I have been given the role of videographer during my upcoming expedition to Nepal. I shall also be taking photographs. This means that I have to consider two major challenges:
- how to juggle a video camera and camera with a relatively large lens
- how to take stable video images from the back of a moving elephant
Juggling multiple cameras
I have done some research on how to juggle two cameras and have found several suggestions including various options for dual straps:
Any advice on which would be better for use onboard an elephant would be greatly appreciated.
Stabilizing video
While there are several software options for stabilizing video after the fact (see above), I would like to make sure that my shots are as stable as possible from the outset.
According to 3 Tips for Shooting Stable Video: By Jonny Rowen of Camtrol I will need to consider a balanced camera mount, how to avoid ‘shooter fatigue’, and some form of camera stabilizer. However, this advice is rather non-specific! Bradly Steenkamp’s ‘Going Steady’ on the other hand offers three technical solutions across a reasonable price range:
- the Hague Cam-Shoulder Mount
- the Gorillapod Focus version
- the Indisystems Ultracompact DI
I’m leaning towards the Gorillapod as the most flexible option but would appreciate any advice from experienced videographers.
How do you get better video from the back of an elephant?
Big Sis
December 26, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Hi
What is the point of the expedition? If its to video/photograph flora and fauna in detail, etc then being on an elephant is not the way to go. If it is all about the elephants, their story and journey and that involves you using one as a form of transport then why does your equipment have to be stabilised??? Surely the whole affect/effect of being on the back of the elephant gives your viewer more involvement and ownership due to the moving imagery i.e. they are sitting up on the elephant with you. The whole point of you recording the journey is surely made more special by using the unique viewpoint of actually being on an elephant – enhance that feeling for the viewer by getting some movement into your imagery; use the different viewpoint; the height, the paths taken, etc Embrace this opportunity for what it can offer – personally I feel you should work with your situation rather than try and make the situation be something its not and lose the real beauty that is there if you look from a different angle.
Sarah M. Lawton
December 27, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Big Sis
The point of the expedition is to record the wild elephant population on behalf of the Nepalese Wildlife Department. It is a scientific study.
The reason we use domestic elephants as transport is to reduce the impact we have on the environment around us, minimizing the chance of us interfering with the natural behaviours of the wildlife.
While I will also be taking video and photos for the sheer enjoyment of it all, the main purpose must first and foremost be to produce as accurate a record of the wildlife population as possible. We will be using the footage to take measurements and identify individual animals. So the more stable the images the better.
I will have no choice but to work with my situation – however, I see no harm in attempting to learn from others before I depart so that I might potentially make the best of it. I see that as very much a part of ‘embracing the opportunity’!
However, you do have a point and I can assure you that I will be aiming to appreciate and enjoy every second for the unique and life affirming experience this trip offers!
I really hope the results of my efforts will be interesting to watch as well…
Big Sis
January 1, 2012 at 10:10 pm
All makes sense.
Rather than buying the best kit you can afford (rather than the BEST kit) try approaching the BBC/ITV/Channel 4, etc and ask to borrow some of their kit – perhaps offering them your edited finished piece(s) for a one-off programme about the project.
When I was a freelance secretary one of my clients did something along those lines for his project. Pretty sure most kit came from Channel 4. That was years ago but its certainly worth putting out some feelers.
Sarah M. Lawton
January 1, 2012 at 10:24 pm
What a grat idea! And one I’ll definitely try…