I'm an advertising photographer/videographer based in Los Angeles, California. My mission is to create striking advertising photography, corporate photography and editorial photography of people for major advertising agencies, fortune 500 corporations and major magazines. I shoot photography and video assignments throughout California including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego as well as the rest of the world. As a photo educator I am happy to share my unique vision and methods. I'm currently teaching classes at College of the Canyons in video production for professional photographers and photography students. I give workshops, seminars and lectures on short form video production at colleges, organizations and conferences around the world.
Being an advertising and editorial photographer and videographer in Los Angeles I have spent decades going on location. My advertising and editorial photography assignments have taken me around the world but some of the most fun have been local assignments that I can drive to within a day. This is specially true with what has happened with air travel lately. Not only do I get to take extra equipment, but I get to visit additional locations along the route. I get to stretch my shooting eye along with my legs at these photo stops.
Recently, I drove to Tucson Arizona from Los Angeles so had the chance to drive through the sand dunes near Yuma on I-8. I got there around 3:30 in the afternoon when it was a balmy 105 degrees. There were mild gusts of wind that blew the extra fine sand swirling around my feet.  If you watch the video the video closely you will see it flowing over the surface in some of the shots.
Amazingly enough even through it was a Sunday afternoon the dunes were mostly undisturbed. One set of footprints went up the top the major dune but other that that the civilians had not trod over everything since the last thunderstorm wiped away their traces. I wish I could say that about the two people that later walked within feet of my tripod and me continuing on directly into where I was filming. Since both had cameras and were taking pictures I wonder were the courtesy of asking if I was done shooting went but…
Can you tell I edited this on Premiere Pro? Of course, not. Unlike cameras with particular compression formats or lenses with certain characteristics that might be visible in the final video, there is nothing to tell the viewer what software was used to edit the video. A long time Final Cut Pro user I am checking out other NLEs. The attached video was done in a few hours on a friend’s Premiere Pro system.
I had the chance to spend a day training on Premiere Pro in a class by Weynand training at DV Expo in Pasadena, now called Rev Up Transmedia. I found Premiere Pro to be very similar to FCP7. There are some useful features like being able to edit many formats without the need to transcode and the speech to text. There are a are some differences in shortcut keys, color correction, rendering and I’m sure more once I have had a chance to work with Premiere Pro in my own editing suite I’ll find more.
Lee White working with Panasonic HMC 40 on Manfrotto tripod and fluid head
Once again, I’m wearing the most comfortable hat I have ever had, the Redrock Micro cap.
As an advertising photographer who also shoots and instructs video classes, I have people ask me about the new Final Cut Pro X. Well after spending a day with Diana Weynand training at DV Expo with X I have a few impressions.
For those who are just getting into video and have no experience with other editing programs except for possibly Imovie the approach Final Cut Pro X takes will not seem unusual for editing and in some ways I like it. The X approach to organization and selection is handy since keeping organized and finding material is such a big part of video post-production. Nothing kills creativity more than the frustration of not being able to find your material.
Some of the terminology is different from past editing software including Final Cut Pro 7 with terms like events and selections replacing projects and edited clip. The heavy use of metadata is also different but very useful in the world of file based content and aliases used in NLEs.
One of the complaints about Final Cut Pro X has been not being able to use your editing in other programs including past versions of Final Cut Pro which has just been resolved with the update giving X the ability to export and import XML files. Apple also just started offering a 30 day trial version so you can have of taste of what the new approach is like.
Secrets of video for photographers Friday seminar in New Jersey is more timely than ever for you if you want to have the skills most in demand today. Saturday workshop info below.
Learn how to make videos that people want to watch. Whether you’re an amateur or professional, learn the techniques that every photographer shooting video should know even if you never take your camera off automatic. Translate your photographic knowledge in to cinematic genius. What equipment do you need and when do you need it. Come and get inspired as well as educated.
The Friday evening seminar will include:
– Visual storytelling
– Basics of camera, sound and lighting techniques
– The latest in video equipment and software for video suitable for photographers getting into video.
– How photographers can apply their present skills to video
– How professional photographers can create new revenue streams
Secrets of video for photographers workshop in Atlanta on Saturday gives you a quick and thorough education in the tools and techniques every photographer should have when doing video.
