RCP Photography School: Video Mode
Hello to all who’ve joined me on day 22 of this 26 day challenge to learn about the basics of photography.
We’ve talked so much about the basics of photography, but there is another feature on most Digital cameras. And today, I want to share with you exactly how you can use that for every day life.
Before we start, if you’re doing this course you probably already know a little bit about me but if you don’t, please check out who I am.
Today we are going to look at...
V for Video Mode
As a photographer, I began to dabble in videography a few years ago and loved it so much, I offered it to my clients. I do a few personal projects every now and again that are video-based, but it does require knowing the basics of photography, such as exposure, composition and manual mode.
Videography can be used on manual mode, but also using manual focus. Manual focus takes practice, believe me, but once you learn this aspect of videography, you will understand that auto focus (AF) and manual focus (MF) have their places when you are using video mode.
What is Auto Focus?
Auto focus is when you turn your camera to video mode, start recording and use the shutter button that will automatically focus on what your camera point is set to - most cameras come with a 9-point system, meaning the camera will either focus on the points that are closed to you, or you can set your camera to a certain point e.g. only photograph things on the left hand side of the frame.
What is Manual Focus?
Manual Focus is when you manually focus on the subject, using the adjustable ring on the lens. This can be used for photography, as well as videography. Manual focus is good for causing artistic blur and for focusing when it's dark or you want to control the subject that will or won't be in focus.
This is one of the first videos I ever published, in 2017, of donkeys - they are a significant animal in our history. They have been known as a working animal for a few thousand years, but they also took part in one of the most amazing stories in history. When Mary and Joseph had to leave Nazareth because the Roman Emperor at the time, Augustus, wanted everyone to move to their hometown for a census (an official count or survey of the population). It was a donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem.
Have you ever noticed the cross shaped 'mane' they have? That is a symbol of their significance. They carried the King.
During the first lockdown, one evening, there was the most beautiful sunset and I just had to go out and create a peaceful scene. I know a lot of people don't use their time wisely and I used to focus my time scurrying around trying to find positivity in quotes, and quotes alone. Then I was restored to Christ last April, and I just love looking at God's creation.
This is a peaceful scene, one that you can watch, listen to and reflect on the beauty around you. Why not start off by creating something similar?
For those who do create video, I use video editing software on my computer called Adobe Premiere Pro as well as iMovie and Adobe Photoshop. There are loads of tutorials online that can help you learn how to make the most out of them.
I hope this gives you a little confidence boost to use video more often. With your family and your friends. Promote your creativity through video mode and unleash a new skill during this lockdown!