I Can See Clearly Now

Hoodman Custom Finder Kit

The prize for the Best Spot News/Editorial Feature category in the APA 2^nd Annual Short Video Contest http://tiny.url/apavideo is the Hoodman Custom Finder Kit.  With Custom Finder Kit, Hoodman solves one of the persistent problems we have in viewing the LCD screens while shooting video on our HDSLR. As a professional photographer owning Lee White Photography, I have also shot video for over twenty years.  I have found few things more problematic than dealing with bright conditions and needing to see what the LCD is telling me.  I want to clearly see what my framing is without guessing and that is exactly what the Hoodmanloupe provides me.

The Custom Finder Kit consists of the H32 Hoodloupe with a +3 diopter adjustment and a 1/4 20 mounting solution that attaches to the base of the camera.  The base plates are custom milled with anti-twist bars, handstrap slot and camera sling attachment point.  For more information, go to www.hoodmanusa.com.

To find out how to submit to the APA 2^nd Annual Short Video Contest and to read the fine print, please go here. The contest is open to APA and all creative content creators.

Show Us Your World In Motion

APA 2013 Short Video Contest

American Photographic Artists (APA) just announced their 2^nd Annual Short Video Contest.  All creative professionals are invited to “Show Us Your World In Motion”.  Below are details of the contest and a link.  Just think there are over $15,000 in cash and some of the coolest video industry prizes.

More than that, every entrant is a winner because Smartsound.com is going to give every entrant a free album of their music and Sonicfire software to edit the music.

“The career of a photographer is all about telling stories. We know that many of you are actively engaging in shooting video/motion.  Clients increasingly demand that photographers are adding video as an integral part of their services offered.  APA wants to spotlight your talents directly to our extensive subscriber list.  This is a great opportunity to showcase your talent to the most respected decision makers in the industry.  And, our judges include prominent industry professionals, even more opportunities for you to get your work seen.”

“Beginning April 8^th we ask you to submit up to three videos between one and five minutes each. The contest closes on May 26^th at 5PM Pacific Standard Time.  Winners will be announced on June 11^th.”

“There are over $15,000 in cash and prizes including $500 cash and prizes from Adobe, Agency Access, Chimera, Cinevate, Controlled Vocabulary, Dripbook, Glidecam, Hollywood Camera Works, Hoodman, ikan, indisystem, RedRock Micro, Resource, Roberts Imaging, smallHD, Smartsound, and Think Tank Photo.   In addition you can win bragging rights and become an award winning Video Director overnight in one of several of the fifteen categories being awarded.”

“To find out how to submit and to read the fine print please go here: http://tinyurl.com/APAvideo . The contest is open to APA and all creative content creators”.

Check it out I think you’ll want to enter.

Secrets of Video for Photographers in Portland

Videos by photographers are more important than ever in today’s environment.  Discover what today’s Art Directors, Editors and Art Buyers are saying about video by photographers. Become informed about the ways you can use video to promote yourself and where you can place your videos to be seen. Hear what advertising and editorial photographers already shooting video are saying. Find out if short form or long form is right for you and your clients and you can use your present still photography in video.

Come join Lee White, professional photographer/videographer and college instructor as he guides you through the tools and techniques needed to help you make video without pulling your hair out.  How to handle the “creative call” and put together a “treatment”.  Avoid the common mistakes that ruin most novice videography.  Learn what camera settings on your HDSLR for video mean and how best to set your camera for different situations.  Find out how to do good audio recordings. See what video gear can help you make better videos.  Find out what is involved with editing your video, adding music and getting it out.

Whether you are a beginning, advanced or professional photographer, you can advance your visual storytelling with video in exciting new ways. You can turn your pictures into moving pictures.  Don’t miss this opportunity to hit the ground running in your adventure into video.
Smartsound will be providing free royalty free music and soundtrack software for every attendee.

Friday night DOOR PRIZE: G-Technology G-Drive mini 7200rpm harddrive – perfect for editing video.

Lecture When: Friday, June 10, 2011
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm
Where: Newspace Center for Photography
1632 S.E. 10th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214

Workshop When: Saturday, June 11, 2011
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Andy Batt’s Studio
2021 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

For more info and to register go to: http://www.prophotosupply.com/p-events.htm

Hosted by Pro Photo  Supply and ASMP  Sponsored by Chimera, Manfrotto, Panasonic, Apple, Zeiss, Beachtek,  Smartsound, Sennheiser, Hoodman, Indisystems, Manhattan LCD, G-technology, AJA, Red Giant Software, Anton/Bauer, Logicboard,  K-Tek and Casio.

