Good DSLR Sound

Recording good sound with your DSLR can be done.  First, understand the built-in camera microphone is almost worthless.  It can be useful if all else fails or to sync two-system sound but very little beyond that.  Recording sound separately (two-system) with a high quality recorder can produce great sound but comes at the cost of additional recording keeping during the shoot, turning on and off two separate systems for each shot and additional edit time even with automatic syncing software.

So how to get the best sound possible with in-camera synced sound?  First start with a professional quality microphone like one of the Sennheiser ME series condenser microphones such as the ME66 short shotgun with the K6 power module or the EW 100 G3 wireless system.

Sennheiser ME66 Microphone in K-Tek Shock Mount ©Lee White

Then use a quality XLR cable to connect it to the camera.  But wait, there is no XLR input on DSLRs.  So to get the XLR cable to work with your DSLR you need an adapter.

Beachtek DXA-5Da Passive Adapter

Some of the best adapters out there are the Beachtek DXA-5Da and DXA-SLR. Harry Kaufmann of Beachtek was kind enough to describe the differences between the Beachtek DXA-5Da and DXA-SLR.   “Both adapters work on any DSLR camera. The only reason that the DXA-5Da is named as it is is because it was originally designed for the Canon 5D. However, it will work equally well on the 7D or any of the other Canon, Panasonic or Nikon cameras. “

Beachtek DXA_SLR Active Adapter

“The DXA-5Da is a passive device which means it does not provide any amplification or phantom power. The passive circuitry keeps things very simple as there is no electronics to get it the way – it uses simple balancing transformers so it is very robust and completely noise free for superb audio. It can also operate with no battery. It is ideal for sensitive mics like the Sennheiser ME66, Rode VideoMic Pro, wireless mics or as an interface to a mixing board – in these cases no amplification or phantom power are required.  The DXA-SLR is a much more sophisticated active device which has built-it low noise preamps and phantom power so it can be used with virtually any microphone.”

DXA-5Da Adapter Controls

DXA-SLR Adapter Controls

Photos courtesy of Beachtek

Both can disable the AGC and let you set the audio levels manually.  So, if your microphone is a condenser type and you can power it with a battery in the microphone or inside the XLR cable the Beachtek DXA-5Da is a good choice.  If you need to power the microphone from the adapter or to boost the amplification of a less sensitive microphone then the Beachtek DXA-SLR is the right choice.

You can get more information on the Beachtek site at http://www.beachtek.com/ and Sennheiser site at http://www.sennheiserusa.com/.

Secrets of Video for Photographers – New Jersey – Unique Photo

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

Sept 16, 2011 6 – 8pm

Unique Photo SuperStore
123 US Hwy 46 (West)
Fairfield, NJ 07004
Phone: 973-377-2007

For more information or to register go to http://university.uniquephoto.com/e/index.php/classes/lee-white-seminar-html.html

Sponsors: Panasonic, AJA, Apple, Manfrotto, Zeiss, Sennheiser, Smartsound, Redrock Micro, ManhattanLCD, Beachtek, Indisystems, Chimera, G-Technology, AntonBauer, Red Giant Software, Hoodman, and K-Tek

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

August 27, 2011 9:30am – 4:30pm

Unique Photo SuperStore
123 US Hwy 46 (West)
Fairfield, NJ 07004
Phone: 973-377-2007

For more information or to register go to http://university.uniquephoto.com/e/index.php/classes/secrets-of-video-for-photographers-workshop-with-lee-white.html

Sponsors Panasonic, AJA, Apple, Manfrotto, Zeiss, Sennheiser, Smartsound, Redrock Micro, ManhattanLCD, Beachtek, Indisystems, Chimera, G-Technology, AntonBauer, Red Giant Software, Hoodman, and K-Tek.

Sennheiser Condenser Microphones and Wireless Team Up

Sennheiser condenser microphones and Sennheiser wireless systems are my go to microphones.  I’m comfort handling just about any situation that comes up with my ME series of condenser microphones capsules with the K6 power module and Evolution wireless 100 G3 wireless ENG kit.  I always try and use one of the ME series microphones directly cabled to the camera or a Beachtek DXA-SLR camera adapter with a balanced XLR cable.  When that is not practical, my next choice might surprise you!

When I can’t cable the ME microphone directly because the distance is to far to conveniently use a balanced XLR cable, I use a Sennheiser SKP 100 GE wireless plug-on transmitter.  This gives me the quality of a full size microphone and the convenience of the wireless.  The plug-on goes right into the XLR pins on the K6 power module and locks in place for security.  The plug-on transmitter does not supply the phantom power that the ME series needs to operate which is no problem since the K6 module allows for a AA battery to be installed to supply the power for the microphone.  The plug-on transmitter sends signals to the evolution wireless 100 G3 on camera receiver, again going directly into the camera or through a Beachtek DXA-SLR camera adapter.

In the picture below you see the Sennheiser plug-on transmitter attached on the end of the Sennheiser K6 power module and ME66 microphone capsule in a K-Tek shock mount at the end of a Manfrotto boom stand.  I felt the microphone system, boom and stand fit into the look of the stage and the feeling that Lacey Anzelc was being interviewed on camera that I left it in for the viewer to see during the very wide shot…

Sennheiser SKP 100 plug-on wireless transmitter on K6 and ME66 during interview with Lacey Anzelc

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.

