Camera Movement Techniques

After learning how to do numerous different camera techniques, I was tasked with attempting a select few shots/ angles. Below are the takes that I stuck with:

Pan Shot

A pan shot is any shot moving from left to right, or vice versa. This was one of the easier shots for me to do, given that I had a clear idea of how to do this shot, and what to do for it. My vision was simple: a shot of two subjects, one talking to the other, and the other turning to the camera, confused at what the other person said. I did not want to incorporate actual dialogue in any of my camera takes, so I focused on audio design and editing to better fit each take. I succeeded in my vision, though I wish I had slowed the pan down just a bit more to really sell the confusion from the subject on the right. 

Whip Pan Shot

A whip pan shot is the same as a pan shot. However, instead of keeping the pan at a regular pace, the transition is quick, making it seem like a blur. This was another take of the idea before this. I had accidentally moved the camera too quickly, and realized that instead of correcting myself, I could incorporate this into another technique. This versions more fast paced and rapid, confusing the viewer as much as the subject on the right. Overall, this shot was more fun to do, especially when it came to editing the video, both visually and audibly. 

Handheld Shot

A handheld shot is any shot without a stabilizer, making the footage appear shaky and more human. This shot was a bit trickier for me to do. I had tasked myself with a chase scene. This meant that I had to run after my subject with the camera while making sure I don't throttle my device to the point that the video seems nauseating. This ultimately took a few tries before I landed on a product I was okay with. The audio design was equally frustrating as it took a long time to sync up and pair an audio that I wanted with this footage. Despite this, I am proud of my finished work. 

Zoom Shot

A zoom shot is a shot that relies on zooming in or out with the camera instead of physically moving the device you're recording with. For this shot, I wanted to make the video seem a bit awkward. To do this, I had the subject look around nervously, not knowing where to direct his attention. The subject succeeded in this conveyed direction. After recording, I decided to challenge myself by syncing different audio clips with the video. This took a while since I had to find and pair an audio with the subject blinking and smiling. Despite this, I believe I captured the mood I was striving for quite well.

Tilt Shot

A tilt shot is any shot moving up and down, or vice versa. This shot was relatively easy to do, despite the challenge of trying to tilt my camera upwards in a stable manner without worsening the shot. My subject did well in this shot, managing to give a basic idea a better vision with his own creative expressions and take on the idea. In the end, this shot was fun to direct and create, and was easier compared to the next two shots I had to carry out.

Dolly shot

A dolly (tracking) shot is a shot where the camera is mounted onto a a wheeled cart, and wheeled around to create a smooth shot that follows a subject. This shot was my most difficult one to direct and create. To begin with, I had no living subjects around to help me create this shot. Alongside this, my equipment was subpar at best. I had to settle for a small wheeled seat that I would have to manually move on in order record smoothly. My end product appeared more shaky and poor than I had wanted it to be. Despite this, I accept this as a final product and demonstration of my blooming expertise in filming shots.

Dolly Zoom

A dolly zoom is a a camera shot that requires physically moving towards the subject with the camera while also zooming outwards in the opposite direction. This is meant to create a disoriented, unique perspective for the viewer. This shot was slightly easier for me to do than a regular dolly shot since it only required me to move forward on the wheeled seat instead of moving around my "subject". The main difficulty I faced was zooming out while moving forward. I have poor coordination skills, so this was a bit hard to do for me. Even then, I pulled through and created a product I was happy with.