Newbie here, amateur photographer, learning to make a talking head video with the backdrop of glass bay windows. How do I place the key and fill light so I can hide the softbox reflection in the glass. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

https://preview.redd.it/zggdzn24oj7e1.jpg?width=3213&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f8375e85c4bd3043166dbd7affe8e6bed6037440

Been looking around but can’t quite seem to find what I’m looking for. I’m looking to hire someone to help me with some videos as a camera operator. I would have my own equipment, do my own editing, audio, ect, simply would want someone who knows how to operate a camera, operate my camera.

What exactly am I looking for here, and where would I want to go to hire someone?

Of course if anyone is in Seattle, I’d love to talk more, but this isn’t meant to be a formal hiring post.

After about six months of trial and error, I’ve made some improvements in my videoing my band but still feel far from a polished result. I’d appreciate feedback on this video, particularly regarding framing, composition, lighting, and stage design.

Video:  https://youtu.be/hAOuQgIbLQk?si=NQt_CXK_SKHs6Uyn

Context:

• Goal: Create decent-quality multicam videos of band rehearsals for YouTube.
• Space: Basement (20’x12’x8’), not my space, limited control over clutter and setup, can't make any permanent changes.
• Backdrop: Black curtain currently; planning to replace with burgundy stage curtains with folds for depth.

Current Setup:

• Lighting: 3x FalconEyes RX-8TD (key lights), 2 cheap LED softboxes (fill), 2 Neewer TL60 RGB tube lights for backdrop/amp.
• Camera: Canon C100 Mk I (main) with Rokinon 20mm cine lens, Canon T6i/T8i for supplementary shots. Have Rokinon 10mm, 35mm and 85mm Cine DS lenses and some other primes for the DSLRs.

Challenges:

• Tight space, budget (~$1k for upgrades), and no natural light (night shoots in a basement).

What I Need Help With:

• Improving lighting for a softer, cinematic look.
• Suggestions for better backdrops or practical lighting to add depth.
• Tips for framing/composition in a cramped space.
• Any other ways to improve the overall look.

Note: The audio needs work, but that’s not my focus right now. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

I am in full manual video mode. What is this “Switch Av/Tv” and “Tv” display that will not go away? Driving me nuts!

Sorry if this doesn’t belong but I really like to edit to the vibe and flow of music and wanna start making longer videos and move to YouTube but obviously do not have the rights to the music I wanna use but am ok not monetizing if I can use the music I wanna use, is there any hidden cons I’m not thinking of other than just not being able to monetize or is it better to use songs I’m not as interested in to avoid any problems that come with copyright

Is this a good grading monitor for someone who needs HDR and travels a lot?

B&H has a huge discount on this model. Was originally looking at the Flanders XMP310, but it's not travel-friendly and the price is above what I would like to pay.

Other monitor suggestions are welcome

btw, I would use the monitor on a MacBook Pro M3 with Resolve ---> BMD UltraStudio 4K ---> Monitor

Thx

Hi I'm currently working on some new projects with lots of questions and wanted to see if anyone could answer any or all of them - thanks!

1. How common is it to use proxies? I'm noticing a lot of my footage is struggling so was considering using it again.

2. Really confused about speed ramping. I was watching a video where someone has his slow mo video shot in 60fps and slowed to 40% and then ramped it to 1000% and it looked smooth. I tried it and it looked BAD like unnatural and terrible.

3. I use a plugin called RSMB (real smart motion blur) in premiere but then when I brought the xml file to davinci it didn't transfer properly and well just didn't show up. Any tips?

4. Premiere wasn't responding to some simple key framing I was doing. E.g. Bringing the video from left to right over like 10 frames it didn't respond at all :/

Okay this is a lot and all over the place but any tips would be appreciaited!

My company recently approved a budget request for buying some equipments for product advertising and interviews.

We're debating whether we should get a Blackmagic ursa mini OR a couple of mirrorless camera (canon EOS r5 c is under consideration).

The concern on mirrorless is overheating, which can limit our format/ability to record hour-long interviews (maybe not an issue if not in 4k mode?), or just annoying if the videographer have to stop frequently.

Any recommendations and suggestions? Or maybe something that we haven't think about?

Hey everyone,
I’m having trouble deciding between the Portkeys LH7P and the Atomos Shinobi II, and I’d really appreciate your input.

My Camera is Sony A7iv

My Needs:

• A good-sized monitor with a clean and functional design.
• Ability to see some of the camera settings displayed.
• A simple and intuitive UI.
• Features like freeze image overlay and anamorphic de-squeeze are a plus.

My Thoughts So Far:

• Portkeys LH7P: I love its size and narrow bezels, and the wireless control is a nice bonus. I’m considering pairing the Monitor+ app on my iPad—does anyone know if this works seamlessly?
• Atomos Shinobi II: Feels like a higher-quality product with a better UI overall. However, I’ve seen reviews mentioning slow wake times and some touch-to-focus issues. Have these been significant issues for anyone?
• Viltrox DC-X2: All its features are excellent, but the inability to see camera settings is a downside for me. How much of a dealbreaker do you think that would be in practical use?

The Dilemma:

Each monitor seems to have its strengths and weaknesses. I want something that balances usability, functionality, and reliability.

What are your thoughts or experiences with any of these monitors? Which do you think would be the best fit for my needs?

