Camera Workshop 1

CAMERA WORKSHOP 1 

On Monday 17th January I participated in my first ever Camera Workshop. In this worksop we were introduced to the Black Magic URSA mini camera as well as a tripod, we were taught how it works and how to set it up correctly. First, we were taught about the 'yours' and 'mine' rule which consists of saying 'yours' when passing a piece of expensive equipment, then when your ready for the other person to carry the weight, which they would respond 'mine' when they are holding it securely stating the other person can let go.

When learning how to use the tripod, it was made clear that you must loosen the bottom knobs to adjust the hight followed by the top ones in order to add more height, this both maintains safety as well as preventing the camera falling over. We then learnt about how to focus the camera and zoom in, to focus the camera it is necessary to zoom in first using the zoom dial on the front of the camera lens. This makes sure that the subject is clear, following this you adjust the focus using the focus dial. 

To make sure the camera is stable and level you use the Spirit level. In order to use this effectively you have to make sure the air bubble is in the the centre of the circle, then you can adjust the camera positioning accordingly and make sure its straight by tightening it from underneath. 

Moreover we were made clear of the fact that the ISO on the camera should be kept at 400, as well as learning that white balance refers to the adjustment of colours in order to make the image look correct and natural. These colours in the shot are determined by the setting of your white balance. You chance the white balance by selecting one of the symbols depending upon your location, eg- cloud- for cloudy weather. 

Lastly we covered striking the kit refers to packing up and putting everything away, including placing the camera back in the box, putting the tripod away, as well as everything else.