Dang, I have about twenty Lexar memory cards. Just ordered five 128GB SDXC from B&H, fortunately they were SanDisk. Wonder if their lifetime warranty just croaked?
I had a dozen exec portraits to shoot first thing this morning, then headed out to a site where a paving contractor wanted me to shoot some drone footage of his guys and the machinery in action. Turns out that there wasn't much action today, but my mind was reeling with cool vantage points for clips when they do get going. There was one Cat Motor Grader doing some finish grading on a highway widening project, so I launched the P4P and without a word the operator and I got in sync and had some fun for about 20 minutes. I got in tight and low in front of him and backed up with his blade working the dirt, then came in from behind and above and tracked him, very cool perspectives.
Nick, you made a very good point earlier. The world doesn't need more "drone" footage, what I want to create are clips that are smooth and make you feel like you're a part of the experience, but from a perspective that one doesn't normally have, therefore a totally unique visual experience. I'm looking forward to being back out there when the scrapers are boiling dirt and the paving machine is laying down roadway, should be some really cool stuff. I do enjoy the bird's eye vantage points, overdone as they are, but I'm finding that low perspectives really bring the viewer into the subject as well, and being able to have the rock solid as if one was working with a dolly of unlimited dimensions is an incredible advantage.
I'm restraining myself because the Inspire 2 5.2K is a giant leap forward, and very tempting, but six months of P4Pro flight time is a good plan. I had a discussion with a client today and before I could get my iced tea to my lips, he was encouraging me to go Octocopter with an 8K Red on board, and he was happy to pay for it! Whoa!! Still going to be a while before I feel comfortable launching 80 grand off into the blue..............Sheesh!
Welcome to the world of drones. You are so hooked. It is an incurable disease with the only antidote being adrenaline rushes brought on by adventure launches as you explore the parameters of your newly discovered tool! I find it interesting that you began exploring video prior to the Phantom experience so you got a jump start on the learning curve. Put your heart and talent into the art and craft like you have in everything else. I am anxiously waiting the video masterpieces you will be creating six months down the road.
JWilsonphoto wrote:
I had a dozen exec portraits to shoot first thing this morning, then headed out to a site where a paving contractor wanted me to shoot some drone footage of his guys and the machinery in action. Turns out that there wasn't much action today, but my mind was reeling with cool vantage points for clips when they do get going. There was one Cat Motor Grader doing some finish grading on a highway widening project, so I launched the P4P and without a word the operator and I got in sync and had some fun for about 20 minutes. I got in tight and low in front of him and backed up with his blade working the dirt, then came in from behind and above and tracked him, very cool perspectives.
Nick, you made a very good point earlier. The world doesn't need more "drone" footage, what I want to create are clips that are smooth and make you feel like you're a part of the experience, but from a perspective that one doesn't normally have, therefore a totally unique visual experience. I'm looking forward to being back out there when the scrapers are boiling dirt and the paving machine is laying down roadway, should be some really cool stuff. I do enjoy the bird's eye vantage points, overdone as they are, but I'm finding that low perspectives really bring the viewer into the subject as well, and being able to have the rock solid as if one was working with a dolly of unlimited dimensions is an incredible advantage.
I'm restraining myself because the Inspire 2 5.2K is a giant leap forward, and very tempting, but six months of P4Pro flight time is a good plan. I had a discussion with a client today and before I could get my iced tea to my lips, he was encouraging me to go Octocopter with an 8K Red on board, and he was happy to pay for it! Whoa!! Still going to be a while before I feel comfortable launching 80 grand off into the blue..............Sheesh!...Show more →
Hummm .... had a little think about the POV / perspectives thing. I wonder if the sweet spot (or slot) is between our normal human viewpoint - say eye level + 1ft - 2ft - and low level helicopter - say 50ft. But it's not just height. Slow, and smooth does it. It's like floating in space, a dream like experience. It's a ....... sound of light bulb being switched on ..... a Peter Pan Perspective! Yes that's it. I'm now officially a marketing genius.
Jim,
It looks like your old buddies MIG-17F will be flying at Thunder Over Cedar Creek this weekend! I am sure that he would be happy that it is still in the air.
Thanks Mike, you're most kind. I'm afraid you are right, I find myself brainstorming all kinds of perspectives lately. My imagination seems to kick in as the stark terror lessens.... I was telling Sheila the other evening, that there are so many facets to this, flying is one, then flying smoothly and customizing flight techniques for a particular subject/look, then post processing, which you kind of need to already have in your mind before you capture the footage, it's just very immersive and intensive.
I can only imagine the possibilities in your gorgeous corner of the world! Anyway, thank you again for your kind encouragement, it is much appreciated.