Secrets of Video for Photographers comes to Portland Oregon

Secrets of video for photographers is coming to Portland for two events that takes away the mystery of video production and replaces it with solid information.  More than just tech talk, Lee White also goes over ideas on how to increase revenue streams and creative strategies.

The evening seminar is two hours jammed packed with need to know info!

When: Friday, April 8, 2011
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm
Where: Newspace Center for Photography
1632 S.E. 10th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214
Cost: General $10, ASMP members & Students $5
Register Now!

All attendees will receive free SmartSound music and SonicFire music editing software .

Taking the step from stills to video can be a challenging one. You will have to learn how to deal with motion and sound, tell the visual story in a different way. There is new equipment to master. Post-production can be much more involved and time consuming. The explosion of interest in video both by clients and photographers in the last couple of years has opened new creative avenues for photographers. More photographers are being asked to create video content so are facing new challenges in estimating, production and post-production. Come and learn about the latest tools and techniques needed to create video. Learn how to better estimate the time and costs involved and how you need to approach video differently than stills while using your photographic talents to your advantage.

Lee White’s evening lecture presentation and videos will go over the steps photographers need to know in creating video without tearing their hair out.

During the evening Lee will discuss:
• How photographers can get new clients
• The latest in tools that make video production easier
• The all-important planning stage and what new concepts and costs photographers need to think about
• The importance of post-production
• HDSLR vs Camcorder in video production
• How photographers can apply their present skills to video

The latest equipment and software by sponsors Apple, Manfrotto, Panasonic, Zeiss,  Sennheiser, Beachtek. Red Giant Software, SmartSound, G-Technology, Indisystems, Chimera and Casio will be at the event for photographers to see.

_____________________________________________________

Secrets of Video for Photographers workshop

This fast paced all-day workshop is not to be missed.

When: Saturday, April 9, 2011
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Andy Batt’s Studio
2021 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Cost: General $150; ASMP members & Students $100 – Lunch included
Register Now!

All attendees will receive free SmartSound music and SonicFire music editing software .

Photography and video are coming together. In the last couple of years, the idea of photographers producing video has exploded and photographers now must gear up and learn the language of video. As advertisers and magazines turn to video on the web, cable and mobile devices to get out their message, there are more opportunities than ever for you to do video in tandem with your photography to capture new clients and sell video services to existing clients.

Producing video creates fundamental changes to your workflow. It requires new tools and techniques to take the step from photography to video. You need to learn what the new technologies mean to you from a photographer’s point of view. This is why Lee White, a professional photographer and educator, has created an intensive all day workshop to help guide you into video. This hands-on workshop will go in depth about each step of video production so you can start producing your own video and avoid some of the most dangerous pitfalls.

In the morning, Lee White will go over the fundamentals of video production and direct a plan for a shoot for the afternoon. In the afternoon, we will shoot, and edit and color grade the video.

The Saturday subjects will include:
• The importance of workflow including recording formats and how to use them to your advantage
• Estimating and planning combined photography and video shoots with forms for estimating video production
• Understanding the lighting, filming and sound techniques needed for video
• Hands on experience with camera, lighting and sound equipment
• Editing and color grading demonstrations
• Common issues in directing talent and a chance to direct yourself
• The importance of post-production

The latest equipment and software by sponsors Apple, Manfrotto, Panasonic, Zeiss,  Sennheiser, Beachtek. Red Giant Software, SmartSound, G-Technology, Indisystems and Casio will be at the event for photographers to see in action.

Lecture and workshop are sponsored by Pro Photo Supply and ASMP Oregon.

Secrets of Video Production for Photographers – The Next Step

The new workshops are here! All of you that were nice enough to pester me about doing more can relax. Hopefully, there will be one near you. Once again, I’m kicking off the series in LA. This year they are on February 24 and 26 at the famous Fairbanks Studio with a flurry of events to follow.

Taking the step from stills to video can be a challenging one. You will have to learn how to deal with motion and sound, tell the visual story in a different way. There is new equipment to master. Post-production can be much more involved and time consuming. The explosion of interest in video both by clients and photographers in the last couple of years has opened new creative avenues for photographers. More photographers are being asked to create video content so are facing new challenges in estimating, production and post-production. Come and learn about the latest tools and techniques needed to create video. Learn how to better estimate the time and costs involved and how you need to approach video differently than stills while using your photographic talents to your advantage.

