2009 Second Quarter
Lots of work and lots of changes...
it happens so FAST...
I have been really busy lately - mostly in the tourism-destination-hospitality sectors of the market. Also, I have re-immersed myself in motion picture work albeit HD Video only and not 35-mm film. Three months have flown by and I am finally catching up with email newsletters and getting to enjoy the late start to summer here in the Tennessee Valley.
background...
During some of the earlier years of my career I had a good, healthy dose of "live action" and "film". I even had the privilege of working with some big names like David Cornell, Jake Scott and Tony Kaye. Some of my peers went from being photographers, to TV Commercial directors. In the early and mid-nineties, in addition to shooting stills (for print advertising) on location with TV commercial productions, I also had the opportunity shoot and produce a few Television shows and 2 documentaries. I always had the desire to direct more TV commercials, but my photographic career grew rapidly and by the late nineties, I was fully immersed in print.
up to speed...
In the last 6 - 8 months there have been some interesting technological advancements that have altered my career slightly - specifically the ability for DSLR's to shoot HD video. Also, some clients and creatives have been requesting that I shoot HD Video more frequently.
some useful info...
When considering using a photographer to shoot video with her/his DSLR:
1.) Production Production Production! I cannot stress it enough. It is essential to work with a good producer so that my attention is fully focused on the creating of still images AND moving images. I try to work with a producer who has had experience with big productions from the analog era both in TV and Print, but who has also transitioned well in applying their experience to the digital era. Digital workflow is a whole different deal especially when you are adding video. I like to work with producers who see the bigger picture of a production and are personable and fun to work with, and are able to collaborate effortlessly.
2.) The new HD video-ready DLSR is not a cure-all for all video requirements. Even though they are capable of getting that gorgeous "filmic", shallow depth-of-field look and can work with a huge variety of lenses, they have their limitations. The HD video-ready DLSR is a little too lightweight for most gripping gear and the evolvement of dedicated grip and follow-focus gear for DSLR's is still in its infancy. For this reason (and others, including some audio limitations) I sometimes will add the RED Camera or the Sony EX3 to shoot some of the images. Also, the RED and Sony EX3 have adjustable frame-rates, shutter angles and have smoother zoom and follow-focus functions. Mostly with these cameras, it is necessary to hire a good DP/Cameraman with an assistant to shoot supplemental footage- make sure they bring a decent monitor!
3.) Work with a post-production house that is up to speed with the latest in HD Video technology. The applications for video (and any audio-visual) has moved beyond the Television, and your post-production house needs to be familiar with the varieties of different output, including web, devices and electronic displays. Tape? Hmmm - not so much!
all that aside...
Personally, the hardest part is making sure that your production process maintains photographic integrity. By that, I mean that you are still creating images that communicate regardless of the output of the images whether it be still photography, audio-visual or video. The temptation I think is to try to do too much by adding the video component. The solution lies in focusing on exactly what you NEED to enhance your brand and not be distracted by superfluous WANTS :)
brave new worlds...
Visionary-type clients, HD video-ready DLSR's and Adobe CS4 are the three factors that have been shaping my career lately. It is happening FAST!
More news (and showreel stuff) soon.
Cheers,
Jono Fisher
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