The One Lens Challenge

Creative challenges not only serve to find new ways of shooting but also to push your limits when in a time crunch. Two videographers set out to challenge one another with one lens in 30 minutes on the streets of London and compare the end results . 

Filmmakers Brandon Li and Oliver Astrologo teamed up to create two short films using the same lens in under 30 minutes. Using only one camera and one lens, they each created a 30-second clip. Neither Li or Astrologo changed lenses during the filmmaking process. No other gear was used, such as gimbals, lighting (other than the available sources on the street), or drones.  Both each used the Sony a7R III. Li used the Sony 35mm f/2.8 while Astrologo used the Sony 55mm f/1.8. 

Each chose a different white balance and final music, which helped shape the mood of their final films. Astrologo chose to focus in on the technology that occupies the minds of people on the streets, while Li worked with the concept of the fast-paced world around us. The pair shot in the same locations. Both film clips were so unique the viewer may not have even realized they were shot in the same timeframe as one another. The pair has challenged their followers to the same, so head over to the video and give it a try!