Note: Workshop info and date below evening event

Thursday Evening Event – Thursday Feb 24

At the famous Warner Studio now called “The Lot” in West Hollywood
7-9 pm doors open at 6:30 pm parking at 1006 North Poinsettia Place, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Hosted by Hollywood-DI

Lee White’s evening presentation including videos will go over the steps photographers need to know in creating video without tearing their hair out.

During the evening Lee will discuss:

- How photographers can get get new clients
- The latest in tools that make video production easier
- The all important planning stage and what new concepts and costs photographers need to think about
- The importance of post production
- HDSLR vs Camcorder in video production
- How photographers can apply their present skills to video

The latest equipment and software by Apple, Manfrotto, Panasonic, Zeiss, Redrock Micro, SmartSound, Sennheiser, Beachtek and Chimera among others will be at the event for photographers to see.

Registering for Thursday night February 24 event

Parking is free, please go to www.tiny.cc/LAevening for directions.

How much: APA/ASMP MEMBERS are $15 all others $25 *Please put membership number in special instructions to seller and a discount refund will be given at the workshop as the APA/ASMP member enters.

Questions call 818.399.3540 or email lee@leewhitephotography.com

Saturday Workshop Saturday February 26

9 am- 5 pm at the famous Warner Studio now called “The Lot” in West Hollywood – Limited to 20 participants

Hosted by Hollywood-DI

Photography and video are coming together. In the last couple of years, the idea of photographers producing video has exploded and photographers now must gear up and learn the language of video. As advertisers and magazines turn to video on the web, cable and mobile devices to get out their message, there are more opportunities than ever for you to do video in tandem with your photography to capture new clients and sell video services to existing clients.

Producing video creates fundamental changes to your workflow. It requires new tools and techniques to take the step from photography to video. You need to learn what the new technologies mean to you from a photographer’s point of view. This is why Lee White, a professional photographer and educator, has created an intensive all day workshop to help guide you into video. This hands on workshop will go in depth about each step of video production so you can start producing your own video and avoid some of the most dangerous pitfalls.

In the morning, Lee White will go over the fundamentals of video production and direct a plan for a shoot for the afternoon. In the afternoon, we will shoot, and work with a professional editor from Hollywood-DI to edit and color grade the video.

The Saturday subjects will include:

- The importance of workflow including recording formats and how to use them to your advantage
- Estimating and planning combined photography and video shoots with forms for estimating video production
- Understanding the lighting, filming and sound techniques needed for video
- Hands on experience with camera, lighting and sound equipment
- Editing and color grading demonstrations
- Common issues in directing talent and a chance to direct yourself
- The importance of post production

The latest equipment and software by Apple, Manfrotto, Panasonic, Zeiss, Redrock Micro, Sennheiser, SmartSound, Beachtek and Chimera will be demonstrated.

Registering for Saturday February 26 Workshop

You must register by Friday, February 25 because this is taking place on a movie lot and security needs your name to let you in!

Parking is free in the lot but we must have you registered so security can let you in. You will get directions upon registration.

How much: $149.95 APA/ASMP members will receive a 10% discount refund* on confirmation of valid membership.

Questions call 818.399.3540 or email lee@leewhitephoto.com

*Please put name and membership number in special instructions to seller and the discount refund will be given at the workshop as the APA/ASMP member enters.

©Lee White

More Practice, Imgenomic Realgrain and Hoodman Loupe

As an advertising photographer, very often much of the format of an image I’m assigned to shoot is already decided before it gets to me.  Of course, I get to add my creative input, which in part is why I’m being hired as long as it conforms to the message and shape of the assignment.  When I go out and practice, I get to explore more freely.

I just got back from a location scout, where I found six wonderful spots to shoot at one location.  So the scout was successful, and along the way I got to practice.  I took my time exploring the location and watched the light.  I also took pictures both of the spots I might later use plus interesting subjects for myself.  Since, I did not have the pressure of a client looking over my shoulder or an expensive model standing in front of the camera, I could experiment.  If one of my experiments didn’t turn out exactly as I expected, no harm was done.  I also shot subjects that I like that would not normally be subject matter for my advertising photography assignments.

Boot-1

I used Imagenomic’s realgrain to help give the image a more natural gritty look.

I took along a budding photographer as an extra set of eyes. I had the time to explain some of the processes I was going through which both helped the photographer and reminded me of alternative ways of handling subjects.  I also had a person as a scale to put in the location shots so I had a better idea how a person could interact with the location.  It is hard to see the image playback on the screen in bright sun, so I introduced the photographer to the Hoodman Loupe.  Plus we discussed the value of using the histogram rather than the screen to check exposure.

