HD Video with a Digital SLR November 7, 2009

The recent addition of video capabilities to digital single reflex lens cameras has opened a new world of possibility for photographers. While some of the basic techniques and principles of video are the same as still photography, learning how to think as a filmmaker takes your audiovisual stories to the next level.

The class begins by reviewing and expanding on concepts such as exposure, depth of field, shutter speed, video resolution (progressive vs. interlaced), frame rates and white balance (color temperature). Once you have mastered the on-camera technical skills, you will move on to the basics of storytelling. Learn how to “shop” for images in order to get the coverage needed to tell your story. Develop a shot list that includes wide, medium and close-up shots; use over the shoulder, point of view, reverse and reaction shots. Explore more advanced techniques like time lapse and slow motion. Then, apply it all in the field by making a 30 – 60 second short film. Class members will concentrate on doing as much in-camera editing as possible, and then the shorts will be put into iMovie and screened to the class.

Instructor Federico Pardo is a graduate student in Montana State University’s Science and Natural History Filmmaking program. Federico has an undergraduate degree in Biology from the Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá – Colombia. His areas of interest include wildlife, travel and rural life. Federico has extensive field experience as biologist and photographer. He plans to apply his scientific education and experience as a photographer and filmmaker as a tool to facilitate education and conservation. This summer Federico was an instructor in Yellowstone National Park for the “Canon Photography in the Parks Photo Workshops”.

Pre-registration is required. On the same day there are two Canon workshops being held: Canon 5D Mk II Essentials : 9 - 10:30 or Better Composition and Lens Selection: 11 – 12:30. If you sign up for one of the two or have purchased a Canon camera from F-11 in the last year, you can enroll for the HD workshop for $99.99. Only ten enrollments will be accepted.