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Posted by Toby on 07/04/06 12:03
"PTravel" <ptravel@travelersvideo.com> wrote in message
news:gznqg.79814$4L1.63026@newssvr11.news.prodigy.com...
>
> "Toby" <zdftokyo@gool.com> wrote in message
> news:44a9f2f1$0$26093$bb4e3ad8@newscene.com...
>
>> In documentary work and features we usually use a wide shot or pan as an
>> establishing shot in new locations, to give an overall picture of where
>> we are, followed by the interesting stuff that we want to focus on and
>> which tells the story. Personally I always shoot a nicely framed wide,
>> then I stop to look around at what catches my eye and try to find ways to
>> frame those elements, paying attention to trying to get different sizes
>> (tight, medium and wide). Moves are fine too, used judiciously, and never
>> in the same direction one after the other.
>
> That's what I do for my "normal" travel stuff. The Amsterdam video is one
> of a series of "At Night" videos I've done that are more impressionistic
> and less "travelogue-y." However, very good points in your post.
> Thanks.
>
>>
>> A general rule of thumb is also not to edit similar framings or sizes one
>> after another. Of course you have a lot more leeway if you are just
>> putting pretty shots to music, but the general rules of what is nice and
>> interesting to watch still apply. Think about the way you observe things.
>> You first look at the whole scene, and then you tend to concentrate on
>> specifics in the scene, sometimes pulling back to have a look at the
>> whole picture again in search of other things that are visually
>> interesting or important. Let your editing generally mimic how you see
>> and you can't go wrong.
Let me just throw out one more thought that you probably know. Your best
night shots are going to be just before it gets really dark, when there is
just enough light for a bit of differentiation between ground and sky. Of
course that condition doesn't last for long. Also, shooting during the
so-called "blue hour", just at dusk, is prime time. Many of the really good
documentarists with whom I have worked plan their entire day around that
magic time, and will sacrifice a lot to be sure they are where they want to
be when that (alas much too short) moment rolls around.
China can be great shooting, especially in summer when the late afternoon
seems to last forever and all that pollution and dust from the Gobi desert
(at least in Beijing) creates wonderful, soft, low-angle rosy light. The
only place I've ever seen nicer lighting is in Laos in March, when a
particularity of the season creates an amazing reddish haze, cutting the
sunlight in half at midday but diffusing it greatly, as well as adding great
warmth. Get out to the parks where the traditional life is really happening,
with all the old gents hanging out their birdcages. Early morning is also
great, with all the people out doing their tai-chi.
Toby
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