Tips for new photogs

[svp]

Anyone have good tips or comments for a new green photog. I'm very lucky that my first job is in a top 50 market but i know i have alot to learn. The chief tells me i'm doing a good job and always gives me pointers. He's cool to work with but wanted any tips or pointers that the rest of you might have for us greenies!!

[Run 'n' Get 'em]

I'm right in there with ya, and a couple things that have been drummed into my head...

1- White balance, white balance, white balance!
2- Use your sticks

One good tip another guy gave me... If you're shooting at night, you can get away with filter one/preset wb to give you 3200k if you're in a rush... makes the video look more, i don't know, "nighty".

[HamCam]

Start by looking at the b-roll.net Tips page (http://www.b-roll.net/tips/main.html). Lots of great stuff there...

Next do a search for a particular topic or just search key word tips on the message boards and it will list all the topics with tips.

Never stop learning! ...and have fun!

:cool: :cool:

[NorthShore]

Aside from all the obvious and wonderful advice you will recieve from this site, let me suggest one thing.


Don't feel that it is necessary to start inane threads or respond to every single post with some cute quip or quote.


I'm "laying odds" that you'll learn more from watching and listening. You'll know who to listen to and realize who is trying to lead you down the "Strip". :rolleyes:


After 18 year of doing this I've learned that I don't know half as much as a lot of these guys/gals...but I still know quite a bit.


Good luck!

[Buck]

*Don't be married to your sticks. Learn to shoot without them in situations that call for you to be off your shoulder shooting action.

*When you are using a tripod, move around. Just don't stay in one place zooming in and out.

*Don't stage.

*Put as much effort into your editing. There are many times that a good editor can make a crappy shooter look good.

*Break the rules. Create your own style.

*Always make sure your audio is clean when out in the field.

[tresbeez]

When possible zoom with your feet not with your camera. You will get a much better picture that way.

[Anton Saur]

If you have the time on a shoot...After you get the must have shots, try playing with your shooting technique. Use the free-time to learn what buttons do what, and what focus rings do when you turn them a certain way. In other words, have fun and play around!

[El Guapo]

Originally posted by Buck:
*Don't be married to your sticks. Learn to shoot without them in situations that call for you to be off your shoulder shooting action.
*. Just make sure you're standing close to the subject of your shot it you insist on shouldering. and stay wide.

[David R. Busse]

Originally posted by Buck:
*Don't be married to your sticks. Learn to shoot without them in situations that call for you to be off your shoulder shooting action.

*When you are using a tripod, move around. Just don't stay in one place zooming in and out.

*Don't stage.

*Put as much effort into your editing. There are many times that a good editor can make a crappy shooter look good.

*Break the rules. Create your own style.

*Always make sure your audio is clean when out in the field. Tell you what...print these and paste them on the side of your camera, and have Rule #1 in bold type. Buck hit the nail squarely on the head.

Your first job is to learn the art of visual storytelling, using the basic grammar of film...wide, medium, tight, cutaway, etc. This is the most important thing you will encounter as a news photographer and it is easy to learn but tough to master.

Television is a closeup medium so get good at shooting closeups. Stay WIDE and move the camera in tight. Explore new angles. If you come home with clean pants and without frayed knees, then you are not doing your job as it should be done.

Learn to shoot rock-steady without a tripod.

I love steady pictures and am a tripod user, but it wasn't always so. My mentor taught me the importance of "up close and personal" shooting and besides, Bell & Howell film cameras didn't have zoom lenses.

So I worked on shooting action sequences....THEN I started getting comfortable with the tripod, as long as my quest for rock-steady images didn't cause me to miss shots. This is, after all, NEWS we are shooting.

Keep an open mind. Keep learning. Always solicit feedback on your work. Create your own set of personal standards and never violate them.

Good luck.

[Sportsguy]

Originally posted by SpaShooter:
White balance, white balance, white balance!Oh, that's SO over-rated.

