Final

Here is an overview of the class followed by a slideshow of all the pictures I took in over the course of the class. Below is a slideshow of the all the shots I took for the class:

1. What I learned in class:

I learned so much over the course of this semester, especially things concerning the techniques of shooting video.  First we learned about the 3 stages of the production process, which are pre-production, production, and post production.  Pre-production incorporates things like planning, writing, and location scouting.  Production is the process of actually shooting this material and post production include tasks like editing and advertising.  As for shot composition there are several types of shots one can take, such as extreme closeup, closeup, medium closeup, full shot, and location establishing shots.  When shooting there are two cardinal rules, the first being when you are shooting inside the first thing you do is TURN THE LIGHTS OFF.  Second, when shooting outside you never shoot in the direction of the sun. Finally, there are three types of lighting, which are key light (directly on the face of the subject), fill light (horizontal lighting), and back light (lighting the back of the subject).  

2. Where you have seen something you've learned in the real world?

I have seen numerous things I could use in the real world, such as shot composition.  When I am taking photos I now know the best ways to set up the subjects I am shooting.  I also see this with music videos and movies...the better one uses shot composition the better one can get their point across.  I feel now because I understand all this I can apply it to the real world and understand companies further with their techniques. 

3. What is my strongest asset?  

I think my strongest asset is my creativity because it allows me brainstorm the best ways a shot could be set up or edited.  I am always able to offer a different idea or way of looking at something, which often time helps people reconsider an idea to better it.  

4. What is my favorite music video?  Break down the shot composition.

My favorite music video is Try by P!nk because it is so unique.  It begins with an establishing shot of the dessert and proceeds to several shots using various light sources to create this darken, dramatic scene.  Continuously the shots go back and forth between shots of her with this guy in this house and her by herself in the dessert.  This insinuates that she is struggling with the relationship she has with this man, while trying to decide if she wants him in her life.  During the parts in the house they use the windows with fake light coming through then to only light the room enough to draw attention to her and this guy.  While outside they use the sun as the main source of light that draws attention to how alone she is out in this dessert.  This video includes many acrobatic actions, therefore they use the light also to emphasize the shadows on the people to better show their muscles.  This continues all throughout the video and at the end of the video it shows them running towards each other - the shots go back and forth focusing on each individual until they finally meet at the end.  Here is the link to the music video: Try - P!nk. 

5. Discuss the class in general.  What will you remember most about it?

When I signed up for this class I was not expecting to have so much hands on experience and I think this is one of the aspects of the course that made it so enjoyable.  Also Doc Chris was an incredible professor and truly showed how much he cared about us.  I think the thing I will remember is the spontaneity of Doc Chris and all the things he would say to keep us entertained.  I think the trials, stories about his work, and times when he would start singing and dancing are only a few of the things to summarize how much fun Doc was as a professor.  Overall, this video class was one of my best classes this semester.  
                                                                                                                                                                          

Below is my video reflection summarizing my overall feelings for the class:

Happy Thanksgiving!

For this Thanksgiving all my Mom's side of the family went to my Aunt Nicole's house.  We started the day with food prep, appetizers, and football.  After that we ate dinner around 3:30 and I couldn't breathe because I was so full.  My uncle and I did the dishes when everyone finished dinner and we stuck my Grammy's famous apple pie in the oven to cook.  After about an hour, the pie was ready and we sat for dessert.  In total, I think we had three pies, 3 gallons of ice cream, and tons of coffee to keep people awake on the rides home.  After dinner with my Mom and her family, I went to my Dad's house where his girlfriend's family was getting ready to eat dinner.  When I arrived they were literally getting ready to eat dinner, so I powered through and ate a second Thanksgiving dinner, which was difficult.  Then we had so much food left, so we brought the left overs to my Dad's police station so he could give it to the officers who were working.  After that we all just sat around and talked until dessert was ready, which was a ton of cookies and pie again.  Finally, everything was cleaned and I was stuffed.  The day was definitely successful and the food I had was incredible.  When we were sitting at dinner everyone went around and said what they were thankful for, but I forgot to interview them about it, so I interviewed some of my teammates like Same did.  The interviews are posted below!

Amy Abdalla giving thanks:

Katrina Geiger giving thanks:

Molly Wolf giving thanks:

Reflection #12

Last class was another great class because Doc Chris invited a guest to class, Cynthia Lyles-Quinn.  This was another class where we had the opportunity to apply what we have learned in class.  Half of the class went with Doc Chris to set up the studio, while the other half of the class, including me, sat and got to know Cynthia before the interview.  We asked her questions like what she did for her job, how she got interested in her profession, and how she helped those who were affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Following this conversation, she questioned each one of us to see what we are interested in and gave us tips for how we can better prepare for our future.  

Finally, they had the studio set up with three lights, a huge camera, and an extremely professional interviewing set.  I was sick so I was put on disability, and because of this my job was to take pictures before the interview began.  Unfortunately, I was unable to stay and witness the whole interview process, but the prep for the interview was extremely intricate.  I found the most interesting part was watching Professor Jay show the Squad how to work in the booth.  Seeing the way they changed the camera views was really neat and I think if I got into production I would definitely want to work behind the scenes.  Below are some pictures from the set up and before the interview began:

 

Reflection #11

Last class was one of the best classes we have had so far because we actually had the chance to put our skills to the test.  Each group was assigned to interview Doc Chris about different aspects of his life - some of the categories included what it was like to be a producer, what it was like to work in the White House/ with Hollywood, and finally my group interviewed him about what it is like to be a professor.  We were the last group to go, so we headed into GreyComm Studio and watched the end of the previous group's interview.  

