I actually stumbled into videography a bit by chance when I took a job as managing director for an online fashion magazine in Prague in 2005. I convinced the owner at the time that we need video content as well as photo for the website as video was then becoming more popular than simple static photos. He agreed but as we didn’t have the budget to hire a professional, we instead borrowed an HD camcorder and I become the magazine’s videoprapher. I learned all the technical aspects of how to use the camera, took advice from friends I had in the industry, bought a Macbook pro and started shooting and editing clips for our publication.
Most of the clips I originally produced were from photosoots but as time went on, I started working freelance on my own shooting promotional, instructional, and commercial videos as well. I eventually started my own small production company and hired some freelancers. We made dozens of videos for a range of clients in those few years. Although I don’t work very often in a professional capacity, I still shoot and edit my own videos for personal projects.
In addition to having had my own small production company where I sourced my own clients, I’ve also worked profesionally as a freelance cameraman for Fashion TV, ABC and MTV, amongst others.
Today, I mostly shoot projects for my enjoyment or that are related to my own personal endevours. However, I am starting to produce more small projects for select clients and create stock footage just out of interest.
Although I have additional gear, listed below is the standard, run-and-gun kit that I like to roll with most often. This gear, I find is the best for quick, professional set-ups when shooting on the move.
Canon XA55
Designed to meet the needs of professionals, the Canon XA55 offers a wide range of recording possibilities. 4K UHD image quality, and features and functionality in a compact portable design ideally suited for on-the-go Electronic News Gathering (ENG) and documentary production.
Rode NTG1
The NTG1 is a lightweight condenser shotgun microphone, designed for professional applications in film, video, television and broadcast.
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Maximum SPL | 139 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1% THD, 1-Kilohm Load) |
| Off-Axis Rejection | 14 dB at 60° 16 dB at 120° 12 dB at 180° |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms |
| Sensitivity | -36 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz |
| Output Level | 6.9 mV (Max) |
| Dynamic Range | 121 dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 76 dB A-Weighted (1 kHz) |
| Equivalent Noise Level | 18 dB A-Weighted |
| Output Connectors (Analog) | 1 xXLR 3-Pin |
Manfrotto Beefree Threeway
High-performance photo/video kit in an ultracompact size
I had to learn very quickly how to edit my own clips. I had already had a minor in Film Studies, so I had some basic knowledge and understanding of editing. Ultimately though, I learned editing the hard way; by trial and error.
And there were a lot of errors at first (one more “star wipe!”) but in time, and with much needed critique of my style from professional friends, I become a dab hand. It was important to be good and quick in the editing room to save time (and sanity). Fortunately, I shot most of the footage that I edited myself so I learned the most important lesson any cameraman/editor can learn; edit in the camera… (while you shoot). By the time you get to the editing bay, the project is already, essentially cut. Generally, I produce very short, very dyamic clips. Which is evident in my shooting and editing style.