[adam]

shoot to edit - no matter what else you must put yourself in a position to succeed. There will always be a time for pretty pictures and the stories that will make you proud and win awards. Day in and day out you will be rushed to make air and that is ultimately your #1 job. Communicate with your reporter and shoot economically. All this leads me to a good tip:

Always give yourself 1 or 2 "oh my god" shots. A zoom or pan that lasts 15 seconds and can cover track in a really tight deadline scenario.

I don't like zooms and pans usually but don't ever leave yourself without a way to wallpaper a pkg.

[Sprite]

Best advice: Get Out. You'll save your body, get more respect from others and make a hell of a lot more money. But who am I to talk? I've only been in the biz for ages...

[Shutterfinger]

I think the biggest thing I've learned in the last 7 months is that it's not just about bringing back great video.

I used to think bringing back good pictures was what was expected, but it's really the big picture that's important.

Being professional, having a sense of urgency, and contributing your own ideas are important to the newsroom.

It's also good to know when to stay quiet so know one thinks your some hotshot know-it-all greenie.

People hate those guys.

[Cameradude]

Leave the crutches for the old shooters.

Tell a story with pictures, not funky wipes, treatments, and snap zooms.

Forget there is a servo on your lens, turn it off, don't use it. Learn to tell a story with good images.

Wide angle lenses are a tool that have a place and a time, don't use them as a crutch.

Don't be afraid to spend some money and buy yourself some additional lighting tools. It will be something that will last you for years and it will make your shots look a little better than everyone elses.

Audio wins over white balence any day. Check white balance once, audio all the time. A story can air "Smurf blue", but it will never air "Helen Keller silent"

Have some ethics. Tell the truth in the images you bring back. Remember that you are a journalist and you have a responsibility to be fair and truthful.

Last, always agree with the reporter when they tell you how to shoot something, then do it the right way, but right after the live shot be sure to ask that same reporter if they have lost weight or are working out more. Tell them they are really looking good on camera.

[LuccaBrazzi]

1) Don't pan or zoom. Panning or zooming is only for framing/composing your shot. Frame it...compose it...THEN hit the record button.

2) Don't panic or get too excited out in the field. Think about what you're shooting. Don't roll on every single thing you see out there. Even in breaking news situations: Take a deep breath...don't panic...and concentrate.

3) Wear earphones/ear buds/headphones--and monitor your audio. Shoot good pictures AND good audio.

4) Buy a fanny pack--ANY fanny pack....and always keep spare 9volts (or AA batteries--whatever your mic uses,)spare tapes, a spare brick, and a hard-wire lav for emergencies (i.e. wireless batteries are all dead, or you forgot to bring spares.)

5) Always make sure there's a rewound tape in your camera. After each story you shoot, eject that tape...label it...and then immediately put in a fresh tape.

6) After every shoot throughout the day, when you return to your news vehicle...make sure that everything gets put away properly and is ready to "grab-and-go." There's nothing worse than wrapping up a shoot and just throwing everything in the back--and then getting called for a breaker an hour later...you get to the scene...and you can't find a damn thing ("where's my mic?" "Where's my tripod?" "Damn...no tape in the camera!"

--------------

That's my 2-cents worth. I'm not gonna get all "touch-feely" or wax poetic about how to shoot or what style you should adopt. You'll learn that stuff as you go.

But I feel the above are just good common-sense stuff that'll help you learn as you go.

Good luck, and good shooting!

[Sprite]

Sprite's top 10

1. Take 5 mins. to check your cam before you start the day:
Check all switches for correct settings.
Make sure lens is on tight, and macro is off. Throw a battery on the camera, turn it on, pop in a tape and roll bars for 15 seconds... as you test audio channels/levels for your mics.
Check viewfinder settings; tally on or off?
Then take cam out of bars and black balance. Next, white balance. Now zoom in and focus on detailed object on other side of room, and zoom out. All should be in focus. If not, your back focus if off.
This whole process takes me less than 3 minutes each morning before I load my truck.
2. Just when you think every catastrophe has happened to you, you'll always have a new and unusual one.
3. White balance first before anything else when you get to a scene. Learn to use your A/B switch for more than just one white balance setting. Don't rely on presets. 3200K preset at night is OK unless you're working under street lights.
4. Zoom with your feet, not the camera. Always use sticks for things you can't get close to.
Shoot in sequences: wide, medium, tight, extreme closeup. Don't break 180 degree rule without an extreme closeup, or a wide shot on the axis.
6. Use your lav to capture great audio. Be careful if you strap it to animals, you NPPA nut.
7. Slight under exposure is better than overexposure.
8. Don't take **** from reporters.
9. Don't take **** from other shooters trying to down you.
10. Don't take blame from anyone if you're not to blame. Good Luck.

[MisterNiceGuy]

The above are all fantastic tips that you will learn throughout the years. And you'll realize that there is always more to learn. You never stop learning when shooting video, and you will always continue to make mistakes...maybe not all the time, but occasionally.
Some tips I can give a new shooter is to always keep white balancing, especially if you change from outside to inside, change rooms, change from a shadowed area to a sunlit area, when it gets overcasty/cloudy, and at night, be sure to check and white balance on whatever dominate lighting there is. There may not be much light out at night, but you can always preset on filter one like SpaShooter said. Try to avoid using your highest gain setting, but sometimes you just can't help it, and don't be afraid to use it. It's really not as grainy as it looks in the black and white viewfinder.
Another tip my chief gave me is that Audio is just as important as Video.

[TightShot]

1> LOVE what you do. Period.
2> Don't EVER be lazy about shooting.
3> Don't EVER speed excessively. No news is worth the loss of your job, or worse, your life or anyone else's.
4> Look up and live. LOOK UP or else.
5> RESPECT the people you work with, in the community and in the newsroom.

[BluesCam]

Set-up your viewfinder to color bars. Don't shoot everything at the same height (especially on sticks). Make or buy a bean bag for low angles. Be aware of ugly or distracting background elements before you roll on an interview. Check focus and back focus and don't forget to reset the macro. If you are sharing cameras, check the menu and other settings before going out. Always look for the unusual angle or picture element. Be aware of what's going on around you at all times (top to bottom, side to side).
Turn off your front talley :>}

[TightShot]

Oh yeah. AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO. Put wireless mics on anyone, anywhere you can. REACTION SHOTS. At accidents, fires, speeches, performances, whatever.

[Geezer.1]

I can't add much to the excellent advice above but here are a couple of tips that I didn't catch. If they are up there then accept my apologies for adding to an already lenghty thread.
Learn how to read the zebra in your viewfinder and then turn the auto iris off. Learn how to follow changing exposure yourself.
Clean your lens and learn how to use ND outdoors. Filter 4 is your friend. The mark of a real pro is when they catch a sun flare the lens is squeaky clean.
Did I say lens? I meant the scarificial UV filter which should be on the front of your camera at all times.
If the viewer notices your photography at the expense of your story then you have failed.
Good news photography is an invisible window on content.
Finally remember that some day about 30 years from now you will be standing out in the parking lot with your gold watch and a box of stuff off your desk. You are going to look back at what you did for a living and understand that what you did was important but how you treated the people you met along the way is even more so.
That's the quality you carry with you when you move on and that's the real legacy you leave behind.
Being remembered as a just and compassionate human being is a whole lot more important than a shelf full of awards.

[shoot da parrot]

More than anything you are out there to tell stories to the viewer. It's not about wow-ing the folks back at the station. During big news events remember to breath and don't rush too much that's when mistakes and accidents happen. Get critiques from other shooters or vetran reporters, listen to their advise no-matter how hard you may need to swallow your pride.
Most of all have fun and realize you could be sitting in a cubicle every day.

[TightShot]

Originally posted by Geezer.1:
I can't add much to the excellent advice above but here are a couple of tips that I didn't catch. If they are up there then accept my apologies for adding to an already lenghty thread.
Learn how to read the zebra in your viewfinder and then turn the auto iris off. Learn how to follow changing exposure yourself.
Clean your lens and learn how to use ND outdoors. Filter 4 is your friend. The mark of a real pro is when they catch a sun flare the lens is squeaky clean.
Did I say lens? I meant the scarificial UV filter which should be on the front of your camera at all times.
If the viewer notices your photography at the expense of your story then you have failed.
Good news photography is an invisible window on content.
Finally remember that some day about 30 years from now you will be standing out in the parking lot with your gold watch and a box of stuff off your desk. You are going to look back at what you did for a living and understand that what you did was important but how you treated the people you met along the way is even more so.
That's the quality you carry with you when you move on and that's the real legacy you leave behind.
Being remembered as a just and compassionate human being is a whole lot more important than a shelf full of awards.You have a desk?!!?

[ May 17, 2005, 01:43 AM: Message edited by: HIDEOUSVIDE0 ]

[Dble(Punched)Vision]

If this has not been mentioned yet,

GAIN is GOOD!

Know where it is on your camera, what it does, and practice using it in a variety of low light conditions.

ALWAYS listen to your audio. No matter how much a hurry you are in.

WHITE BALANCE on something white that is reflecting the majority of the light YOU ARE IN! If the white is near a window and your subject is mostly lit by indoor lights away from the window... don't balance on THAT white, find something white near your light source. This sounds like a no-brainer but I see Veterans screw themselves by missing the obvious. We all make mistakes.

[Terry E. Toller]

Always listen to others. Not all advice is good but you can tell... When you get to a point where you think you know it all, it's time to quit... There is always someone who knows more...

[PhotoJ32]

The thing that is always pounded into my head is SAFETY. Like Hideouswretch says LOOK UP AND LIVE !

[TightShot]

never let on that a reporter weirds you out when she/he does....you deal much better with the weirdness than they do.

[ May 22, 2005, 06:35 PM: Message edited by: hideouswretch ]

[phxvos]

Like the Boy Scouts say, "Always be prepared." That means having with you—not in the truck—a spare camera battery, extra tapes, and extra batteries for lavs and wirlesses.

[2000lux]

Never pass up an oportunity to use the lavatory. You may not have another chance to go after you walk out that door (insert painful memories from that 7 hour no pit stop marathon here)!

Keep some granola bars (I like the "Harvest" Power Bars my self) and a small bottle of water in your run bag. You never know when you're going to have to skip lunch because you've got a prime spot at a stake out or some thing.

Even when the reporter whines, "Oh you don't need that heavy run bag do you?" Take it. You never know what's going to happen. A plane could crash accross the street or some thing. Your ND won't accept that as an excuse when you run out of battery power or tape on that crucial shoot. You're responsible for the pictures, not the reporter.

Communicate with your reporter. Talk about how you're going to approach the story. Listen to the interview for clues as to what you should shoot for B-roll (they mentioned the shower, shoot the shower, etc). Tell your reporter what you've shot and ask them if they want any thing else before you leave a location. Talk about the story some more in the car on the way back. What you think is the focus, good lines, etc. Not all reporters are open to corroberation, but the good ones are.

When you're out shooting VOs & SOTs by your self, that's a good time to practice shooting hand held. Shoot the stuff you need on sticks first (that way it's all together at the beginning of the tape), and then play if you have time. Then when you have to shoot hand held, you'll be ready.

The world is your tripod. If you need to you can rest the camera on things, prop it up on stuff, or lean against a wall or post to steady your self.

When conducting interviews by your self, don't just get the facts, get the emotional response. Don't just ask, "How many units responded to the fire?" ask, "What did you think when you saw the flames?" Those are the responses they'll put on the air.

Take the cell phone with you when you leave the truck.

Don't be afraid to ask for directions.

Use your zebras.

Be efficient.

Read this web site religiously. :D

Don't forget to have fun! Step back every once in a while and ponder how cool your job is.

[ May 24, 2005, 11:40 PM: Message edited by: 2000lux ]

[Tippster]

Read this:

http://b-roll.net/tips/index.html

Ask any unanswered questions in this forum. Remember, when you're new there are no dumb questions, but over time certain expectations grow.

[svp]

thanks for all the suggestions and tips. i also recently learned, painfully, to pace yourself. i was out in 100+ degree heat at an apartment fire. the chief called to remind me to pace myself and i told him i was fine. 20 minutes later i was sitting in the shade and so dizzy i couldn't see straight. i guess you learn by doing.

