Video Production

The process of creating high-quality video begins with field production. Because most video workflows do not allow for raw capture, it becomes particularly essential to focus on the point of capture. No amount of post-production can recover badly blown highlights or a crackling or missing audio track.

Workflow objectives
Recording sync sound
Manually white-balancing a camera
How to expose a video shot

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Workflow objectives

This case study looks at some of the most challenging aspects of video production. As you are a photographer, we’ll assume you have the essentials of composition in your toolbox. What’s likely new is the ability to properly light with video’s limitations in mind. This will make it easier to then achieve proper exposure which is critical with a highly compressed imaging workflow.The demonstration will also focus on proper audio techniques to achieve a usable audio signal.

The workflows presented here are not exhaustive. Rather they are the essentials to a solid foundation. This demonstration is what we call a "component workflow", meaning that it does not show end-to-end workflow, but, instead, focuses on a specific set of tasks that are part of a larger process.

Recording sync sound

When it comes to video, great images are only half the equation to telling a great story. In the film and video world, capturing quality audio is just as important as compelling images (and in many cases more important). Although you might be able to tell a dramatic story in pictures alone, audio gives your story a needed voice.

Figure 1: Capturing quality audio with a DSLR camera can be a bit of a challenge. Learn the essentials of how to get good audio on your next DSLR video shoot.

Manually white-balancing a camera

Getting the right white balance for a video shot should be done at time of acquisition. It will save a lot of time color correcting and will reduce any quality loss in the shot during post-production.

Figure 2: Learn how to manually set the proper white balance on your DSLR camera for shooting video.

How to expose a video shot

Exposing video properly can be a challenge due to the poor monitoring conditions on a DSLR video camera. It is essential that you develop proper strategies to handle exposure, as your options in postproduction are much more limited than in a raw photography workflow.

Figure 3: Learn how to combine aperture, ISO and shutter speed to properly expose video on your DSLR camera.

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Last Updated September 22, 2015