Site Archive
Sound for documentary, Part 1: Eight fundamental conceptsWritten by David Tames on March 4, 2013
Filed Under Documentary, Featured, Filmmaking, Sound, Video Production
Between widespread access to affordable camcorders and the rising ubiquity of mobile phones with good video cameras, along with the ascendancy of YouTube as a major media diffusion platform, it’s never been easier to produce and... Continue Reading...
iPhone camera support accessoriesWritten by David Tames on March 2, 2013
Filed Under Documentary, Featured, Gadgets and Devices, Mobile devices, Sound, Tools, Video Production
The iPhone can double as a small and versatile video camera. Given the small size and the fact you probably have it with you all of the time, this opens up a lot of creative options. Sometimes holding the phone in you hand is not... Continue Reading...
FiLMiC Pro transforms iPhone into sweet and respectable video cameraWritten by David Tames on February 23, 2013
Filed Under Camera, Documentary, Featured, Filmmaking, Mobile devices, Tools, Video on the Web, Video Production
The iPhone is capable of producing surprising good video and as a result, quite a few documentary makers are using their iPhones as their go-to B camera and in some cases even as their primary camera. In order to get the best video... Continue Reading...
Basic Documentary Video Starter Kit (consumer level gear)Written by David Tames on February 23, 2013
Filed Under Camera, Documentary, Featured, Tools, Video
You do not need fancy gear to start making documentaries, you can start out with almost any basic consumer HD camcorder as long as it has both a microphone input and headphone output. Working with external microphones and being able... Continue Reading...
Final Cut Pro X: My first impressionsWritten by David Tames on June 23, 2011
Filed Under Apple, Editing, Final Cut Pro, Reviews, Video Production
There’s been a lot of excitement in the air about Final Cut Pro X since the SuperMeet at NAB in Las Vegas many weeks ago. It’s been like a friend telling you about someone they want to set you up with on a date, and they... Continue Reading...
Digital imaging throws documentary into ontological crisisWritten by David Tames on August 20, 2010
Filed Under Art, Camera, Critical Theory, Documentary, Photography
Scholars have long discussed the ambiguity and subjectivity inherent in photographic representation with its seductive verisimilitude. Bill Mitchell’s The Reconfigured Eye: Visual Truth in the Post-Photographic Era (The MIT Press,... Continue Reading...
20th Annual Pro Video ShowWritten by David Tames on February 7, 2010
Filed Under Camera, Events & Screenings, Filmmaking
If you live in or around the Boston area, it’s time to make plans to attend the 20th Annual Pro Video Show, brought to you by The Camera Company, which will take place March 12-13, 2010 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in... Continue Reading...
Using both channels (an audio channel is a terrible thing to waste)Written by David Tames on August 13, 2009
Filed Under Camera, Documentary, Filmmaking, Sound, Video
Practically every camcorder records two channels of audio, which allows you to record in stereo (Left/Right) or two discrete channels (1/2). Lately I’ve been using the Sennheiser Evolution G2 wireless a lot and it started to... Continue Reading...
Comparison of four professional LED lighting instruments under $1KWritten by David Tames on July 19, 2009
Filed Under Camera, Documentary, Filmmaking, Gadgets and Devices, Lighting, Reviews
Over the past couple of years I’ve had a chance to use or take a close look at various LED lighting instruments available in the marketplace. Today you will find lots of inexpensive lights suitable for on-camera use available... Continue Reading...
Two documentary classes at MassArt this summerWritten by David Tames on April 12, 2009
Filed Under Documentary, Filmmaking, Video Production
I’m teaching two courses this summer through MassArt Professional and Continuing Education. Interested in documentary video? Documentary Video Boot Camp will give you the foundation you need to get started. Is there a documentary... Continue Reading...
