Tripod set up
- 2. Always check equipment is working before you take it out. Check if the base plate is in on the tripod because a lot of people forget the base plate on the camera. The base plate is very crucial to have otherwise you wont be able to use the tripod as the camera won’t be able to sit on top of the tripod. The legs of the tripod can be undone always check that they are clipped in securely otherwise the tripod will be loose. It will cause the tripod to be wobbly and it wont be stable.
- 3. There are two clips on each leg of the tripod. One is at the bottom and one is at the top. You can undo the clips at the bottom of the tripod to extend the tripod so that it becomes taller. Also if you want the tripod to get taller then you can undo the clips at the top of each leg to get it to extend more. Ensure that you close all the clips when have your desired tripod height. You can use the clips to extend or shorten the tripod.
- 4. Panning handle can be easily adjusted using the leaver on the panning handle. It is usually best to use the panning handle when it is up as it makes movement easier. Ensure when you get the handle in the position that you want, the leaver is tightened so that the handle does not move out of its place. Release both bolts at both sides of the camera to pan up and pan down.
- 5. There is a spirit level on the tripod which is yellow and it has a bubble inside of it, you have to ensure the bubble is inside the black circle which shows that the tripod is straight and not an angle. You can do this by using the handle beneath the tripod head which can be loosened by just twisting it around. This will then let you move the tripod head around and it will let you move the bubble into the black circle. Make sure you screw the handle beneath the tripod head firmly after you have positioned the bubble.
- 6. To take off the base plate, you have to press the red button and the leaver opposite the red buttons side. This will make it easier for you to slide of the base plate .
- 7. When you have taken off the base plate you will need to attach the base plate onto the camera. To do this you have to find the holes in the camera and you will have to match up the holes on the base plate. Match the brass pin to the camera holes and screw the base plate onto the camera. Then you will have to press the red button again on the tripod and slide the base plate into place. Once you have done this you will have to tighten the leaver on the tripod to ensure that the base plate and the camera does not fall of the tripod. This will make the camera steady.
- 8. When doing a VOX POP always stay on the left side of the person you are filming. Also, ensure that when you are doing a VOX POP the individual is standing up and not sitting down. This will give the audience the illusion that the people are on the go. If you don’t use the person on the left side there has to be a meaning that you are trying to create. The space that you leave between the camera and the person in shot is the space that the audience fills in. When doing a VOX POP remember to always stay in the same location so it seems like people are coming to you. It also lessens the hassle that you have to check if the sound levels and shot is always perfect.
- 9. When talking to an expert make sure that you are eye level to them and not looking down upon them. If you use your tripod in a way that the camera is looking down upon the expert then it creates an illusion that you are more superior than the expert. It gives off a wrong impression. Make sure that your expert is sitting down in the location that matches their profession. When filming make sure that the camera is eye level also. Create good lighting which won’t make the expert look washed out or create shadows. Make sure the tripod is on the left hand side of the expert so that it gives the audience space to look into/ fill in.