Shot on a Nikon D300s. If Youtube link is unavailable click here
Using the D300s was one of the first experiences I had shooting video, but what struck me is how easy it was to learn. Within one day, I was able to pick up the basics of shooting. It was liberating and exciting to explore the possibilities of story telling with more than just still images and audio. Now I feel as if there is a whole world of opportunities to explore.
My top tips are pretty simple.
1) Be patient. Wait for things to happen in front of the frame. I liked the ambiguity and suspense of discovering what might happen in front of the lens instead of always panning and searching for things. Of course panning is useful, but I think it needs to be used minimally.
2) Shoot for a minimum of 5 seconds on the beginning and end of each shot. You need that for editing. It may feel as if you are shooting for longer than you really are so get in the habit of shooting a little longer to make it easier in the editing room.
3) Shoot lots of sequences.
4) Make the tripod your best friend. Use a good one with a fluid head.
5) Same like still photography. Wait for beautiful light. Light is everything. Avoid those high contrast scenes.
6) Shoot and shoot and shoot. It’s the only way to discover and create beautiful work.
As far as the D300s goes, this is a sweet little camera, especially for the price. I am shooting a lot more video now and loving it.
I had help on this project from Dai Sugano who is an absolute genius and helped me with the editing. His work is very inspiring and he has a unique way of seeing the world. His work is an excellent example of a still photographer moving into video and breaking the mold with originality and creativity. David Barreda and Ashima Narain helped me in the field. Without all these people I would never have been able to make this. It’s really all about collaboration.
Go to www.amivitale.com for more photos
Sample D300s still images here
