This video takes you through the process of piecing together a documentary or any video with a story. You'll see the workflow, how the edit is put in a workable space, and how you can recycle certain parts of the shots you captured to strengthen the narrative.
Whether you’re a photographer or videographer, you know the difference lighting can make in creating a compelling shot. While there are dozens of tools and techniques you can leverage in your next shoot, the Godox TL60 tube light might offer the creative possibilities you’re looking for, particularly for video work. Want to see what makes it so special?
YouTube filmmaking has become more common and easier nowadays, but can you make your videos stand out by making them more “cinematic?”
Though many shots are properly exposed from corner to corner, there are times where you want a darker scene, particularly if you're simulating nighttime. Here are five techniques for doing just that.
Canon has been releasing some superb cameras in the last year, with lots of options for videographers. Two of the chief contenders are being pitted against one another here to see which is the best for video purposes.
While smartphone manufacturers seem intent on making smartphone gimbals redundant, there are a number of excellent products on the market, and the AOCHUAN Smart XR from PERGEAR offers stiff competition given its aggressive pricing.
B-roll can feel a bit like a means to an end; a way of linking shots because you have to, but it's an art in itself. Here is a useful comparison of what a beginner might do and what a professional might do when they need the same b-roll.
One of the most popular visual effects used in music videos at the moment is a reimagining of one of the more unusual tools in a cinematographer's bag. While you wouldn't be able to create the intended use of it in post, you can mimic the creative version rather easily.
The power of modern phones when it comes to taking images and videos has been growing at an alarming rate. This short film, made for Apple, showcases just how professional a production can look.
I recently filmed a quick dance music video with famous dancer Marquese Scott. Here's how I pulled it off.
Soon you'll be able to capture footage and have it automatically transferred to a cloud-based platform where editors and production teams can get working on it.
Filmmakers, YouTubers, and other content creators received a big win recently when a D.C. Federal Judge ruled that the permit and fee requirements applying to commercial filming are unconstitutional. Still photography rules remain unchanged, although they weren't as restrictive as the filming rules.
If, like me, you love cinematography, you probably have a few favorites in mind when you think of the term. But even the most dedicated film buff is unlikely to have seen everything on this list.
Getting exposure right can seem simple, but it's even easier to get it slightly wrong. While being marginally overexposed or underexposed can be rescued, having blown out highlights or completely black shadows means the details will be unrecoverable. Here are four ways to monitor exposure properly on location.
A neutral density filter has probably found its way into almost every photographer’s bag at some point. Variable ND filters can make the process of working with ND filters much simpler in certain situations. Today, we’ll look at a quality, and somewhat different, option from Haida, the NanoPro Interchangeable Magnetic Variable ND.
The technology inside cameras is growing at an impressive rate and even the older technology has been improved and refined to near-unthinkable levels. One such area is in-camera image stabilization (IBIS) to the point where it can rival a gimbal in certain situations. But just how many situations can modern IBIS compete with a gimbal?
Anamorphic lenses have been a staple of cinema for the best part of 70 years, and they're still as desirable today as they have always been. But how did they come about, what makes them special, and why do people still use them?
With color being one of the most important aspects of any videographers work, it is something worth learning. And it's so much more than just a preset or Look-up Table (LUT).
If you want a moody color grade for your next video or some footage you've shot, look no further; here's a guide for Adobe Premiere Pro using the Lumetri Color tool.
Cinematography and photography have some areas of crossover, and one such area is composition. Here are five ideas for how to angle your next shoot that might make all the difference
Music videos have been some of the most condensed displays of cinematic creativity for decades now, and there is a lot that can be learned. Here is a breakdown of some excellent lighting used in a music video.
With the level of stabilization now featured in most smartphones, you might already have a powerful vlogging tool in your pocket. However, a few add-ons can take your device to the next level, and this rig might be the ultimate iPhone vlogging setup.
In television and film, scenes in cars are a staple and so common you could be fooled into thinking it's easily done and with one technique. Well, that's not the case.
Final Cut Pro X is Apple's video editing software that has been steadily growing in popularity over the years. Here are five of the best plugins you can get for it and examples of what they do.
Color is fundamental to photography and videography, but the way color is used is not always the same across both mediums. It isn't uncommon for videographers to make some common mistakes with their color grading, so here are the ones you ought to avoid.
Often being successful in any creative field is equal parts talent and knowing how to run your business. Yet for a lot of us, we spend the least amount of time educating ourselves on good business practices. The beginning of the new year is a great time to remedy this.
