Final Course Reflection

I can honestly say that I learned a lot in the class. I learned what a DSLR camera is and what the difference is between single lens recorders and other camcorders.  I learned how and when to use nets, flags, and screens. I learned how to adjust lighting in order to show or eliminate shadows in the background. I learned how to create warm lighting, cool lighting, and even how to light dark scenes. I learned that if something can go wrong, it will go wrong and you have to be able to adapt quickly.

I learned that two heads are better than one, and that you have to be able to trust your production crew. I learned a great deal about the different cameras we have in the department, and which one will work best for specific environments. I was able to acquire more tech knowledge than I thought I would. I don’t think I am very tech savvy as far as cameras and equipment go, but I learned a lot about them. I was able to work with and develop a fond love for the Cannon T2i. I worked with the 5D before enrolling in the class and I liked it, but I think I like the T2i more. I used the T2i with the Zeiss primes when I was the director of photography for a scene assignment, and I adored the image quality.  I learned that prime lenses are a gift from God, and after working with them, you never want to be without them. They are like Visa, don’t leave the equipment room without one. J

Taking this class confirmed my interest in documentaries. Narrative films aren’t my thing. I enjoy watching them, and even shooting them, but it’s certainly not my area of interest right now. One day I would love to be the producer of a situation comedy, or even a drama, but my first love is documentary. I learned that you can never have enough pre-production. Develop a plan A,B,C, and D if need be. You can never be too prepared in this field. I learned that not-knowing is alright sometimes, and that sometimes you have to learn by trial and error. I learned that it takes practice. Working with a camera a couple of times will not make you a master of it. You have to keep practicing and messing around with different equipment in order to ‘get it’. I also learned that no one is good at everything, and that’s okay. Finding your niche- your piece to this production puzzle is what it’s all about. I understand that I am not where I could be, but I am certainly far from where I came. I have to keep working at it. Progress is key.

Reel Me In...

My DP Reel

The Artist In Me

I am passionate about documentaries because I enjoy the unveiling of real life situations that screen writers and script editors have no control over. Life is the best story ever told, and that’s what I want to give to audiences, real life situations that educate, entertain, and inspire. I hope to share the lived experiences of everyday people with the masses by captivating their attention with the beauty of simplicity and rawness. When I say simplicity I don’t mean boring, unelaborate and plain, but rather, clear, understandable and smooth. I want raw, unadulterated emotion to be conveyed through my work. I would love for every viewing to be a pleasant and meaningful experience for audiences.

“To thine own self be true” is my motto in life. I hope to maintain authenticity in my work by letting the story unveil itself without compromising its truth with my own perceptions of what a ‘’good story’’ is. Authenticity does not come natural. It is easier to fit in and conform to what is acceptable, popular and commonplace. But, I hope to burn all bridges to commonplace. I have no desire to be like anyone else. I have no desire to be like any other producer, director, cinematographer, etc… I am happy being me. I want to produce work that hasn't compromised who I am or what I stand for. Apart of me wishes I had more to say about what I am, or who I aspire to be, but I don’t. I’m just me. An aspiring legendary producer with plans of letting  my work speak for itself.

What makes it good?

Showing what you do best as an artist makes a good reel. Forget about the big time money shots that you think will awe an audience. Put the shots you love and those that represent you the best in your reel. Do not get me wrong, money shots are great, but a reel full of money shots could be a bit too much, or maybe even a bit boring. I want to see the artist represented in their reel. I think the reel below is fantastic because its shows the cinematographers wide range of skills. He has documentary, commercial, and narrative shots in it, and it is edited together well so that we understand each genre and don't feel overwhelmed. I would hire this guy because his work looks great, and because I see simplicity and consistency in his work.

    

Cinematography Reel from Travis Wears on Vimeo.

Here is another reel that I like. I would probably hire this guy for action shots. I enjoyed the fast-paceness of his reel.

Cinematography Reel - 2010 from Garrett O'Brien on Vimeo.

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