day 1 shoot evaluation

Here we carried out a test shoot for our project where we focussed and experimented on our cinematography, lighting, positioning and light gels. For this we used a studio, positioning two LED lights either side of the subject, the right side being stronger and more intense in order to produce a shadow on the left side. We also applied gels to the right hand side light. We had experimented different colours of gels in order to see what kind of atmosphere that the colours produce. We eventually decided to continue with using natural/neutral colours of oranges, deep reds and yellows which correspond to our theme and purpose as well as complimenting the colour of skin. We felt that we should steer clear of using blue gels as it produced a rather cold atmosphere which could be considered to present the matter in a negative perspective. Also if we used a pink it could produce a feminine feel which also wouldn't go hand in hand with our intentions. We eventually used two gels on top of each other to create our natural outcome.

When filming our test shots we used a Tamron 90mm macro lens which allowed us to achieve very detailed close ups which focus on single aspects of the body very well. However we encountered an issue when using this lens as we had never used it before. This was that we didn't realise how change the lens setting to manual focus rather than auto focus. This meant that the focusing was very temperamental and didn't focus on a single part for an established period of time and kept ranging the focus. This meant that it was hard to control the lens. In some cases the out of focus moments imply a sense of disorientation or confusion and works well with hiding the identity. After this shoot we researched more on the lens and now know how to use manual focus and the outcome will be shown in our next shoot.

Also we experimented with both tripod based and hand held shots when filming. When using hand held shots the footage in some cases it quite shaky as expected due to the use of a macro lens. However we collectively felt that this irregular movement provided a sense of intimacy with the subject making the audience feel as if they're involved and much closer to the visuals, being in the space of the subject on screen. We also liked the contrast between the static and movement shots as we felt that it emphasised the peace and calmness in the static shots. We will experiment more with the use of the tripod which can allow for much smoother camera movement carrying out transitions such as tilts, pans and random movement with very gradual movement. We also will illustrate the different cover gels and display how we feel that it doesn't fit in to our aspired aesthetic.