Thanks in advance!

Gude, ich hab mir vor einigen Monaten eine Nikon D750 Vollformat Kamera gekauft und möchte mir jetzt ein Gimbal für die Kamera kaufen damit ich auch Videos damit machen kann. Hab mir bei DJI die Ronin Serie angeschaut hab aber in dem Kompatibelcheck gesehen das die meisten nur Fotos auslösen können, weder Video Start/stop oder sonst was… (oder hab ich irgendwas falsch gemacht?!) würde mich freuen wenn mir jemand weiterhelfen kann und mir etwas empfehlen kann. (Muss nicht zwingend DJI sein). Danke im Voraus 👍🏼

I’m a 16 year old Brazilian who REALLY wants to study cinema, recently, I got to see the first Brazilian oscar nominated movie in a few decades, directed by the third richest director (Walter Salles, Brazilian) and I loved it! But I kept thinking about how awesome it would be if I got to sit down and talk to him, so I reached out in his e-mail and to my surprise he agreed, so I just got a private online 2 hour “class” from an oscar nominated director today, I just wanted to share this fun thing that happened, and in case you want to watch the movie, it’s called “I’m still here” or “Ainda estou aqui” in Portuguese.

So instead of showing the clip time which i recorded it's showing how many hours in total the camera has recovered can someone tell me how i change it back

I am looking to buy a budget (max 300 to 500$) lens to pair with fx30 for shooting videos of me playing on a grand piano. indoor. basement. the angle I am looking for would include part of the piano (the keyboard) similar to this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiTEIUGUNMk

maybe sigma 30mm? or would a 50mm be better?

Thanks in advance!

at the 27-30 second mark and overal in the video. I'm trying to spice up some of my own footage where there isn't too much movement going on.

https://youtu.be/IgoxNaN2GlU

Hi there,

I have started creating video content and am struggling to find a workflow that allows me to post videos more frequently while keeping the quality high.

I would like to use my camera and my computer to put together the videos, rather than my phone.

rarely
Specifically, I have started on TikTok:

- If I use CapCut, so far the uploaded video quality was crap, very low

- Then I tried a few other online editing tools but they have either subtitles or transcript editing, rarely both

What´s your workflow to produce high-quality content, keeping it compact without too many software switches?

Thanks!

I do a mixture of studio, on-location setups, and run-and-gun. I have amassed an increasingly bulky collection of items that attach to lenses, especially filters and stepdown/up rings, despite efforts to standardize my lens diameters (mostly 77mm, but also 82mm). My storage “system” is pretty chaotic, and I’m wondering what other people have figured out to organize, store, and transport their lens-related gear.

My step up/down rings tend to be in those multi-sleeve nylon pouches with velcro, but also in Ziploc bags along with my more commonly used filters. My filters live mostly in the jewel cases they were sold in, and I’ve got clearly printed size info on the fronts and edges of the jewel boxes (e.g. “POLA 77mm”). However, these tend to reside in gallon bags in a box or drawer. Taking them on location usually means selecting what I think I’ll need and putting them in my camera backpack or a smaller padded case that goes in a regular backpack.

How do you folks organize, store, and transport your filters and stuff? Pelican-type cases? Soft-sided padded (and lighter weight) cases? Do you have a system that can go straight from storage to on location, or do you have to repackage the items individually for each job?

To elaborate, the backordered part is (I assume) a digital subscription to capture one pro. Am I gonna have to wait for it to no longer be backordered for the camera itself to ship?

Hello! looking to further develop my skills and infuse more into my videos through sound design! (i think this is the rightful next step, haha). I have what i believe to be a good example of quality sound design here as an example, but i’m wondering how to get better at this as someone new to the filmmaking/videography space. How can i know where to place these different sounds? which are appropriate in which instance? where can i acquire quality sound from? i realize that me talking to the camera is kinda unengaging without it so im just looking for some direction, thanks!

Anyone have a suggestion on running for wireless mics at the same time

I have DJI mics, but you can only run two at a time

Does anyone know what kind of microphone this is?

I've got a small corner of the room with my pc and desk and I've got a nice glow which spills out over the wall and I'd like to keep the low lit ambience, but how could I have a light on myself without much spill over on to the wall my chair sits about 1ft from?

I've currently got a ring light which is ok but perhaps an upgrade to something else is also required?

I am helping out a small community group later this week. They need help filming a video promo for one of their upcoming events, and I could really use some advice.

They have one section of their gym painted blue, and another painted green. I was planning to film on the blue screen (in their building, the green screen was painted in a dark corner of the room and the blue screen is in a better lit section of the room).

I just read an article saying it is hard to get clean keys off a blue screen and that distortions are common. Has that been your experience with blue screens? I'm trying to decide if I would be better off filming on the blue screen, or does it really make that much difference?

I damaged the thread on the Befree Live fluid head by screwing it too tightly and now horizontal panning is jerky and the head makes strange sounds. I would like to replace it with a better head, Manfrotto's 500 or 502, however they have a wider base than the Befree tripod's levelling column half ball which is just 40 mm in diameter.

If I were to put such a large head on the smaller half ball of my Befree, would that cause issues with balance or fluidity of panning? I like the compactness of Befree legs and I don't want to buy new legs, however I've been thinking about getting 190X + 500AH head kit instead.