Actually Nick, you are right on the money. There seems to be a style evolving in this process, like you described, a "sweet spot". I don't necessarily anticipate it, or see it when I'm shooting, but it's there big as life as I'm loading clips into Final Cut or DaVinci Resolve.
Jim, you are so right about the challenges as you perfect the craft. I look back on my early jerky disjointed failures I was so proud of and cringe. As a retired construction worker, I tend to gravitate to heavy civil construction projects. I chuckled the other day when you were shooting paving crews as I had done the same a few weeks ago.
Our scenery here in the Pacific Northwest is a challenge to capture and do justice to the beauty. We also have a lot more tree branches waiting to snag a prop. After years of flying high above to avoid the rocks in the clouds the drone has added a completely new and exciting perspective and it is ready to go on a whim, unlike trying to schedule a plane or helicopter for a photo mission. You need slow down and take a breather up here.
That's funny Mike, my 11 years in marketing for Caterpillar came rushing back as the P4P chased that motor grader down the shoulder of the highway. Way back in those days someone would have locked you up if you told them about his technology a few years down the road.
Yup, your neck of the woods is a great place to just leave it all behind.
You worked 11 years for the Great Yellow Father! As an equipment guy for PKS I used to look forward to the annual training sessions at different equipment manufacturers including perhaps a dozen trips to the Big Cat House in Peoria and a memorable trip to the Cat Proving Grounds in Tucson. As I reflect on my past jobs I can only wish we had camera drones back then but I realize I would have missed out on some great doors-off helicopter rides over the job-sites. Marshall Pearson was the Cat Rep I remember the most. He taught us the meaning of SWAG.
JWilsonphoto wrote:
Actually Nick, you are right on the money. There seems to be a style evolving in this process, like you described, a "sweet spot". I don't necessarily anticipate it, or see it when I'm shooting, but it's there big as life as I'm loading clips into Final Cut or DaVinci Resolve.
..... and the "sweet spot" or "slot", also includes what can be accomplished by a single individual. As these tools evolve so the point at which one needs to engage a gang of helpers moves further up the scale of complexity. Thus opening up opportunities for individuals (or individuals and their grands ). I'm a great believer in the power of the single visionary - much of the basis of our modern world has it's roots in their work. Putting aside the expense, turning up with a Hollywood crew - even if they did nothing - would likely have changed the nature of your fun with the grader and paving crew. Actually now that it's all happened, combining photography with flying, into flying a movie camera makes perfect sense. Ok, I'll go take my meds.....
Guys, what about the soundtrack that accompanies these video masterpieces? I find that is a critical part of the video footage hitting that sweet spot.
Finding the right music must be an art in itself, especially with copyrights likely limiting your options.
How do you deal with this? Is it another major source of anxiety on the way to a finished product?
Very true Mark, that is yet another facet of these projects. There are a number of royalty free (fee based) soundtrack sources. A music clip can range from a few bucks to a couple of hundred depending upon use. I find that editing is a very challenging task, not technically because I'm getting pretty knowledgable in that area, just visualizing how best to tell the story. I think it's tough for a still photographer to transition because our images tell the story, one image, compositing hundreds/thousands, color grading and putting them together with a soundtrack, now that is a whole other talent. Sometimes I look at all of that, cringe, and want to return to the simple task of still imagery, but then, the moth to the flame syndrome gets me
MBrewington wrote:
You worked 11 years for the Great Yellow Father! As an equipment guy for PKS I used to look forward to the annual training sessions at different equipment manufacturers including perhaps a dozen trips to the Big Cat House in Peoria and a memorable trip to the Cat Proving Grounds in Tucson. As I reflect on my past jobs I can only wish we had camera drones back then but I realize I would have missed out on some great doors-off helicopter rides over the job-sites. Marshall Pearson was the Cat Rep I remember the most. He taught us the meaning of SWAG. ...Show more →
Oh yeah, my trunk was full of CAT SWAG, never underestimate the value of trash and trinkets with the CAT logo. I took it a step further, for my best clients I made custom desk sets with those detailed German models on them and mounted Mont Blanc pens to rare wood bases that I hand routed. Sometimes I think my customers spent millions of dollars just to get one of my desk sets, which worked for me!
Cat Swag...Geeesh !
Back in the 80's you could hardly even get a Cat hat let alone a shirt.
We spent tons of money repairing Cat stuff and even the salesman had a hard time getting them. You'd think if you spent a million a year just in parts you'd get a frikkin hat for free.
Used a stopgap to repost do not see how I can relink all my other posts photobucket screwed over. I do know which ones were liked and appreciate it y'all.
Don
