XF305 CAMERA WORKSHOP

Reflective work from our XF305 workshop

XF305 CAMERA IMAGE PROVIDED BY CANON.COM

An overview of the specs:
- 3 Native 1/3" 1920 x 1080 CMOS Sensors
- 50Mbps MPEG-2 Recording
- 4:2:2 Color Sampling
- 60p, 60i, 30p, 24p
- MXF File Format
- Dual CF Card Slots
- 18x HD L-Series Zoom
- Multiple Bit Rates, Resolutions
- Dual XLR Inputs

Since the popularity of the HDSLR, many cinematographers don't bother with using a camcorder built specifically for video. However, there are still many advantages for using one - such as with the XF305. The XF305 comes with autofocus, image stabilization, and a 50mbps codec.

The video above was shot by me and my peers. We assigned one another specifics roles that would be part of a professional production. We used one XF305 fixed to a tripod, one boom stick, and a pair of headphones. I was given the role of boom operator, and managed the sound within the production. No lighting equipment was used, the film was shot using natural lighting - which meant that we had to stick to a tight shooting schedule in order to maintain adequate lighting. We experimented with different camera angles, such as the rule of thirds, over the shoulder and offset group shot. 

The film contains a three way (or group) conversation which required a more technical form of camera positioning in order to include all of the actors in one shot. We used the offset group shot to achieve this. Using this technique, we had all three of the characters sat in a triangle. The two passive characters are sat opposite each other on the left and right, and the character leading the conversation is sat in the centre - putting the focus on this character.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

      

Canon XF305 image-

http://www.canon.co.uk/Images/XF305_Default_tcm14-941753.jpg

LIGHTING WORKSHOP

INDUCTION ON LIGHTING  

Steve Jobs, photography taken by Albert Watson.

Our studio lighting induction covered the basic settings on the camera, such as how to adjust the aperture, iso and shutter speed in accordance with the type and amount of lighting used in a shoot. We were then introduced to the different lighting kits available to us, and the common setups the lighting could be placed in. We were also shown how to use a light meter to get feedback on how much light is being projected onto the subject, so that we were able to change the F. Number on the camera to avoid the photograph becoming over or under exposed.

 

During our lighting induction we discussed the various techniques used to create dramatic portraiture.  One of our group tasks was to recreate the portrait of Steve Jobs, taken by Albert Watson. This was to demonstrate to us of how we could create a dramatic portrait using lighting and positioning on the subject without post editing. 

diagram of Albert Watson's photoshoot layout. (Figure 1)

The above diagram (Figure 1) shows a basic sketch layout of how Albert Watson managed to set up his shots of Steve Jobs. Watson placed two lights with light modifiers attached (Umbrellas) behind Jobs one on the left and one on the right which illuminated the white background and removed all shadows.  The key light that helped make the infamous right shadow was placed to the front of Jobs on his left. If an additional light had been placed to Job's front right there would have been even lighting and no shadows. 

Figure 2

Figure 3

   

Each member of our team was assigned a specific role within the shoot. Our attempt to recreate this setup was not completely successful. At first we were able remove most of the shadows. However, we did not create the desired effect that Watson had in his original. The lighting was not even, and our front light did not give us the side shadow effect. The product of this setup can been seen above in figures 2 and 3. We had intentionally positioned the subject in a pose that was the opposite of the one seen in Watsons image.

Figure 4

Our final setup did achieve a somewhat similar effect as that what can be seen in Watsons original. We had positioned the lighting in a similar setup, and managed to recreate the partial shadow and remove all other shadows. However the lighting was not bright, or wide enough to light up the background at the levels seen in Watsons image. 

Our final photograph can be seen above in figure 4. Upon later researching further into the original setup of Watsons photograph I realised that he had used a white umbrella on his bulbs, which created a wider spread of reflected light.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Steve Jobs Photograph by Albert Watson-

http://guessthelighting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/steve_jobs_albert-watson.jpg

Albert Watson's layout of his photoshoot-

http://guessthelighting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/stevejobs_watson.jpg