Cinematography and photography might be separate disciplines in most regards, but there are a lot of crossovers, particularly when it comes to lighting. That's an area each profession can borrow from the other.
If you haven’t had a chance to watch Julia Hart’s recent film, I’m Your Woman, make a point to add it to your list. Bryce Fortner’s photography isn’t just eye-candy, it shows what you can do when you use style along with intention.
Sometimes you need to ensure that you set your shots apart from the norm, which is easier said than done. Well, this is one example that really achieved what it set out to do!
Getting good audio is essential to creating a quality video. The Lark 150 from Hollyland is positioned as a turnkey solution for easily recording two subjects without the need for a tangle of wires. Whether you’re just getting started with video or are looking for a competent wireless option, you’ve got to hear what this piece of kit can do!
The anamorphic look is attractive and loved by many videographers and filmmakers. The problem is, it costs a lot to achieve, and prices itself out of reach for most videographers. But what if you could effectively fake it?
As Gray Kotzé points out, there are bushels of reviews for entry-level cinema lenses on the web, lenses you might look to pick up on sale maybe. However, most feature films are shot on prohibitively expensive lenses that were always intended to be rented out over their multi-decade lifespans. The cost for these lenses puts them out of reach for most filmmakers who aspire towards ownership, but, if you have a budget and you're looking to shoot feature/cinema quality films, it's important to understand what's available for rent.
One of the greatest advancements in consumer video products in the last decade or so has been the appearance of affordable and portable stabilization devices. Handheld gimbals allow you to get smooth, professional footage in almost any situation, and this fantastic video tutorial will give you five tips to get more out of yours.
I wanted something to control my exposure when shooting videos but I didn't want to sacrifice quality with a variable ND filter. To my surprise, the magnetic system by Freewell has been better than expected and even has features for photography that have replaced my older equipment.
If you are a photographer and you are thinking of diversifying your skills by learning to shoot video, understanding the basic camera settings as they apply to video is one of the first steps. This great video tutorial will show you the ins and outs of setting your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, as well as why an ND filter is an essential piece of gear for video work.
No matter how good your video work is, if you do not have solid audio to accompany it, it will not be a successful final product. One of the most important steps for capturing good audio is knowing which type of microphone to use. This excellent video will show you three different types of microphones for use in video work.
Elf is undoubtedly a Christmas classic, but the 2003 film was low budget, and the idea of creating a lot of the visual effects in-camera had many senior people worried it couldn't work.
Sure, the big faceless corporation is just out there to get money out of you, but hidden right in front of you could be a masterclass in lighting, production design, and short story telling. This video takes a look at how Ikea made use out of a highly skilled director and production team to create this simple yet effective advertisement.
Have you ever considered introducing a slider in your videography kit? This video reviews the compact Smartta SliderMini 2 and also compares it to the Rhino Slider. Which one would you choose?
A hyperlapse can revolutionize a video project, or even become one of its own. However, for the best results, a mechanical slider is usually recommended. In this video, find out how to create a great hyperlapse, hand-held.
With the exponential growth of content creation, trying to pick out the best gear can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with it all. The market for microphones is constantly growing as brands dish out new models faster than they did several years ago. With many competing brands out there, which one should you get?
Have you tried using old film lenses for video creation? There's quite a charm to it.
Panasonic is overlooked in a number of areas in the industry, but video is certainly not one of them. With this latest firmware upgrade, could Panasonic be cannibalizing their own more expensive camera though?
I recently had the chance to speak with Chris Menges about his newest project, "Waiting for the Barbarians." Menges’ insights into the art (and underlying politics) of filmmaking are a must-read for anyone looking to tell stories with film.
Have you been considering getting into filming weddings, but not sure where to start? Here are six first steps to help you get started.
As much as photography has gained from 2020's relentless releasing of cameras, videography has arguably gained more. Canon's new, affordable (for a dedicated cinema camera) video-centric body is another stellar option with just a few caveats.
If you’re a content creator who also does a lot of live streaming and vlogging, check out this ultimate home desk rig complete with lighting, sound panels, monitors, stream switcher, teleprompter, and more.
When it comes to camera gear, the lens is probably one of the most important piece of equipment you can buy. In many cases, upgrading your lens will probably make a far greater difference than upgrading anything else. This is why it's important for photographers and videographers to understand all the different types of lenses that are available.
Photographing the stars is tricky and requires some know-how and preparation. Creating a time-lapse video, at night, of those same stars adds another level of difficulty on top.
2020 might have been a dreadful year for just about everyone, but it's been nothing short of an incredible year for new cameras.