Camera operation practise at DVinfo.net

Martin ODonnell · October 24th, 2007, 10:33 PM

Hi I am trying to find the best way to improve my skills with a HD100.
I recently completed a job and realized that I am in need of a dopting a daily practise regime. My shooting was awful!

Can anyone give me guidance as to the best way to acheive this. I.E. excercises that I can practise daily to improve my dexterity. Are there any good manuals or videos? Industry standard practise techniques etc.?

Much appreciated.

Martin ODonnell

Daniel Ross · October 24th, 2007, 10:40 PM

Doesn't seem too complex to me.

There are 3 elements to filming:

1. Muscular strength, including isometrics.
Doing pushups, lifting weights, etc., could help here, as well as isometric images, if you aren't capable of holding the camera as long as you must. Isometrics are exercises based on resistance rather than movement, as you'll find yourself doing when you are shooting-- you must remain steady and stationary to keep the shot.

2. Patience...
well, can't help you there. hope you shoot something interesting to watch ;)

3. Practice and skill--
This is pretty simple. Just practice shooting. Go to a park, and walk around, shooting, then review the footage.
There are some training DVDs out there to show proper technique, but I think it's common sense... point, shoot, and be steady while you do. Try whatever grips work best for you.
Just shoot stuff and you'll be bound to figure out sooner or later what works and what doesn't.

So, basically, just practice. Build up muscles, if you must, and find a way to not be bored.

Heiko Saele · October 25th, 2007, 08:29 AM

... and never lose your sense for self-criticism. As soon as you think "now I'm perfect" it's over. Always keep in mind that you still could have done better - that will keep you working on it.

October 24th, 2007, 10:33 PM	#1
Martin ODonnell Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Gold Coast, Australia Posts: 26	Camera operation practise Hi I am trying to find the best way to improve my skills with a HD100. I recently completed a job and realized that I am in need of a dopting a daily practise regime. My shooting was awful! Can anyone give me guidance as to the best way to acheive this. I.E. excercises that I can practise daily to improve my dexterity. Are there any good manuals or videos? Industry standard practise techniques etc.? Much appreciated. Martin ODonnell

October 24th, 2007, 10:40 PM	#2
Daniel Ross Major Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Marin & Davis, CA, USA Posts: 418	Doesn't seem too complex to me. There are 3 elements to filming: 1. Muscular strength, including isometrics. Doing pushups, lifting weights, etc., could help here, as well as isometric images, if you aren't capable of holding the camera as long as you must. Isometrics are exercises based on resistance rather than movement, as you'll find yourself doing when you are shooting-- you must remain steady and stationary to keep the shot. 2. Patience... well, can't help you there. hope you shoot something interesting to watch ;) 3. Practice and skill-- This is pretty simple. Just practice shooting. Go to a park, and walk around, shooting, then review the footage. There are some training DVDs out there to show proper technique, but I think it's common sense... point, shoot, and be steady while you do. Try whatever grips work best for you. Just shoot stuff and you'll be bound to figure out sooner or later what works and what doesn't. So, basically, just practice. Build up muscles, if you must, and find a way to not be bored.

October 25th, 2007, 08:29 AM	#3
Heiko Saele Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wurzburg, Germany Posts: 316	... and never lose your sense for self-criticism. As soon as you think "now I'm perfect" it's over. Always keep in mind that you still could have done better - that will keep you working on it.