Working on these two camera projects gave me the chance to further understand the techniques and creative sides of filmmaking. I learned how to plan my work with storyboards, practice my shots, and then bring everything into life on camera. Below I’ll reflect on each project separately; sharing the process, the challenges, and what I learned along the way.
Project One: Camera Movements
Learning Process
For this project, I had to focus on camera movements such static, pan, tilt, push or pull out and tracking. To prepare, I used a storyboard to sketch out each movement. The storyboard allowed me to see where the subject should be in the frame and what the shot should look like. This made filming smoother because I already had a rough draft of what I was doing.
What I Had to Do
I created clips that demonstrated each movement. The drawings in my storyboard helped me to set up the shots and kept me on track while filming.
Challenges and Successes
The hardest part was keeping the camera steady, especially when doing tracking shots. Another challenge was editing it.
My biggest success was my 'pull out' shot; it turned out smooth and matched the way I had drawn it out on the paper.
What I Learned
This project showed me how much camera movement can affect the mood or tone of a scene. I also learned how helpful storyboarding is because it saves time and prevents me from making mistakes when filming.
What I Would Do Differently
Next time, I would try to storyboard more creative combinations of movements and experiment. Instead of repeating a lot of the same techniques.
Project 2 : Camera shots and angles
Learning Process
For this project, I had to focus on camera movements such as pan, tilt, tracking, and zoom. To prepare, I used a storyboard to plan out each movement. This made filming go smoothly.
What I Had to Do
I created clips that demonstrated each movement. Each drawing in my storyboard guided me as I set up the shots and kept me on track while filming.
Challenges and Successes
The hardest part was holding the items in place to take the steady shot.
My storyboard helped me know where to hold the camera, but I still had to practice controlling my hand to keep it still.
My success was my aerial view showing the water watching them from a distance, feeling jealous and regretful.
What I Learned
This project showed me how you can draw something and create a story with simple ideas and inanimate objects. I also learned how helpful storyboarding is and how it saves time.
What I Would Do Differently
Next time, I would try to storyboard more creatively with different scenery and maybe a better camera.
Learning Process
For this project, I had to demonstrate specific shots and angles: establishing shot, long shot, mid-shot, close-up, point-of-view shot, low angle, and high angle. To make the assignment more creative, I built a short love story between four objects: a water bottle, a glue stick, hand sanitizer, and scissors. Storyboarding was essential because I had to plan how everyday objects could appear dramatic and emotional through camera work.
What I Had to Do
I used my storyboard to plan exactly how each required shot would fit into the story:
Establishing shot:A space background, the setting where our main characters live.
Long shot: A long shot revealing Water secretly with Glue, hinting at betrayal.
Mid-shot: A mid-shot showing Water and Glue together, confirming Water's disloyalty.
Close-up: A close-up showing Sanitizer and Water holding hands, symbolizing their close and trusting relationship.
Point-of-view shot:From Sanitizer’s point of view, we see Water and Glue in an intimate moment, breaking Sanitizer's heart.
Low angle: A low-angle shot follows Sanitizer walking away, showing newfound strength and independence.
High angle: A high-angle shot captures Sanitizer confronting Water and breaking up, highlighting the emotional shift.
