Intro to video camera (brief account)

In this lesson we learnt how to use a tripod correctly, how to set up a video camera and the basics about them and hot to make primitive shots.

We took the camera and tripod out of their cases, and learnt how to turn on the camera and open up the tripod and put on the safety latches needed to adjust height.

We used a simple sony camera, that is easy to use and good for filming, making it perfect to learn how to film on.

Before we began filming we had to make sure the tripod was correctly put up and safely attached to the camera. We then had to bubble the camera, so that it would be level when filming and not all wobbly when playing back our film. Once turned on we had to check that there was enough battery for us to film with. After this we had to check the light gain (DB) on the mini screen.

We learnt that we had to change the type of lighting to match what we were filming; non natural light and natural light and day time or night time.

Before use we had to check the colour bar at the very beginning.

After all the general use we had to learn the terminology when filming;

"standbye camera"

"camera standing by"

"roll camera"

"rolling camera"

"Action"

Intro to stills camera (brief account of our lesson)

In this lesson we leanrt that to take a still picture we need to use a still camera. When taking a good picture when using a still camera, you have to think about hotspots, zoom, light, focus and angle. To make the hotspots in your photo you have to use the rule of thirds. This is where a imaginary grid helps show the chronological order of the eyesight when looking at the photo. Lighting is used to create mood, a softer lighting can be used to make someone look more beautiful. Harder lighting on someones face makes them look harsher and meaner, can be used to make someone look not very nice (perhaps the bad guy). Focus is used to the main object of the photo in focus so that it draws the viewers eyeline to the subject of the photograph. Angle can be used in many ways, one is to show who has the dominant power, this is done using a low angle, making the other seem more superior. This can be done to make a guy evil. However it can be used to show a character as heroic, again using low angle. In reverse a high angle frame can make someone either week/victim or the baddie.

The picture demonstrates the rule of thirds.