Record Audio by Listening First

It’s easy to record audio if you take a few simple steps.  As an extension of my Photo 29 class “Video Production for Still Photographers” in the photography department at Santa Monica College, David Missall of Sennheiser gave a seminar on recording good sounding audio for video and film.  Of the many things David said that captured my attention, his suggestion about one part of listening was very intriguing.

When we do our location scout, we should already know to listen as well as look to hear if there is going to be any audio capture problems.  Busy street noise, school nearby, construction even air-conditioning or a noisy refrigerator can all cause problems with audio. Of course, we also look to see if we see anything that might create a problem is not happening at the time we are there like is there construction nearby that might be busy most of the day but we are scouting at 6pm in the evening.

We also know that in residential areas the weekday day is probably the quietest time and corporate areas the reverse is true.  Late night might be the only time for business areas although some business areas might follow the residential and corporate area sound pattern.

Stopping and listening to the location at the shoot is also important to pick up on any problems that might affect the audio capture at the time of the shoot.  Things change and the weather might have change so now a heater or air-conditioner might be on that was not on during the scout.

One of David’s suggestions that struck me was to listen to the subject to get a feeling for exactly what the subject sounds like to your own ears.  Have the talent talk naturally for a few minutes.  Walk around the talent and listen to how they sound.  How can we expect to set the audio up right if we have not heard the subject naturally first?  Once we have heard the sound we are after it will be much easier to tell if we are coming as close as possible to it.  Maybe you’ll find placing the microphone closer or further away is called for to get the right sound.  Maybe switching from an omni-directional to shotgun or the reverse might do the trick.

A quick mention here about the Sennheiser ME series I use.  It is very quick to switch from a ME62 omni-directional capsule to a ME66 shotgun capsule or any of the other ME capsules by just screwing them on the K6 power module already in the shock mount.  This interchangeable saves time, space and cost as you are not buy a whole new microphone for each type of microphone, you just buy a capsule with the desired pickup pattern of omni-directional through long gun.  You can find out more about Sennheiser at http://www.sennheiserusa.com/home.

As I write this, the neighbor’s hound has started to howl, my black lab barks at every delivery truck that goes by and a very loud vintage biplane from the nearby airport is circling above.  So good luck if you ever try and capture clean sound in my neighborhood.

Sennheiser Sound Recording Tools and Techniques Seminar

Sennheiser Sound Seminar by David Missall

An exciting sound seminar by David Missall of Sennheiser at Santa Monica College May 3, 2011 in association with my class Photo29 Video Production for Still Photographers.  As they say, sound is 50% of a production until it is bad sound and then it is 85% and the audience is very unforgiving.  It is quite a shock to most of us photographers that picture is not always the most important part of the story.  David  Missall will explain the techniques and tools needed to capture good sound.  He will also share some of the tips and tricks he has learned over the years.

Strong Support for Smooth Video Moves Manfrotto 536 MPRO 504HD

The Manfrotto 536 MPro is the tripod (sticks) I use along with the 504HD fluid head when I want a solid base.  I’m reminded all the time the lighter the camera, the heavier and sturdier the base needs to be.  Driving to the Salton Sea for a photo trip, I stopped to shoot in the very windy San Gorgonio Wind Farm Pass.  This is where there are wind farms with the large propeller-driven turbines and for good reason.  When I stopped to shoot the clouds passing the mountain top you see in the clip below, I was almost knocked off my feet by the windy gusts.

Click to watch - Manfrotto 536 MPRO for steady telephoto shot on windy day

There would have been no way a light tripod with the very lightweight Panasonic HMC-40 would have ever been stable.  Yes, I could sand bag a lighter tripod but dragging along sand bags to weigh down a light tripod seems counter productive.  Why not start out with a sturdy tripod and eliminate the hassle of sand bags.  In video, you’ll often be applying forces on the tripod as you pivot the fluid head that you do not encounter in still photography.  To pivot the fluid head successfully, you will want a fluid head that you can adjust the drag to just the right amount so you can more easily smoothly pivot the camera.  The New Manfrotto 504HD head has tension adjustments for both pan and tilt plus an adjustable counter balance to deal with different weight cameras.

A great thing about matching the 504HD head with the 536 MPRO tripod is the heights that they can be set at.  The 536 MPRO can go from just inches off the ground to 80 inches which means I can get the angle no matter what.  Plus you have either a 75 or 100mm bowl for the head to set into.  In the picture below, I’m using the 536 MPRO  at the wide leg setting, to support the indiSLIDERpro, a professional duty slider with camera using a Zeiss 28mm/f2 DLSR lens and Sennheiser MKE 400 microphone to capture a CU along the shore of the Salton Sea.

Manfrotto 536 MPRO supports indiSLIDERpro, Zeiss lens and Sennheiser MKE400 at Salton Sea

A quick word about fluid heads.  The Manfrotto 501, 503HDV and 504HD are great fluid heads that have all the adjustments you need for silky smooth moves.  There are very few times that you will not want the option of at least pivoting the camera and a fluid head is the answer.  Being able to finely tune the tension of the head helps you adjust for the weight of the camera gear and speed of the pivot.

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

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