Hey Everyone! For this week's reflective response, I've decided to talk about sliders and some techniques you can use to achieve unique and creative shots. In our class, we actually have a travel slider, that mounts on those big bulky tripods but needs this attachment that hooks onto the release plate so you can put on a DSLR. I think the slider our class has is Edelkron SliderPlus. Having a travel tripod has it's pros and cons. One good thing about it is that it's light, compact, and you can go more distance in both directions since it's on a track. However, one negative thing is that when you put the slider on the tripod it isn't exactly leveled. Therefore, when you can have a steady shot halfway through, but then it can wobble and fall slightly down, disrupting the flow of the shot. The only solution we found for now was to just hold up the other side so that it stays level. Here is a video that showcases the Edelkron Slider, which is the the track-type of slider we have in class. Also notice the really amazing shots you can take, and the difference a slider can make then just pressing record on a tripod, having a static shot.
I've recently tried out the slider during our STN practices, and it's a really great tool to get different shots. Although it takes some practice and lots of trial and error, the slider can add a more dramatic feel to your shot, just by some movement and motion. Plus, it adds some expression and some difference then just having a bunch of static shots. Sliders are pretty famous for adding drama and having that cinematic look. For example, a lot of times in films or cinema movies you see pull in shots, where the camera starts off in the back then makes it's way forward, commonly used to pull up to a person's face. I found this really great video that shows how camera movement, whether it's handheld, from a jib, dolly, or crane, or other tools, there are certain techniques you can use to achieve different effects and emotion. Many films and Hollywood movies use these effects so that the audience can subconsciously connect with the character. I hadn't realized it until now, after watching that video. Certain shots with movement made me feel scared for the character, others made me feel sympathetic for them. I think it all depends on the type of movement occurring in the shot. I think it'll be much easier to explain if you watch the video below.
Pretty neat, huh? I didn't realize that there were so much thought put into the types of movement that goes in each shot. Before watching this video, I didn't think that the movement mattered so much and how much it correlates to the overarching emotion of the film. But now that I know, I hope I can spot these out in movies, and try to use them if I create a short one day. I also hope it may have helped you, maybe if you were thinking of doing unique shots for your PSA or your fourth quarter project, or even for STN! I know what you're thinking, where are we going to get jibs, cranes, dolly's, etc. Well, it turns out that you don't need all those bulky expensive equipment. Going back to the sliders, there are actually ways to use your slider creatively so that you can achieve looks that are similar to if you were to use those other types of equipment. I still have to check if it'll work out on the slider set up we have at school, but if it does, I think it'll be a really versatile tool for our class. Here are some video tutorials that show you the different 'looks' you can achieve by following these techniques.
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Well, that is it for this week's reflective response on emotion from camera movement, and how you can create that through creative slider techniques! Camera movement can add a great emotion and create a connection to the audience, and is something you may consider next time you set up your shot. I hope you've thought those videos were very interesting as much as I did. See you all at the 3rd STN Practice! Thanks for reading! Bye!
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