AICE MEDIA - Camera Work Reflection

 Camera Work Reflection

Camera Movements Project 

How was the learning process?

In the camera movements project, we studied different movements via examples shown in various medias, such as the definitions, how it works, and how it influences the mood and atmosphere of the video, as well as how it influences the viewer. We further developed our understanding by jotting down notes, and on top of that, we tested our knowledge on the movements to make sure we fully understood the concepts. And, through the video project, we were able to apply our newly learned knowledge and practice our newfound skills in a fun way!

What did we experience while working on the project?

After choosing what movements to incorporate into the video, a storyboard was used to draft plot points in the film. They wrote on a draft sheet, ensuring that each plot point is clear and understandable, while visualizing the story. This really helped plan the video, and made sure to prevent any ambiguous  or confusing shots. For the actual video project, my group mates decided using the following camera movements: static, pan, tilt, push in, and tracking. They also made sure to fully understand the function and workings of the camera movements! 

Some challenges I faced

 During the project, a challenge I faced was determining how to affectively edit the video. I had to make sure the video was clipped fluently, and a choppy end result could really mess up the footage! However, I was able to incorporate the differing camera movements together so the story can be conveyed in a way that made sense to the viewer. If the video was clipped and edited ineffectively, the whole film could be ruined! It could completely make the story, which was drafted in the storyboard, irrelevant.  

What I learned and what I would do differently

So, what did I learn from this small project? I learned how different camera movements affect the mood, atmosphere, and direction of the story, all of which influence audience reactions. I learned that camera movements are essential in conveying the story in an appropriate and in an engaging manner. It's truly remarkable how such simple movements can transform the story of the video, and influence the audience in many different ways! I think the video turned out pretty well;  in my honest opinion, however, I think I would have added more appropriate music in the video, but I digress! 

Camera Shots and Angles Project

How was the learning process?

Similarly to the Camera Movements Project, I wrote notes on the different shots and angles of the camera. Some things I learned was what each different shot and angle meant, and how it affects the thoughts and perception of the audience. The notes weren't just written though, we had pictures of each shot and angle from various medias that we could insert into our notes as a nice example. Through this, I was able to better understand how these types of camera shots and angles functioned, and their impacts on the viewer. With the project, I was able to practice my new knowledge, with an object of my choice (Giorno Giovanna Plush) !

What did I experience while working on the project?

Before starting on the actual project, I started on a storyboard to draft my plot, similar to the project I mentioned before. I had different plot points in the story, and I included different shots and angles, such as establishing shots, long shots, mid shots, close up shots, point of view shots,  low angles, and high angles. A even drew the different scenes to really visualize my story! Moving on to the actual project, I started with a story synopsis, then moved on to the different shots and angles of my plush. Honestly, this was really good practice and helped me understand shots and angles even better!

Some challenges and successes I had in the project

A challenge I faced during the project was positioning my plush in a correct manner. Sometimes if I positioned it wrong, it would fall over, causing the camera shot or angle to be incorrect. On top of this, finding the right environment and lighting for the scene was a bit difficult, as I needed a place with great and diffused lighting to properly showcase the scenes. However, I did have some successes. Once I finally had the position down, I was able to effectively portray my story through the different shots and angles. I made sure to understand the effects of these camera shots and angles on the audience, highlighting its impacts.

What I learned and what I would do differently

I learned the different effects of camera shots and angles on the scene's atmosphere and mood. I also found how small changes in angles can portray subjects in the scene in different lights; for example, a lower angle presents the subject as bigger, but a higher angle presents the subject as smaller. I also learned how these camera shots and angles influence the audiences reactions, and I noted how each one has their respective effects. I had much fun with this little project! Some things I would've done differentllt, however, was to make sure the photos taken were clear and unedited. If I were to edit it intentionally or unintentionally, it may affect the way the scene is supposed to be portrayed which is not good!