Camera Workshops
Camera Workshops
Camera Workshop 1: Three Point Lighting
For this workshop we learnt about the importance of lighting and why the three-point lighting technique is so often use. For this lighting technique we should have a ‘key light’ which is often placed beside the camera and is often the furthest from the subject, this light is responsible for lighting either the left or right side of the face. Next, we have a ‘fill light’ which is situated on the other side of the camera and often at an angle to the subject, this is used to illuminate the other side of the subject and reduce shadows cast on the corresponding side of the face. The third light used is the ‘back light’ this should be placed behind the subject and illuminates the silhouette. This is an important light to us as it adds more depth and makes the background look less flat as more shadows are created. Lighting the silhouette of the subject separates them from the background and adds a sense of depth.
During the workshop we were also shown how adding another light to illuminate the background will also help to add more depth and make it look less flat, this is an important skill to consider when working in environments which have a large foreground area. We also learnt about reflecting/bouncing light off white surfaces/bounce boards/reflectors. This helps to create a more natural light with softer shadows which is helpful when trying to change the intensity of the light.
Camera Workshop 2: Directions and Camera Movement
Today we got experience using different types of equipment to achieve various camera movements which will come in handy when shooting our 5-minute sequences. We used equipment such as the camera dolly, jib and a fig rig. We used these to create very different shots. On the dolly we produced some tracking and pan shots as well as a combined tracking/pan shot. This shot tracked a subject walking into a room and then panned round while tracking to the subject placing some paper down on a desk. We also made our best attempt at a contra-zoom while using the dolly, there is definitely a challenge to achieving this look, but we understand the technique needed to achieve it.
We struggled more to use the jib as the mechanics were harder to use e.g., the different handles to control different movements. However, we still benefited from using it and understood how it could be used to achieve different camera shots and types of movement. We also used the fig rig to achieve more handheld style shots, this is also a useful tool to used in more difficult spaces e.g., it is easy to use on top of kitchen counters. This workshop gave a good insight to camera movements we could uses when directing out own projects.
Camera Workshop 3: Canon 7D
For this workshop we used the Canon 7D, this is a compact DSLR which is useful to use when filming as an alternative to the larger Sony camera. This was a useful workshop to have as it allowed us to get used to different equipment (as the Sony cameras may not also be available or a different look is required) and widen out technical knowledge. We looked at different lenses e.g. fish eye lens, zoom, and prime lenses. I found this workshop beneficial as this camera is compact so easier for using in smaller spaces. We also had a play around with different depths of field. One of the downfalls to this camera is that the built-in mic is bad quality so an external mic will need to be used when recording audio.
Camera Workshop 4: Cinematic Lighting
For this workshop we looked at lighting in more depth while still using a three-point lighting setup. We used the Arry lights and looked more in-depth at the properties of light e.g., the Kelvin scale and how this can affect our images. For example, the kelvin of light affects the white balance and skin tones seen. We also looked at how to manipulate the light using different techniques,
We used the barn doors to narrow down where the light was hitting, for example, by using the barn doors to create a small square less of the foreground was illuminated and the light was directed towards the subject’s face which highlighted it. We used diffusers to make the hard light softer. This dispersed the light evenly over the subject and made softer shadows as the light was less harsh. As well as the diffuser we also used reflectors, these helped to bounce light back onto the face of the subject and highlight more shadowed areas. Another technique we explored was the use of flags, these are black and work as negative fill to prevent light from travelling in certain directions and lighting elements which should be dark. This is helpful to make sure unnecessary things are not illuminated and work well to create shadows e.g., window shadows.
We also looked at camera settings such as picture profiles to manually dial the kelvin of light and white balance to ensure the skin tones are correct. We also used the zebra tool which helps to control the exposure of the image.
Camera Workshop 5: Extended Editing
For this workshop we took a deeper look at the tools in Premier Pro and how we could use these to our benefit. We looked at an editing style which is useful when editing single camera dramas. This will be beneficial to us in this unit as we will be shooting our own adaptation of a film using a single camera. For this technique we used a ‘master shot’ in which the whole scene was played out then selected other cuts to override the current footage at certain points. For example, we looked at cutting on action so when the man threw the folder onto the table, we cut from the two-shot onto a close of the lady etc. We used the audio from the original shot to begin doing a radio edit and then began to fix errors in lip syncing. We did this by adjusting where the clips cut or by pulling the audio which is paired with the clip and overriding the original audio. This process was helped by selecting an in point and outpoint for specific parts of the footage. After creating a rough cut using this process, we also looked at other ways to clean up the edit such as ripple edit and rolling edit which speed up the editing process.