We chose Paul as our interviewer, while Hemon and I were on the camera, signaling how much time Paul had left.  We asked Doc a couple questions like what inspires him as a professor, what he learns from his students, and if he plans to retire a teacher or if he wants
to finish his career as another profession.  Another reason I enjoyed this class is because it allowed us to truly see how passionate Doc Chris is about his job and teaching.  When we interviewed him he was extremely personable and it is because of professors like him, students become passionate for learning.  I really hope we continue to do hands on work because that is when I feel I can really test what I have learned in the class.  I am really excited to continue the class and hoping we get to do much more in these last couple weeks.  I am still enjoying the direction of the class and love getting to know Doc as a person and a professor.  Below are some of the pictures from the interviews:

Reflection #10

Last class we had a guest speaker, Professor Jay Dunmore, who began the class by showing us some music videos.  After watching the videos, we spoke about what we liked and didn't like about them in order to better test our analytical skills when viewing a video.  Then Jay proceeded to teach us about some ideas that are key to staying up to date and knowledgeable with the video or media field.  Overall, I found this class to be extremely helpful because it showed me how fast the video field is growing and how advanced the technology is becoming.  I really enjoyed learning about all the things Professor Jay taught us.  I thought he taught the material really well and he was a really fun person to learn from. Below are some of the notes I took from the class that Jay taught:

Bit Rates and Pixels

-       Bit Depth: how much color are you going to have in one picture whether it is a snapshot or a picture à how much color allowed in a still image

o   8 bit color: everything deals with the amount of red, green, and blue (RGB)

§  256 available tints in red

§  256 available tints in green

§  256 available tints in blue

o   10 bit color

§  1024 available tints in red

§  1024 available tints in green

§  1024 available tints in blue

o   Currently for broadcasting at eight but moving to ten

o   Most videos are mostly going to be 8 bit color like a video on an iPhone à deals with the amount of dots on the screen

o   With 8 bit color the computer is remembering how much of each color it can use to create the other colors

-       Pixels and Image Dimensions

o   We are not moving to 4k

o   Pixel: (combination of picture and element) thousands in a picture that combine together to create a whole image

o   The less pixels the blurrier the image

o   Full HD (1080p) à 4K Ultra HD (2160p) à 8k Full Ultra HD (4320p)

Video Compression

-       The discarding of excess picture and sound information in order to reduce overall file size

-       Results in a overall reduction of file size to enable quicker transfer of information

-       The Frame:

o   30 frames of vid per second on TV

o   First part of the discussion between two sources

o   INTRAframe Compression: analyze information within a frame of video to determine what information can be discarded

o   INTERframe Compression: Analyze information within a series of video to determine what information can be discarded

o   Redundant picture information is discarded

-       There is no such thing as uncompression à RAW

-       Raw information opens the camera to receive more data (0 and 1’s)

-       Cinema DNG: captures Raw data à breaks a shot into frames so you can individually edit

High Dynamic Range

-       the ability for a phone to capture more information because of Raw data

-       What is color?

o   Different wavelengths of light

o   Something we see

o   Electromagnetic Spectrum à visible part of the spectrum that is seen when reflected off different objects

o   Object rejects certain colors and keeps certain colors

o   Additive (light) add light and Substrative (light) subtracts light

§  When it is a screen it ususally adds light, but when something printed you subtract light

The Human Eye

-       Cones

o   Discern the difference of the colors in the color spectrum

o   There are BLUE cones, RED cones, and GREEN cones that see the respective colors

o   The mixing of the red, green, and blue images create the other colors in the spectrum

o   The light that is reflected off the object is what is perceived as the objects’ color à ex. The leaves on the trees rejecting different colors

-       Functions

o   Iris: the ability to regulate the amount of light that enters

§  Pin size dot that open and closes that allows different amounts of light in

o   Shutter: the exposure amount f a captured image

§  Think of blinking your eyes or taking pictures of a lacrosse game

§  When you are capturing faster events you want a faster shutter speed so you can capture the stills

§  The faster the shutter speed the less light is allowed in the shot

§  Default if 1/60

o   Focus: the ability to adjust clarity of images near or far in distance

§  Macro focus: closer focus

§  Frontal focus: allows you to see further away

o   Zoom

Halloween Reflection

Last Thursday too many people were sick again to hold class, so Doc held class online.  We decided that because it was Halloweekend we would hold a class contest to see who could  take the best pictures and have the best costumes.  We all confirmed this on the Facebook page and then chose the categories for the competition, which were: best single shot, best outdoor shot, best indoor shot, most original costume, best costume, SMH costume, sizzler costume, and scariest costume.  I think the class went extremely well and was very efficient way of handling a class we couldn't have in person.  I also think everyone really enjoyed the costume contest and I know I enjoyed seeing everyones' costumes!  Having class online was great for Halloween and I had a really fun time taking the pictures...just sad the weekend went so fast!  Here are some pictures from when I was Dino from the Flintstones on Saturday night and a storyboard following them:

Establishing Shot of Bellarmine

Key Light

Fill Light

Back Light

                                                                                                                                                                 

Story Board for Halloweekend: