especially as we have discussed using it for our video. You would use the same method as you would with a zoom lens, the master shot method, filming a wide shot, then a mid and followed by a close.

When directing it is important to use clear and direct language when speaking to people to ensure all instructions are understood. If it requires touching/ moving people it is important to ask permission and keep it all professional. Other terms to use in the studio is "sparking" when turning the lights on and "sharp?" when double checking the focus with those looking through the monitor.

Lastly, we looked at interesting ways to position bands as often when making music videos people place the band in the same formation. Lead singer with each guitarist stood further back on each side and the drummer at the back. However, this works for live performances so everyone can see everyone, but is not interesting or original for music videos. As a class we brainstormed ways of creating interesting band placements with different camera angles for a visually interesting shot composition.