Search results for: video tips techniques lighting techniques video
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by Zack Young · Posted
B&H is excited to announce that our new Virtual Production and XR (Extended Reality) category is now live. Initial offerings include products for cinema capture, broadcast, live events, sports, education, and more, with an emphasis on LED volumes, IMLs (Interactive Media Labs), content creation, advertising, and tradeshows.
Current subcategories for browsing include
by Steven Gladstone · Posted
When creating images for a film, you try to balance your shots so that you draw the audience into the movie, while at the same time they forget that they are watching a movie. Usually, the last thing you want is to break the illusion and have the audience snap out of their reverie.
As you read this article, you may want to pause and rewatch some classic films, or films that had a powerful effect on you. Examining the new and different techniques, lighting, and compositions used to create impact, mood, and feeling will help you grow as a
by Zack Young · Posted
Virtual production (VP) is a professional video technique that combines live-action footage with computer-generated imagery (CGI) in real time. Virtual production typically happens on “volume” stages where seamless interlocked LED panels display rendered photo-real backdrops that change and adapt as the camera moves. This creates impressive in-camera virtual effects (ICVFX) that require little to no post-production work. Let’s jump into the exciting capabilities of
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Do you plan your images? Really think about that question. Do you have an idea of an image before you head out for a shoot, or do you let the moment inspire you as the pieces fall into place? There's no wrong answer here. Planning or "pre-visualization" is a key piece of the photography puzzle that some put a lot of thought and effort into while others effortlessly come up with ideas on the fly.
No matter how you go about taking a picture, there is some level of planning that goes into a shot. With that said, there's a big difference between
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
As photographers, we are faced with a wide array of lighting conditions, ranging from bright sunlight to dimly lit interiors. Using ambient light as your main source is often preferable; however, in a situation such as an event or portrait where time is of the essence, you will need to know how to properly expose all these varying scenes using both natural and artificial light sources.
Being resourceful with your lighting setups lends greater efficiency, and having a lighting system you can easily move from one situation to the next quickly is
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
If there’s one area of wildlife photography that challenges even some of the most consummate artists, it’s birds in flight. A dynamic flight shot shows action, and a bit of technical prowess. As you can imagine, capturing birds in flight is no easy feat.
To consistently capture these shots, one must be proficient with their gear and have a knowledge of animal behavior. We’d go as far as to say you need a bit of luck too, but what is luck if not preparedness meeting opportunity. In order to make the most of the opportunities that present
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
The most engaging portraits seem to have direct eye contact between subject and viewer, as if the camera were simply a window through which we’re looking. But is it that simple? So much goes into making a good portrait, can success simply come down to eye contact between subject and camera and is it even necessary to concentrate on the eyes for a portrait? There are certainly wonderful portraits that do not focus exclusively on the eyes that illustrate character with other aspects of the body, from posture to hands, but as an introduction to
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Family portraits are a great way to capture a moment in your family’s history. You may find yourself wanting to capture family photos every few years or so, more often when the little ones are, well, little. Maybe you’re looking for a way to take matters into your own hands, or maybe you’ve been taking your own family photos for years and have found yourself being asked to take photos of friends, family members, or even paying clients.
Family portraits can be a lot of fun to shoot. Maybe you’ve been taking photos of your kids and want to
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Photographing pets is something you likely do daily, whether it be with a phone or a dedicated camera. I don’t know about you, but I have thousands of pics of my pup filling up my photos app. After all, pets are part of the family, and we want to capture them in the best possible light. In this quick guide, we’re going to look at 10 ways you can improve your pet photography with practical creative tips and techniques as well as gear.
1. Get to your pet’s level. If there’s one trick to make your images more engaging, it’s to physically shoot
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Anyone who has dabbled in pet photography knows that it can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. While pets are considered to be part of the family, they’re still animals who walk to the beat of their own drum and do things at their own pace. Even the best listeners can be easily distracted or have trouble sitting still for more than two seconds. If you’re considering trying your hand at photographing our fuzzy friends, we’ve put together this helpful guide for you. In this guide, we’re going to cover the essentials for those with a
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
There’s an old adage that gear doesn’t make the picture, it’s the photographer. This is partly true. A super-telephoto prime with a fast aperture will make quick work of busy backgrounds, and the faster focusing systems of high-end full-frame cameras will more easily track a bird’s eye in some of the most challenging lighting conditions. But there’s another factor to consider. At the heart of the image is a creative eye and technical proficiency. High-end camera gear only serves a purpose once you know what you’re doing.
In this guide, we’re
by Zack Young · Posted
While it may be easy to prop your phone against a stack of books and hit record, the resulting video podcast might not be quite what you had in mind. So what exactly separates a smartphone camera from a standalone professional camera, and what are the most important factors to weigh if you’re considering an upgrade?
Visual Aesthetics and Control
The most important factor limiting your smartphone camera is its sensor size. The actual sensor chip behind the lens of your phone camera is likely only a fraction of an inch, meaning it can’t capture
by Atane Ofiaja · Posted
The proliferation of PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras being used for sports coverage and broadcasting should not come as a surprise. They offer seamless operation and flexible installation options thanks to their relatively small size and remote-control capabilities from a central location. The benefit of using a PTZ camera over a standard fixed camera for sports coverage (and live events in general) is
by Zack Young · Posted
With so many podcasts competing for attention, sometimes you only have a matter of seconds to rope in a potential viewer and convince them to stick around. Interesting subject matter and compelling hosts can help, but the visual aesthetics of your podcast could be the X factor that leads to success. Thoughtful lighting choices often have an even larger impact than your camera or lens, so let’s dive into four important considerations when plotting out the lighting scheme of your podcast.
Size and Power
The first step is figuring out what kind
by Zack Young · Posted
So you’ve decided to introduce video into your podcast but are overwhelmed by the hundreds of high-quality cameras available to you. Fear not, because even though specific brands and models change each year, there are some time-tested concepts that are worth discussing no matter which flashy features are the talk of the town. Today, we’re diving into four important tips when choosing a video podcast camera.
1. Consider the Space
Are you typically recording inside or outside? In a tiny closet, a massive warehouse, or a studio that’s somewhere