How Wide is Too Wide?
I have always been intrigued with video and photography, mainly from a directors point of view, so offering my services was the next logical step.
I was lucky enough to have had access to a video camera at a very young age (yeah, the ones that recorded on VHS tapes). I would borrow the camera to make videos for school projects, but then it became somewhat of an obsession. Filming indoors vs filming outdoors, filming small object vs filming tall buildings and trees – I loved the challenge taking any equipment and turning out a piece of work that would amaze viewers to thinking it all that was done on basic equipment.
Photography was always around when I was growing up. My dad would take pictures of the family and my siblings. He would do a double exposure so I could share the picture with my friends letting them think I was a twin. We have come a long way from loading film and printing up from negatives.
Now in my mid 20s I mainly do video and photo as a hobby, but very interested in putting my talent to work. I find that having the right equipment at the right time is crucial, but this takes quite a bit of planning. I am a very resourceful person and I can make do with what I can get my hands, but being prepared and having the right equipment is much easier.
Wide Angle Lenses
I cannot preach enough about the wide angle lens – yes, for both video and photo. Wide angle lenses are amazing for those tight shots in small rooms, or in a car. But they are also great for big shots of buildings and horizon scenery.
Video
When I bought my first HD Camcorder my next accessory was a wide angle lens. Mind you that I do not use it all the time, but it is always in my equipment bag. A wide angle lens gives the viewer a ‘being there’ feel. Our eyes are somewhat wide angle lenses, it’s just that we need to focus on the periphery to see what’s there.
I have a Canon HV30 HDV and I love it! It’s small, compact, and has many great manual features you would find on a professional system. Adding a Raynox Wide Angle lens, I can see a huge impact on feel when viewing a video. We went on a fishing charter in Victoria, British Columbia Canada, and I brought along my camera with wide angle set up. We were on a boat, not that big, and very tight between my camera and subject – perfect situation to have a wide angle lens. We caught fish and got some great footage to share with friends and family who could not fit on the boat. http://vimeo.com/3552333 Without the wide angle set up the video would not have that much of an impact to the viewer.
Photo
I have wanted a wide angle lens for my DSLR for a long time and those of you who carry lenses know that they’re not cheap to own. I recently purchased the Canon 10-22mm lens. This lens is an amazing addition to my kit bag. You can do so much with this one lens and there are also many services I can offer by using this lens; real estate photos, full wedding photo services, and family events.
My main point is to shoot wide when you want the viewer to feel as if they were in the room. Don’t go overboard and shoot wide all the time, but take out that wide angle lens and go on a shooting spree – you will be amazed how many artistic shots you will produce! Happy Shooting!