Another thing we looked at was how to organise our footage after we have imported it. We separated the footage into folders for each character as well as the different types of shots e.g., two shot. This is beneficial as good organisation helps the editing process to be fast and efficient. This also helps other editors in the editing process if there are two or more editors working on a project.
Camera Workshop 8: Blocking and Directing Masterclass – with Miranda Howard-Williams
For this masterclass we had Miranda Howard-Williams come in and talk to us about how to block scenes in preparation for making our own projects. We spoke about types of shots, how these shots would be achieved, how these plans may need to be adapted to work within the location due to different circumstances etc. We began by taking a look at some scripts Miranda had worked with in the past and how we would direct them in terms of blocking and camera shots/angles. We discussed this in pairs then gave feedback to the class. Miranda then showed her example of how she decided to block the scene and explained why she made those creative choices.
We split into group and we’re given a scene from Holby City to block out. The scene involved two people and was a simple conversation, with the reveal of a pregnant belly. Initially we planned to have this set in one location which then had to be moved to a smaller one. This smaller space produced some challenges and created a smaller amount of time to work with. We blocked out the scene and took a number of shots to get lots of coverage for the edit.
In the edit we realised we had made some mistakes for example, we did not take a two shot which limited is in the edit as it meant we could only cut from single shot to single shot. However, this worked in our favour as it allowed the scene to pick up pace at a crucial moment. We also struggled to show the reveal in an obvious way for the audience. The bump was not as discreet as it should have been however, we felt the reveal should have been something more impactful and shocking than the reveal we shot. Overall, the edit was good, and I learnt a lot of valuable skills which will help me in future projects.
Camera Workshop 9: Sound Design and Music
For this workshop we looked at the importance of sound and music within TV and Film. For example, how music is used to help move the scene forward and create meaning. With this came looking at how sound and music can be used wrong and the effects this causes. However, sound is an important factor is causing immersion as it is an audio-visual tool. Sound design is used to build an environment/scene from room tone to smaller sound effects, which are all used to evoke emotions.
We got a clip with no sound and used online, public domain sound effects and music to build our own interpreted environment. This was a fun task to do as we got to see how everyone had their own interpretation of the environment provided. I also enjoyed layering the different sounds and making them work in conjunction with one another. I wanted to build a tranquil forest environment, so I used various bird sounds, a stream sound, calming music and a low rumble sound to add more dimension. These all worked well together to get my intended result.
Camera Workshop 10: Lighting Prep for Shoot
In preparation for my shoot, I decided to practice my lighting set up, so I know where to set lights up when on location, what lights to use and the camera settings I need. I used my location stills taken at my recce to plan where to block actors and where to ‘hide’ lights on set. This was useful to analyse how I could use the space e.g., moving furniture and using practical light sources. There was a lot of thought behind the final lighting set up I chose as I had to consider the built-in practical lights of the room as well as large windows and doors which will affect how the scene is lit. I considered shooting the scene from multiple different angles and how I would move furniture around the room to add depth to the scene. It was also good to figure out how much foot space I would have to move the camera in different angles as this will help determine how compressed I can make the characters feel as the scene revolves around the closeness of the characters.
I looked at using smaller LEDs to light the actors from behind as this would provide the intended look of my mood board. It created deep shadows with other areas of bright light. I chose to use the LEDs instead of the Arri lights as both the light and shadows are softer.
The camera settings we used was a shutter angle of 180 degrees, low gain of -3dB and an aperture of 1.9. I also used cine mode and a marker of 2.35: 1 to make the clips look very cinematic.
In premier pro I added an adjustment layer to the clips and cropped it to get the 2.35: 1 marker again which we were using when filming. I also changed the lumetri colour to darken the shadows and deepen the blacks this makes the picture look very crisp and sharp adding to the cinematic look and feel.
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