Camera lessons

18/9/14
Today was our first lesson on using the camera. Firstly we learnt how to use the tripod. we had to set it up then learnt to level it by using the bubble, which meant that it wouldn't be at an angle when filming. We then learnt how to set up the camera onto the tripod, and make sure that it is secure. we looked at the different points on the camera and where to adjust the zoom, focus and exposure. One of the main things we learnt was to adjust the white balance to the surroundings. Firstly you have to zoom in to a completely white subject so that the screen is filled with the white, adjust the exposure so that there are only a few zebras, then press the white balance adjuster, then zoom out. The purpose of this is that you are basically telling the camera what pure white looks like in that lighting, so it can adjust the rest of the light in all the shots.

25/9/14
Today we learnt the 180° rule, where you tape a line in front or to the side of the subjects of your shot, where you can only film behind that line and not cross over it, but you can film along and at different angles from behind.
We also learnt that you should always shoot the same sequence at lots of different angles, when only filming with one camera. You need to film the same sequence at different angles because when it comes to cutting and editing, it adds a dynamic to the shot by changing the view to the audience. One thing that is important is continuity, so each take of the sequence in the different angle has to have each part of the scene is exactly the same. Markers can be used so that each time the character in the shot is moving they go from the exact same space in each shot.