bmcdonough
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Posts posted by bmcdonough
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This is a great list, I heard a talk once from a photographer turned filmmaker who talked about how those with a background in stills make the best filmmakers, creatively speaking. She said it's because photographers make each shot beautiful, essentially setting up a still and then letting the motion happen in the frame. I found that encouraging as I was struggling with all the technical aspects of film I was learning!
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I think lenses are really going to depend on what kind of wildlife you're drawn to... if you're looking to shoot birds, I would say maybe the 200-600mm but if you're leaning towards megafauna then I would probably do the 100-400. Then of course you could do macro with the 90mm macro for insects and reptiles.
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I struggle with this too! I think the 200-600 is a fantastic lens, but should I get that one or the 100-400? Obviously less reach but the f/4.5-5.6 is nice; plus with the large file sizes, I can always crop
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I switched from my Canon 5D IV to Sony about a year ago and it's been amazing. Obviously the weight is a huge factor. Also, the autofocus is a dream. My favorite thing has been the low light capability, especially for weddings, when the parties go into the evenings, it allows me so much more creativity. Of course there's always a learning curve when switching systems but it wasn't too bad for me
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Fantastic story! Beautiful night shots with the fire flys and sparklers.
Thank you!!
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I think building your portfolio is the best start. Showing off your skills in landscape photography will certainly help attract clients and partners. A mentor of mine told me I needed to become a sort of "go-to" person for the niche I wanted to shoot in, that takes a lot of time but it gave me a goal to work towards.
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This is great Tony! And a great way to visualize compression as well. That was something I found confusing when I first started shooting.
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Oh my gosh I was just wishing this morning that Sony would make a wide angle macro - like a 15mm with a close focusing distance. I love that style and I'm sure Sony would make a fantastic one!
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I watched Robert Downey Jr documentary on his father titled Sr. and it made me want to something similar with my own family.
Oh I haven't seen it, but I recently made a doc about my grandfather - I think those personal stories can be so special. Another one I love is Jay Myself by Stephen Wilkes - Jay was his mentor, so it also has that intimate feel.
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I just watched Ghost of the Mountains, the Plausible Impossible and Apollo Missions to the Moon over the weekend. I got Mission Pluto and Drain the Sunken Pirate City next.
I haven't seen these - I'll have to check them out!
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For me the recent one was the Moonwalk created by: Sony Artisans Renan Ozturk and Taylor Rees using the A7SIII. This video was awe inspiring and gave me goosebumps!
Oh my gosh, I totally agree! I love this film! So so good!
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Have you all seen Nate Luebbe's most recent film? I love the citizen science piece of it (being a hug science nerd myself). I am also fascinated with the logistics of filming in such a remote area.
What documentaries inspire you the most? I love seeing impactful short films or super creative ones!
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Lovely writeup! I also use a Ready-Rig like Andy for most of my work. Though, I recently also got a Segway Mini with off road wheels for some smooth movement along distances.
I think Andy covered much of the tips I'd suggest, but I'd add to use CPL's when in full sun to reduce glare.
Oh that's a good one!
I was interested in how Andy handholds his interviews - I love that look. It never occurred to me - probably because I was always taught that everything needed to be steady on a tripod! I like the "floating feel" though - so I'm working on unlearning
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Ugh I wish I had gotten an external - I too struggle with a mountain of hard drives! I didn't get much in the way of camera gear - but I have quite a wish list (the Sony A7RV being on the top!)
I can't wait to see photos of your office! Sounds beautiful
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I've recently set up my first camera trap to photograph wildlife in their natural behaviors. It's a steep learning curve for sure! But some photographers make outstanding images that way. Ben Olsen took this awesome shot and Carlton Ward also makes great images. Have any of you tried camera trapping? Any tricks you learned that might help a newbie out?
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I have worked in marketing for photographers via social for many years now - I certainly have a love/hate relationship!
IG has gotten super frustrating - it's a challenge to even get your work SEEN!
I have to say, the place I see the most growth and community is TikTok... @erinoutdoors could also probably speak to this but it's a great place to grow. And I think there are a ton of people on the app looking to learn the techniques you're talking about. Overwhelming to start on a new app - but I think it will have what you're looking for!
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Hey all!
This article with @AndyMann's filmmaking tips was recently published: https://alphauniverse.com/stories/andy-manns-8-tips-for-creating-films-that-make-an-impact/
It's so cool to hear his perspective on things - I love his thoughts on playing the director as well as utilizing blue hour. Thanks for sharing the tips Andy!
Do you all utilize these techniques already? What other tips would you share with newer filmmakers?
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Hey all!
I had my second film recently released and I thought I'd share it here! I'd love to hear what y'all think! I shot this on the #Alpha 7R IV (a7RIV) and my associate producer used his #Alpha 9 II (a9II). This was a really personal project so it's a little scary to share it :
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I often find myself lugging around a ton of gear and then end up not taking the time to switch lenses or whatnot. I think I'm leaning towards more of a lean and mean kit - keeps me light on my feet and I like the creative challenge of trying to come up with new and interesting shots with limited gear. But ultimately, it probably depends on what you're shooting that day. What are you primarily shooting? What gear do you find yourself using most?
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Love these shots! I'm working on improving my bird photography - I've got a lot to learn! If you could only choose one telephoto, which would you pick?
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...and these are wonderful, Brooke! The second one is a great example of a 'table top' flower. I love those kinds of flowers because the butterfly sits in a predictable way!
Oh these are great tips - thank you so much! I"m going to give this a go - I'll report back on how it turns out!
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Hi Caroline, I love your work!!
I was wondering what tips you had for photographing butterflies macro? I struggle to even get near them enough for macro work. I'd love any tips! And for fun, I've attached a few of my butterfly images 😊🦋
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Hey all!
I'll be traveling to Jackson, WY this fall for a photography trip. I can't wait to photograph the landscape and animals!
I know about the classic places like String Lake and the like but does anyone know any lesser-known areas I could go to take photos?
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I totally agree with Tony - although weddings aren't my primary focus, I shoot about 3-4 a year and 2nd shoot frequently. I approach them with a "photojournalist" mindset - meaning I try to capture the moment that's happening rather than create moments. I will of course do posed family and friend photos but for the most part I like the document the day as it happens. But, like Tony said - that is important to state to the couple beforehand, so they know what to expect.
So, along with that, I lean towards using available light as much as possible. I can typically do this until evening/dancing. Then I add a speedlight. I think the gear you've packed should be good.
Good luck, can't wait to see the images!
Universe
What's the most underrated lens?
in Photography
Posted
I've had my eye on the 14mm! I love the close focusing distance, could make for some really interesting shots that look like wide-angle macro!