Assessing skills:the camera

So what skills does it take to make a documentary? Let's explore one of the technical aspects: the camera. I have been using a digital camera for 15 years and have been shooting professionally for 12. I have a BAS in graphic design and while at college I had to take 4 photography classes. Fortunately, I already knew the technical parts of photography when I began classes but my instructor really elevated my creativity and understanding of lighting and composition. After I graduated I got a job working in a marketing department and part of my responsibilities include photography. In addition to that I also have been an adjunct instructor for nine years teaching graphic design and photography. I cannot stress enough the importance of understanding photography concepts before getting into videography. This doesn't mean you won't succeed in filmmaking without going through that process but that's probably the exception and not the norm. Back in college, I knew how to adjust my settings in order to get correct exposure and I knew about different lens types and what results were possible from using them. My instructor taught me how to separate the subject from the background and when to do so, how to use other elements in the scene to enhance the shot, among other things, and really most importantly how to use different types of light to create a certain mood.

Videography is another avenue of photography. It uses many of the same concepts. Understanding the technical principles of photography will alleviate many headaches when it comes to learning videography techniques. There are many composition techniques that must be used to create compelling scenes. The last thing you would want to deal with while filming is trying to learn basic settings and adjustments at the same time. If you understand how to adjust the lens to create a shallow depth of field - blurring out the background while keeping your subject in focus - for instance, then you will understand the technical issues that arise when doing so in certain lighting conditions and therefore understand how to compensate for them.

All of this is not saying that I switched to video and knew exactly what to do but it made my life so much easier having this strong foundation already set in place. I learned a lot from other videographers like what frame rate to shoot on with what shutter speed. And it all made sense because of that solid foundation I had established over the course of 15 years. Now I know someone who taught himself (through reading and online) photography in a matter of months, and he is good. It doesn't take years to learn these things as long as you are willing to put in the effort.

Learn photography. Understand and gain a firm grasp of the concepts and techniques.Whether you are using a smartphone or a cinema quality camera, the same basic principles apply and have remained the same since the advent of the camera.

Next: Composition