Whether you are a beginning, advanced or professional photographer, you can advance your visual storytelling with video in exciting new ways. Don’t miss this opportunity to hit the ground running in your adventure into 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. 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 for others to enjoy.
The Saturday workshop will include:
– Hands-on experience with camera, lighting and sound equipment
– A chance to direct and shoot talent and a table-top situation
– The importance of workflow including recording formats and camera settings
– How to edit video and output
– How photographers can market their new skill-set
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 “treatmentâ€. 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.
Take a look at Magic Bullets Grinder by Red Giant Software if you need a very fast transcoding of your HDLSR video. It uses all of your processors to transcode the H.264 from your HDSLR into a variety of Apple PRO RES and Photo-Jpg formats so it is fast. If you need even faster editing Magic Bullet Grinder can create Proxy files in PRO RES and Photo-Jpg codecsl. If you were planning to do major color grading (correction) or adding effects in Motion you can transcode into PRO RES 4444. Any 720p video will be automatically upgraded to 1080p so it can be used in Full HD editing.
It is a simple three step process: drag your files on to Grinder, Set the transcode to format you want and save which allows you to set the destination for the transcoded files. You’ll end up with transcoded files with time code which is helpful. Note: I suggest when making proxy files that you set the main format to original + timecode and burn in file name and time code. You can download a trial version of Magic Bullet Grinder at http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/downloads/trial-versions.
Magic Bullet Grinder's Three Step Process
Coming soon is the 1.5 update that adds more format codecs, timecode options, conforming controls, Growl support, separate output options for main and proxy outputs and better clip naming.
Red Giant Software Magic Bullet Grinder for Fast Trancoding of DSLR Files
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.
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.
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.
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.
My interest in Luma Keying was sparked when one of my students had a problem during the Green Screen assignment I give each semester in my Video Production for Photographers class at Santa Monica College. The student, as students will, chose a situation where using a green screen or any other color screen was impossible because the subject was an octopus in a public aquarium with no access to the back. She did luck out in that the background went black.
Here is why. The way sampling in video is noted is Luma (brightness). Chroma (color). Chroma (color) often noted as 4.4.4, 4.2.0 or some other variation of 4 and the two other numbers. This means almost always when compressing video into a camera codec, the full range of luma, which is the first number, is kept intact and only the color information is compressed. So she starts out with a good amount of luma (brightness). Her next bit of joy comes from the fact that not only are there several chroma (color) keyers in Final Cut Pro but there is also a luma keyer as well. Simply go to Browser>Video Filters>Key>Luma Key. The adjustments are simple, too. Decide Key Out Darker or Lighter and find the best Threshold and Tolerance settings. Each shot will probably be a little different and you will have a decent key. All keying is a black art and seldom is applying one filter going to solve all the issues. There often is a mixture of tracks, mattes and filters needed to get a really good keying done. Also see my post on Double Your Pleasure.
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:
College of the Canyons - Photo 177 Video Capture for Still Photographers. A innovative class where students learn to shoot still images and video to complete projects. This class gives the still photographer the skillset to add narrative motion to projects.
College of the Canyons - Photo 280 Large Format Photography and the Zone System. A unique large format class where students will shoot 4x5 film using view cameras and the zone system. They will then develop and enlarge the film for assigned projects.
Beijing, China One-day still photography and video seminar June
Mt. SAC, Walnut, CA Two-day workshop
First day lecture and demo second day shooting and editing
New Jersey, Unique Photo, Video seminar and workshop
Sept 16 and 18 see blog and http://university.uniquephoto.com/e/
Continuing - Photo29 "Video Production for Still Photographers" at Santa Monica College. A class in video production for professional photographers and photography students. http://www.smc.edu/schedules/2011/fall/default.htm
Atlanta, Showcase Photo & Video, Video seminar and Workshop
August 26 and 27 see blog and
http://www.theshowcaseschool.com/
Portland, Pro Photo Supply, Video seminar and workshop
June 10 and 11 see blog and
http://www.prophotosupply.com/p-events.htm
Sennheiser sound capture event at Santa Monica College May 3 see blog http://www.leewhitephotography.com/blog/?p=825
Panel discussion for Brooks, Institute of Photography.
Hoodman USA