The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sometimes it’s hard to believe how quickly a month can go by. With this now being the last day of July, I look back and wonder what have I accomplished? As with many new things or ideas the accomplishments may not be tangible at first. Most, with myself anyway, take place with ideas that I must bounce around in my head for awhile. Some days it’s a matter of spinning wheels with very little progress to be shown. But that seems to be part of my process.
My wheels have been spinning for sure. All surrounding a new idea that I have begun to put into motion. This involves more work and more time in the personal creative process. One thing that I knew going forward with this is that it would take dedicated time. The part that is and probably will always be a point of frustration is the fact that it will involve some additional financial investment.
I have decided to begin the journey of video creation. At present this is very unstructured. Just figuring out what all is needed to produce consistently and with relative material is somewhat daunting. The basics seem pretty straight forward and could be accomplished with the tools I presently have. Video capture equipment, aka cameras and associated hardware. At present I own two dslr cameras. The Nikon D800e and Nikon D850. A couple of lenses that include the Nikon 24-70 and Nikon 70-200. These are my photography workhorses and for the past few years have been very happy with these cameras and lenses.
The fact that I can use either of these for video is helpful for sure, but I don’t plan on doing that. At least not as primary video capture devices anyway. For one thing I want these always at the ready for still photography. These two full frame bodies and associated lenses are mounted on a tripod 99.9% of the time and just are not suited for impromptu video capture the way I want to do it. I am planning on starting out with a few primary devices. A recently acquired Sony RX100 IV, iphone XS Max, and even an older iphone 6s Plus. All these devices are capable of HD and 4K video. There is also a need to add to audio capabilities as well. Including a mic, digital recorder, and associated hardware needed for tripod mounting and handheld capabilities. Last but not least, software. I have been learning how use video editing software and my choice for software is ACDSee Visial Studio 4.
My thoughts on creating video is simple. Capture experiences, places, and moments. Have some personal conversation with viewers, and above all, keep it easy and real. The simpler the better. Then, learn how to put this content into a cohesive, hopefully engaging video. Equipment and learning how to use it is one thing. Everything else is well, everything else. I have learned quickly this, “everything else” is a big part. Actually, it is the biggest and most important part. Any fool can push a button and make a video these days. Honestly, many (fools) do. The World does not need any more fools. Especially videos of them.
This is only a quick update on what has been my primary focus this past month. And yes, I have been working my regular job full time as well. I may have mentioned previously this idea came to me on a serious level the end of last year. I have been rolling this around in my head since then. It’s to the point now where if I don’t proceed I know I will always be asking my self that dreaded question… what if?
I wish I could say for sure when some material will be ready to put out into the world, but at this point there are still too many loose ends that need dealing with.
I have been doing my best to put time in. I have been shooting video as of late of most of my outings. Bringing them back and trying to build a compilation of the footage. It has been like learning photography all over again. Which I have found fun and enjoyable.
When things seem ready I will be creating a YouTube channel that will be home for everything. I know there will come a time when I will just need to start uploading content and hope for the best. It will be a learn as I go process no doubt.
I better get this posted before the rest of the day slips away. The image that is with this post is from a recent hike around an area of a local reservoir, Perry Lake. It’s an area known as the Delaware Marsh. I captured a good deal of video during the 3 hour or so exploration of this area. Footage that more than likely will be used as a learning process for myself. I spent a little extra time at this particular spot and even recorded some “photography” talk, ha.
I never think of the future – it comes soon enough. -Albert Einstein
It’s looking like August is going to be even busier. With some additional time off I am planning a solo trip to somewhere cooler. Which will need to be somewhere in higher elevations for sure. Finding solitary places, camping, exploring, photographing, and yes, creating video as well. I am going to use this time as a period of extreme focus on video creation. I am looking forward to it.
If I get a chance to share a few photos as I go they will be posting them to my facebook page. Most times the places I go have little to no type of cell service so a few updates here and there will be sketchy at best.
I will keep info on this new journey up to date here on the blog as things progress.