[LongTimePhotog]

Hey svp...on another post you say you worked in Columbus Ohio...market 43...what's the deal with your first post saying it's your first top 50 market? Give it up man.

[LongTimePhotog]

market 34...my mistake...

[BluSkyz]

one I didn't see on there: try to make it a habbit to turn your cell phone to vibrate when you hop into your truck or when you get into the station. I keep mine on a clip on my belt so i can always feel it if it goes off- i won't miss a call and i don't risk it going off in the middle of an interview or a presser or what have you.
there is wonderful advice on this thread.
Don't be too prideful to accept critism, it's a constant learning process.

[svp]

Long Time Photog,

Never said I worked in Columbus, I came from the Columbus market. I grew up watching the Columbus newscast. Sorry for any misunderstanding. Could you please tell me where you found my post with that information so I can look at it. If I did say it wrong I would like to change it. Thanks.

[ May 26, 2005, 09:58 AM: Message edited by: svp ]

[LongTimePhotog]

my bad...read it wrong I guess...just thought you were trying to forget the C'Bus market. Hope your having fun in OK...it's a great state and good people to learn from.

[queen of blue]

Originally posted by 2000lux:
Never pass up an oportunity to use the lavatory. You may not have another chance to go after you walk out that door (insert painful memories from that 7 hour no pit stop marathon here)!

Yeah, mine was a 12 hour stint. Ditto on the "go when you have the chance." advice.

Also, and it looks like you've figured this out already..... WATER. Always carry enough water to replinish your body on those hot days. I almost ended up in the hospital over that one once - (lucky for me the SAT truck was on site)

Stash an extra "emergency tape" somewhere in your truck, separate from your run bag. DO NOT use it unless you have to. Replace it the instant you get back to the station.

I know it's been said a couple of times already, but I'm going to say it again.... When in doubt -white balance. When not in doubt - white balance anyway.

Never use your shutter under flourecent lights ... you end up with this wakco color shift (usually it fades from green to yellow and back again) It will leave you looking like an idiot when you insist to engineering that there is something wrong with your camera.

It never hurts to leave your truck keys on top of your camera if your camera is in the building. Doing so makes it REALLY hard to leave without it.

Oh yeah, learn to spell so you don't have to keep editing your posts so you don't look stupid. <<<<< ME :D

[ May 27, 2005, 08:19 AM: Message edited by: queen of blue ]

[2000lux]

Learn from other people's mistakes too.

Qeen remined me of a shoot I worked on a long time ago. The producer had hired a three person crew - photog, PA (me), and talent. He was suposed to provide the tape, but when we arrived, he realized he had none! He ransacked his car and found an old 10 minute tape in the trunk. It wasn't some thing he really wanted to roll over, but he had no choice! Ever since then, I've always kept an extra 1hr tape stashed with my weather gear or some where else where I won't even think of it until I need it. I also cary lots of extra tape in my run bag, including another 1hr one "just in case" so I'll actually have it on me.

[ May 28, 2005, 01:46 AM: Message edited by: 2000lux ]

[TightShot]

Keep a bag in your truck that has:
sunscreen
bug spray
bandaids
antiseptic spray
gauze or an ace bandage
a small box of Arm and Hammer (mix with water and it'll kill the sting from ant bites, wasp/bee/hornet stings, etc.)


also,
as many extra tapes as possible (as mentioned before)
extra batteries for the camera, and 9Vs and AAs (for the mics, scanner, 2-ways, etc.)
extra mic cables and socks (or whatever you may call them)
a weather-resistant jacket and hat
an extra set of clothes
LOTS of water, juice or Gatorade (some people, like me, have to force themselves to drink water if they're not parched, since it tends to be lukewarm and crappy from the back of the truck, and always tasteless)
put $5-10 in your stuff, including a couple of bucks in quarters, just in case you're ever in desperate need of money for food, a pay toll, a parking meter, or whatever.
additionally,
a cheap folding chair is nice to have for long shoots,
also, a homemade (or real, if you can afford it) bagpod and some homemade sandbags,
and, at least I have, some magazines for that oddball occasion when you are stuck out somewhere with nothing to shoot and nothing to do...