As Kim Weston, once said to me “all we do is a craft; it’s a craft and if you don’t know your craft…there are no shortcuts.”

.THM Is Important For HDSLR Editing

While Final Cut Pro will edit the H.264 files created by the Canon 5D or 7D, it will be slow and probably not frame precise.  A much better solution is either bringing the files in through Compressor or using the free Log & Transfer plug-in from Canon.  It is important not to strip away the .THM files if you plan on using the the plug-in.  In fact, the plug-in requires the DCIM folder to stay intact.  I suggest you copy the card on to your drive and backup drive and simply use a naming system to change only the master folder name.  The Hoodman RAW firewire card reader will help speed up the process, see side panel for link.

Once you have the original master folders safe, you can proceed to convert the files into the ProRes format of your choosing.  Most think any of the ProRes versions above standard ProRes does not gain anything in quality.

Secrets at Unique Photo Oct. 22-23

I’m going to Unique Photo Superstore to do my Secrets of Video Production for Photographers.  Friday night is the evening presentation where I do an overview of video production from concept to final output.  Saturday’s workshop is where the funny really begins.  Saturday morning is getting everyone up to speed then the afternoon is filled with shooting and editing.  For more information you can go to:

http://www.unique-university.com/e/index.php/classes/secrets-of-hdslr-video-production-for-photographers-with-lee-white.html
and
http://www.unique-university.com/e/index.php/classes/secrets-of-hdslr-video-production-for-photographers-workshop-with-lee-white.html

Lee White preparing to shoot commercial with model Maya using Marshall Electronics V-LCD70P-HDMI, Redrock Micro eyeSpy, Beachtech audio adapter DXA-5D

These events are sponsored by Zeiss, Redrock Micro, SmartSound, Beachtek, Sennheiser, Apple, Hoodman, Indisystems, Marshall Electronics, LaCie, Chimera, K-Tek, and Agency Access

Are Your CF and SDHC Cards Fast Enough for Video

When shooting video, it is more important than ever to shoot to the right kind of card.  If you don’t, the video might look fine when playing it back on the camera, but when you get to editing the clips, you will find dropped frames.  These are not the dropped frames you get from using a slow hard drive (see entry on hard drives) where the frame is in the file but the drive is just too slow to show every individual frame, but where the frame was not recorded to the file.

For video recording, you need to use a CF UDMA or SDHC card of the right class or higher.  These cards have ways of transferring the data at a higher rate than regular cards, which is needed when dealing with the amount of data created shooting HD video.  The camera’s instruction book will tell you what the requirements are.

I like the RAW series of CF and SDHC cards made by Hoodman (see the side bar) for a number of reasons.  They are made in America, unlike much of the other video equipment we use.  They are single layer and have had a zero failure rate so far.  They are rated for 500,000 life cycles which means they will outlive me even if I filled them up and downloaded them 10 times a day for the next 130+ years.  The cards speeds are some of the fastest in the world.

Raw CF card

Raw SDHC card

Don’t Shoot Like a Drunken Pirate

Anyone who has attended one of my Secrets of Video Production for Photographers knows I am a big advocate of sticks (tripod) like Manfrotto’s 536 MPRO with a fluid head such as the new Manfrotto HDV 504 for stability while shooting video. In the Pirate Faire, spreading sticks would have been an undue hazard to passersby in the crowded aisles but hand holding an HDSLR was not a good solution either. HDSLRs are simply not well designed for smooth handheld video. The usual jerky movements of handheld video draws attention to the camera and away from the story which unless it is a very highly dramatic reportage scene is counter-productive.

A shoulder rig from Redrock Micro was certainly a possibility and had I needed to move while shooting, it would have been the obvious solution. At an NAB presentation earlier this year, producers at National Geographic said camerapersons have requested being able to go back to shoulder mount cameras for some projects for the added stability. I came up with another solution because I was not going to need to chase the action but could plant myself in one spot and shoot.

The Manfrotto 3216 monopod worked perfectly. It was compact and easy to carry, quick to extend to any height I needed yet reduced the danger of tripping unaware passersby. I used a 3262QR ball head with quick release but had I needed to tilt up or down, I might have chosen a 501 fluid head. The Hoodman Cine Kit Pro made it easy to see the LCD when shooting in the bright sun.

Next time you’re tempted to handhold an HDSLR, try a monopod and see if your video looks less like it was shot by a drunken pirate.

Click to watch clip