VIDEOGRAPHER
I actually stumbled into videography a bit by chance when I took a job as managing director for an online fashion magazine in Prague. 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.
CAMERAMAN
SHOOTER
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 others. Some of my clients included, Fashion TV, ABC Television, Kenvelo, and MTV amongst others.
Today, I mostly shoot for projects for my enjoyment or that are related to my own personal endevours. However, I am starting to produce more small projects for others and create stock footage just out of interest.
EQUIPMENT
GEAR
Although I have a lot of additional gear to what is listed below (lights, microphones, etc.), my standard , run-and-gun kit that I like to roll with most often is listed below. This I find is the best for quick, professional set-ups when I am shooting on the move.
CAMCORDER
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.
- 1.0-inch 4K UHD CMOS image sensor
- DiG!C DV 6 Image Processor
- Records in XF-AVC or MP4 formats
- Dual SD card slots
- 15x optical zoom lens
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- HDMI 2.0 terminal with
- 4K UHD output support
- Two XLR terminals with independent audio level control
- 3G-SDI terminal
MICROPHONE
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 |
TRIPOD
Manfrotto Beefree Threeway
High-performance photo/video kit in an ultracompact size
- Sturdy fully foldable 3-Way 6kg payload
- Fluid Drag System on both panoramic and tilt movements
- Aluminum
- 2 kg
- QPL Travel lock system
VIDEO EDITOR
CUTTER
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.
There was a lot of error at first (add 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… (edit while you shoot). By the time I got to my editing bay, the project was already, essentially cut. I generally produce very short, very dyamic clips. This is evident in my shooting and editing style. I can use Wondershare Filmora, Adobe Premier Pro, and Final Cut Pro equally.
PRODUCER
PRODUCTION
I have produced or assisted in the production of a number of projects over the years. Nothing major, but I have worked on music videos, documentaries, short films, radio plays and the like. Not to mention the countless video clips that I individually produced as cameraman and editor. It has been quite a few years since I have put my talents into production but I am kicking around some ideas as of late, and I might work on some personal and/or professional projects in the near future.
