Color Me Rad 5k - Washington DC

This is my crew for the 2013 Color Me Rad 5k in Washington DC (actually run in Alexandria, VA).  This was my first time witnessing one of these events and found it lived up to the claims of being serious fun.  This is not a 5k for racers, but for those simply looking for fun and a smile.  I think the photos make this clear.

Do it Yourself Skateboard Dolly

In the next month, our production company (JACK Productions) will be shooting and editing a video that will likely benefit from a couple of dolly shots.  If you are not familiar with dolly shots, the concept is simple, and you see them all the time.  Dolly shots are one of the methods to put the camera on motion when shooting video.  The technique allows the camera to capture things in motion and add visual interest when compared to a static tripod shot.

I have been shooting video for roughly six months and am gradually building my arsenal of tools for enhancing my shooting.  Still operating on a threadbare budget, I have been on a binge of creating low cost alternatives to expensive gear.  The dolly in this video is an example.  Even if I had the cash to plunk down on the gear, I find it valuable to take on the challenge and make something workable on the cheap.

Enjoy.

Craig


Dolly on the Cheap from Craig Corl on Vimeo.

Spinning the Washington Monument

Spinning the Washington Monument from Craig Corl on Vimeo.

Here is the link to the full screen HD version:  https://vimeo.com/58307861

With a bit of free time on my hands this morning before the full onslaught of classes, I took the opportunity to make this little project.  The process is pretty simple.  Start by picking your subject then locate it on Google maps.  Take a screen shot, then draw a circle around your subject adjusting the size of your circle so you have clear views as much as possible.  Draw lines through the center point of the circle with intersections on the perimeter of the circle.  Your goal should be between 10 and fifteen degrees between intersection.

With your shots mapped out, start shooting.  Try to line up one of the focus markers on your camera to keep your subject in the same position for each shot.  Your distance from the subject should remain constant if you are able to stay accurately on your route.  This, coupled with maintaining a constant focal length will keep your subject at a constant size.  After each shot marked on your map, continue 7 paces around your circle and take another shot.  In my case, I ended up with 66 photos.

After your shooting is complete, import your photos into your photo processing software (Lightroom 4 in my case).  My first task was straighten each photograph.  Next I selected the photo with the tip of the monument closest to the top of the screen.  I put a sticky note on my computer screen with a small arrow and aligned the peak of the monument.  I then adjusted all the other photos so the peak of the monument was aligned with my sticky note.  Finally, I adjusted the exposure and toning on each photograph to smooth the transition between photos.

I next imported all the photographs into Final Cut Pro X and set the duration of each photograph to 3 frames.  And there you have it.

Craig 

Kids Saving the Rain Forest

Kids Saving the Rain Forest from Craig Corl on Vimeo.

For full resolution video, go to https://vimeo.com/57399745

This video tells the inspiring story of overcoming tragedy, acting on conviction, and in short, wonderful people simply doing the right thing.  If you are weary of the depressing and horrific news we are enduring in recent weeks, this is the antithesis and should invigorate you to make a difference.

From a production perspective, I set this video as a challenge.  The entire video was shot with a pair of GoPro Hero 3 Black Editions with sound captured by an inexpensive Azden wireless mike paired with a Zoom H4N.  GoPros are commonly used for action type video - strapped to a bike, surfboard, or to the helmet of a kayaker.  I wanted to experiment and show the GoPro was equally capable of capturing quality video in an interview setting.  I am happy with the outcome.

Craig

Superman in Costa Rica

Superman from Craig Corl on Vimeo.

My wife was very kind to me for Christmas.  I have a new GoPro Hero3 Black Edition.  Actually, I have two.  Due to some ordering malfunctions, I ended up with two.  Rather than ship one back, I was able to convince Sue of the importance of having two GoPros.  In a weak moment, she conceded my argument.

Just after Christmas, we went on vacation to Quepos Costa Rica.  I couldn't wait to put the GoPro in action.  Here is one of the videos from the trip.  Check back soon as there are plenty more to follow.

Craig