Glowing Dolphins | Stoke-Ness
To be honest I don’t even want to mention the C word.
It’s a real thing, but I don’t want to give it anymore space in my head. If we gotta wait then I’d rather wait while thinking (and sharing) about the things that give me joy and excitement. If you want news I’m sure you know where to find it. Here I’ll be writing something else.
In this month’s issue I share a new camera, Alien dolphins and a book recommendation from my friend Alex Strohl.
Be stoked,
Isaac
Who I'm loving on Instagram
Photo/Video Technique
How to Film Yourself
If you have ever tried to talk to your phone for an Instagram Story or looked into the dark lens of a camera, you know what comes out on the other side is often hard to watch.
It’s a challenge knowing how to act, where to look, and how to position the camera. Here are some things I’ve learned from the hundreds of videos I’ve made.
Look at the lens not the monitor of yourself. Your phone’s “selfie” camera lets you see yourself as you talk. This helps make sure you are completely in shot and exposed properly. Some cameras have flip out screens for that as well. Unfortunately, looking at yourself will make you look distracted or worse, crosseyed. Look into the lens to make it feel most natural.
Think about and practice what you are going to say, then say it once or twice to the camera. I find that if I leave the camera rolling and say my line over and over it becomes more forced each time. When you say something in real conversation you only say it once. The difference is noticeable. Small mistakes on the first or second time are more natural than perfect lines with stiff delivery the 10th time.
If what you are saying is positive, smile before you talk. You don’t have to keep smiling, but it will change your posture, face, and mouth shape before you start talking. This will convey a positive emotion and connect with the viewer.
Hold the camera steady. A bumpy camera and wildly changing camera angles are distracting. When in doubt set the camera on a tripod or other solid surface.
There are more nuances to talking to the camera than many books can explain here, but these are a great start. Practice these tips and the more you do the more comfortable you will be when talking to a camera.
Gear
Canon EOS R
I had a print sale last month to raise money for a camera with a flippy outy screen and the response was amazing. After researching options until I went crosseyed, I decided to get just one camera for both my video and photo needs. Thanks to you all I now own a brand new Canon EOS R.
Here are my first impressions.
The flippy outy screen is everything I hoped it would be, a total game-changer for video. The ability to see my shot with me in it helps speed up the filming process. What I didn’t know I would like so much is the ability to shoot photos at low or high angles with the adjustable screen, I really liked it. A + rating of the screen.
I got the EF adapter to fit my existing Canon lenses rather than buy the new RF series lenses. There is no optical quality loss with the adapter and I purchased the Control Ring equipped adapter. This allows me to adjust my ISO just by turning a ring. It’s faster and easier than adjusting the ISO on any camera I’ve used.
I’ve always been a real life viewfinder guy over an electronic viewfinder. I am finding that I should have switched years ago. It’s so great for shooting in bright daylight and seeing what your exposure actually looks like without needing to watch my meter.
Time will tell if I love the ergonomics and button placement long term. I am surprised with how quickly I am adapting.
Overall, I think its a great camera and does great for anyone wanting double duty that can shoot professional photos and video in the same body. With the Canon EOS R5 coming out, expect to see used R bodies going very cheap this summer.
Get one Here
Music I'm Diggin'
Mark Rebillet
I found Mark a year ago with his wonderfully weird Black Beard song. His music is created live with looping samples and combines soul, funk and his odd personality to make you wanna watch every video.
Watch “One More Time” Here
Videos, Movies, and TV
Bioluminescent Dolphins
This video is one of the most insane natural phenomena ever. There is not much to say to describe it except maybe “Space Dolphins”?
Watch it HERE
Reads
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
I asked my friend Alex Strohl to share his current favorite book this month.
He recommended On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Alex says “It teaches about writing in a personal and candid way. Most teaching books dwell on the rules for too long, or on details, but On Writing gives you something far more valuable: how to think about writing, and how to start.”
Get it Here
Be stoked and have a great month,
Isaac
