
We are now at the end of the series about learning video, and either you read it and would like to know what you should do now or you haven’t read it and are wondering why you should even bother learning video as a still photographer. To help you out, I have compiled a list of ideas and projects that can help explain how this video knowledge can perfectly complement your still image skills.
Interviews, Slideshows, Live Photos, and Cinemagraphs
I’ve made quite a few audio slideshows over the years but adding a video element, such as an interview, can add another layer to your project. The standard audio slideshow is a tried-and-true method of presenting a project and story, but using a high-quality video intercut with stills can be a more effective way of handling the presentation. Also, many people will remember Ken Burns, who was able to create entire stories out of interviews and stills that are sequenced together to make a modern piece about a historical event. On top of this, social media is the most common place where media is viewed and consumed, and with the addition of Live Photos, cinemagraphs, and video to many of these apps and services, learning a bit about where this industry is headed might help you garner a few more followers.
4K Photos
A relatively new method for image capture is taking off, and that involves capturing high-resolution 4K video and then grabbing still frames later on. This method takes advantage of the about 8MP resolution of 4K video to provide outstanding frame rates for action sequences. Some cameras even let you pull the stills in-camera.
Time-Lapse Photography
Time-lapse shooting is very much grounded in still photography; you are, in fact, just taking a series of still images. But, the end product is going to be a video, and that follows a lot of the same general rules as regular video. Knowing more about video formats, editing, and structuring a video can help you better decide how to create your time-lapse video. For example, you could follow the 180° rule for choosing a shutter speed, or break it creatively. Also, while calculating time, you might decide to have more or fewer frames to account for cutting. And, many video tools, such as motion-controlled sliders, can be used to dramatically improve your time-lapse shooting abilities
New Media and the Interactive Web
If you have been around the Internet any time in the past couple of years, you have likely seen an interactive or a new media-based story, or a website that uses video as the header image. Thanks to much faster transfer speeds, more powerful computers and mobile devices, and the general improvement of all technology, more types of media can be used in more ways. Video has seen an explosion in recent years, with more accessible cameras shooting high-end video, and the less strain we see on our systems. This area also includes a lot of groundbreaking new storytelling tools and, if you are interested in entering this field, learning video can only help you.
Versatility
The other day I was enlisted by a friend to take some photos of a show he was helping to produce, but at the last minute it was decided that I would probably be more help if I shot a second angle for the videographer. This kind of versatility can make you an invaluable asset in some circumstances. It also means that you won’t miss out on a job because the client needs some small videos in addition to stills, which can also lead to a higher pay rate for the extra work.
Behind the Scenes
Marketing is almost a full-time job for many photographers these days, and something that is more and more common now is the behind-the-scenes video. Shooting yourself working and how you are able to create your style is a great way to improve your image. It demonstrates to potential clients how you work, and your personality, while also giving fellow photographers a reason to follow and trust you. Positive responses to these videos can lead to a great deal of publicity.
It's Fun
Simply enough, you may find shooting video to be fun. It’s worth a shot to learn and try video and filmmaking because you will either learn that it is an excellent avenue to explore or it’s just not for you.
If you do want to learn video, check out all the articles in this series, and if you have any questions feel free to post them in the Comments section, below!
Part 1: Getting Started
Part 2: Helpful Tools
Part 3: Audio, Audio, Audio
Part 4: Log, Codecs, and Post Production
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