Camera Techniques; Aperture

Aperture refers to the size of the hole that lets in light through the lens when taking a picture or filming. The smaller the hole, the less light is let in. Each aperture setting has an 'F number' which refers to the amount of light being let in. Aperture also controls the depth of field which is the amount of sharpness behind and in front of the subject focus. The smaller the aperture the less sharpness in front and behind the subject focus. A larger aperture gives a greater amount of sharpness. Aperture is important for producing clarity and sharpness in film, it helps to enhance the focal point and emphasise certain aspects of a shot.

Camera Techniques; ISO

ISO is the level of sensitivity of your camera to available light. The lower the ISO number, the less sensitive it is to the light, while a higher ISO number increases the sensitivity of your camera. The component within your camera that can change sensitivity is called “image sensor” or simply “sensor”. It is the most important (and most expensive) part of a camera and it is responsible for gathering light and transforming it into an image. With increased sensitivity, your camera sensor can capture images in low-light environments without having to use a flash. But higher sensitivity comes at an expense – it adds grain or “noise” to the pictures.

Camera techniques; Shutter Speed

Shutter speed is the measurement of time that light is allowed into the camera's shutter. This means that it effects the length of time that the camera is seeing the image it is picturing. Shutter speed, also known as “exposure time”, stands for the length of time a camera shutter is open to expose light into the camera sensor. If the shutter speed is fast, it can help to freeze action completely, as seen in the above photo of the dolphin. If the shutter speed is slow, it can create an effect called “motion blur”, where moving objects appear blurred along the direction of the motion. This effect is used quite a bit in advertisements of cars and motorbikes, where a sense of speed and motion is communicated to the viewer by intentionally blurring the moving wheels.








My own example;



Shutter speed - 1/30


 Shutter speed - 1/250


Usually when filming the shutter speed it is better to shoot on 1/50 as 50 is two times the frames per second. Which means you should be shooting on 24 or 25 frames per second.

Although this is not the case depending on what you are shooting.

For example - shooting an athlete training or during a competition it is also better shooting on a fasted shutter speed. This will prevent the motion blur in which you can clearly see in my 1/30 shutter speed example.

Although if you wanted motion blur of a light source, such as; sparklers or cars the motion blur can make a really nice effect and look on your photograph or in your video.

Camera Techniques; Pull focus

Pull focus is when you see the foreground in focus then after a couple of seconds the foreground blurs and the background focuses. This can also work when the background is in focus first then the foreground comes into focus.

Film Example of pull focus - 10 Years a slave


My own examples;

1.

foreground focus    background focus


This was an experimentation of pull focus and my first go but instead of it changing focal points, the whole shot goes out of focus instead.
As you can also see near the top middle of the shot there is some lens flare. Lens flare can be quite usual is some shots although not quite so much in my example.


2.










background focus    foreground focus


This example of pull focus is a lot better than the first as you see the clear transition of the pull.

New wave film

Draft one

This is a very rough cut of my new wave film which was filmed down in Bristol. There is no non diegetic sound as of yet but it is soon to be added however, there are small bits of diegetic sound which consists of Joe talking to the camera. In typical French new wave fashion.
There is also clear use of on location recording with a hand held camera, also a typical new wave feature.

Health & Safety

It's a three step process

• Identify all the hazards
• Evaluate the risks
• Identify measures to control the risks

Weather

If you are filming outside all day, it is essential to make sure the crew are dressed appropriately. A lot of the time you may be standing around and people will get cold very quickly even in what seems quite mild weather. Layers of clothes are best, and get everyone to bring a waterproof and a woolly hat - they keep out wind as well as rain and are invaluable.

Sunburn and heatstroke are other outdoor hazards. Always have high protection sunscreen on hand. Try to get the crew to wear some kind of sun hat or stay in the shade when possible and make sure lots of water is available to drink. The other reason for sunscreen is to stop the actors' appearance changing drastically and messing up the continuity of the film. 

Time pressure

Rushing to finish in time is when hazards get missed, or people start taking risks. If this starts to happen, take a moment to calm everyone down and remind them: this is only a film. If you feel really pressured try to think of how to lighten the work-load: can you cut out some shots or set ups to give you the time to get the most essential stuff for the film without a panic? Or can you come back tomorrow to finish?

Tripping hazards

Move or gaffa tape down cables and objects that could be tripped over.

Lifting hazards

Go carefully when moving or lifting heavy or dangerous things, ask someone to help you.

Camera risks

When a camera operator or cast member is walking during a shot, make sure they are comfortable with their route and there is nothing that could cause problems (a camera operator who needs to walk backwards for a shot should have an assistant to guide them and/or check their route).

Water

Shots that involve water.

Precarious

Shots from high up or near the edge of something.

Shots that look illegal

Shots might look illegal if you didn't know a camera was there. This could cause distress to members of the public and/or cause a police call out.

Release forms

Before commencing film making with young people you should obtain signed release forms from parents/guardians for everyone involved; this should also release them for photographs (and get it for animation films too, in case you use faces in the credits or the like). And remember you might want clearance to go on a school website (or vimeo - think festivals) so these should be covered too.

A letter with the release form, detailing the benefits of the project will encourage parents to say yes to their child being involved

Disclosure forms

Disclosure Scotland should be contacted if you are enlisting the help and practical support of others on the film project to work alongside young people. Enhanced Disclosure forms will certainly be held by most professional filmmakers and project facilitators. 

Food

Feeding your crew, and keeping everyone hydrated makes everyone work better. If you organise food at a set time (aka catering), it is a good break for everyone. Food doesn't have to be fancy, a simple pizza delivery can boost flagging energy levels and raise morale.

New Wave Bristol brief

I plan to use short and long clips in my new wave film.
I'm also going to film Joe Casey recording stuff for the Bristol promotional video and whilst he's doing this, I am going to get him to talk to the camera. (Like in typical French New Wave).

I will also edit the film with reference to how Jean-Luc Godard would jump between different narrative times, as he does in his films. Although in my film it will show Joe and Caitlin walking to Cabot Tower then being at Cabot Tower.

You will be able to see clear use of a hand held camera and on location shooting.