Basic Digital Photography

In working with shot composition the same basic rules apply with all types of cameras. This is a slidshow that gives basic tips and tricks to make your shot composition appealing with a digital still camera. The same rules apply for video cameras as well.

Basic Digital Photography

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Video Editing 101

Getting video on the timline

After spending hours behind the camera trying to figuring out what to shoot, you can finally start to edit what you have worked so hard to get. The photo below shows a basic video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5). On the left of the photo shows what's called the "Project Bin," or in other words the place you will be keeping all the files you're working with.




To the right of the Project Bin you'll see two video screens. The one on the left is called the "Trimmer" and does what is sounds like...trimming the video (or cropping). It is also used for adding effects etc. The screen on the right displays whatever is on the "Timline" (the large rectangle at the bottom). Lets look at an example. First, you need to import some video. To do this you need to go File -> Import. Once you've found and selected your video it will appear in the Project Bin (see picture below).



After importing your video file you'll need to put it in the Timeline to edit. This next photo shows what happens when I click and drag the video file onto the Timeline.



Now that the video is on the Timeline its ready to edit. Click and drag the "time indicator" to roughly view the file or push play to play it through.

Adding titles is different in every editing program. The software you are now using may and probably will be different than Premiere Pro. But since that's what I'm using we'll take a look at that. Yours should be similar.

First, go to File -> New -> Title. A title box will appear viewing the frame your time indicator is on. Click anywhere in the monitor and start typing. I typed "John's Wedding."



Here you can also change the font's color, size, if you want shadows, or other effects too. Once you save this title you can put it onto the Timeline above the first video you put in. Being on top will help you organize you video tracks.



Now you're ready to apply effects, crop, add/remove or balance color, and much more. Stay tuned to this blog for more editing help. If you have any questions at all leave a comment and I would be happy to answer them.

Time with TIm on Video Production

College professor, Timothy Mielke, answers the following questions about the video production.

1. Name one unique thing about you.

My DNA is unique and my thoughts are nothing close to ordinary. I am always thinking about the lighting everywhere I go. Would this make a great picture? What could I do to change it? Those kinds of things. Ok, that was two things.



2. What was your first video camera you’ve owned?

I purchased in 2000 a Sony Digital 8 video camcorder from Circuit City for $450 used. It was worth $900 new. It still works today and I have taken hundreds of hours of video with it. I have been well pleased with the Digital 8 format and own two currently. I also own a Canon HF 30, Canon Rebel T1i, and a Canon 20D and 40D. Did I mention my wife has several smaller point-and-shoot cameras too? One can never have too many cameras. J



3. How did you get trained?

In 9th grade I started making my own stop-animation videos. Through high school I worked on three shorts. One was seven minutes, one was five minutes, and one was going to be twenty minutes when completed.

This sparked my interest for further training. I looked at Brown College and The Art Academy in Minneapolis, but was unsatisfied with the blatant immoral content their programs were creating. Hence, I went to Pillsbury Baptist Bible College and took Photography and Business minors with a Bible major.

After graduating in 2006, I started teaching Photography at Pillsbury. My skills have been increased by teaching too. Currently I am working on completing a M.A. in Multimedia Communications from Academy of Art University Online.



4. How influential do you think media is in today’s society?

Visual Media, especially video, is extremely important to our society. Department stores are putting video screens everywhere. Gas stations are putting video at the pumps. Billboards are becoming digital. YouTube is having millions of hits each day. The downside is we as a society are having our senses dulled to video.

The upside is there is a need for a small army of professional videographers. Video is extremely powerful and convincing. Unfortunately, Hollywood uses professional media to promote worldly ideas. We need Christians with solid morals and convictions to produce professional videos and media in general.



5. What is your favorite piece of equipment you use on set (excluding camera)?

Studio lighting equipment with dimmers and soft boxes. Without good lighting video looks amateur.



6. Would you say that composition in photography and videography are similar?

The basics are the same. The aspect ratio of video is 16x9 and 35 mm photography is 3x2. You still need to use the rule of thirds for horizons, eye positions, look room etc. Mergers should be avoided.



7. What is one helpful website you would recommend for a beginner to look to get techniques or tips?

www.videomaker.com



8. What would be the first step you would suggest for a beginner to take in the process of becoming a skilled videographer?

First, research some basic tips online. Then implement them in your video work and do a video documentary or movie on something you have an interest in. Using a $300 camera with a decent laptop and creating some compelling content. Through the process you will either love or hate the editing experience. You may find you like only a certain area of video production.



9. What is your favorite camera?

The Canon HF200 is a very affordable, quality, high definition camera. I love using the Canon XH-A1. My dream camera would be a RED camera.



10. Do you think Miss Ledgerwood and Mrs. Morris are awesome teachers?

Of course. They teach at Maranatha, don’t they?

"The Red One"

Veiw Photos of the ground breaking technology of the RED camera.







Photos gathered from the Red website.

Where to start?

In order to become a well versed videographer and one of those "people you always see with a camera," you have to take certain steps in that direction. The first thing that you will need in the video production process is a video camera. You don't need to buy a three thousand dollar HD camera. Your first camera can, and probably should, be a digital handycam that you can take everywhere and video anything and everything.

This instrument is what you begin training your creative mind to view things through the viewfinder or LCD.



A good place to start your search for a simple handy came is at tigerdirect.com.






If you have one you already that you have considered buying, check out professional and user reviews at epinions.com.








One key practice that will help train that photographic mind is by carrying around a small digital camera everywhere you go, taking pictures of anything and everything. This helps your mind think creatively. Reviewing these photos can help you see what you like and don't like. That way the next time you get behind your video camera, not as much time is spent thinking about how to do that next shot.