Camera Work Reflection
Project 1: Camera Shots and Angles
Learning Process
For this project, I learned how to tell a story using different camera shots and angles. The first step was creating a storyboard with 15 planned shots of an inanimate object. Planning out each shot ahead of time helped me think about how framing, perspective, and angles could show meaning even when the subject wasn’t moving.
What I Had to Do and Experience
I took pictures of the object using required techniques such as establishing shots, long shots, mid-shots, close-ups, point-of-view, low angles, and high angles. After capturing the shots, I put them together into a PowerPoint to create a clear sequence that told a story. The process showed me how much storytelling can happen through visuals alone.
Challenges and Successes
One challenge was keeping the object framed correctly for each angle without making the photos look repetitive. Another challenge was making sure the shots flowed in a narrative order instead of just looking like random pictures. A success was realizing how a single change of angle could make the object feel bigger, smaller, or more important to the viewer.
What I Learned
I learned that camera shots and angles are one of the most important tools in visual storytelling. Even with a simple object, the perspective can completely change the meaning.
What I Would Do Differently
Next time, I would experiment more with lighting and backgrounds. That would make the shots more dramatic and give the story an even stronger visual impact while changing around the shots more trying to see which would fit better to give variety.
Project 2: Camera Movements Video
Learning Process
In this project, I practiced using different camera movements like pan, tilt, tracking, and push-in/pull-out shots. The process taught me how movement changes the way an audience feels about a scene. Unlike the still shots project, I had to think about how the camera flowed through time.
What I Had to Do and Experience
I filmed short clips using different movements and combined them into a video. I planned the shots out with a storyboard so I would know when to use each technique. The experience showed me how tricky it can be to make the camera move smoothly, but it also made the video more dynamic than still photography.
Challenges and Successes
A challenge I faced was keeping the camera steady during tracking shots, since even small shakes made a big difference. Another challenge was keeping the timing consistent across movements. A success was when I used a push-in shot that created a dramatic effect and really pulled the viewer into the moment.
What I Learned
I learned that movement brings energy and emotion to a video. Even simple motions, like a tilt or pan, can make the audience feel more connected to the subject.
What I Would Do Differently
Next time, I would use a tripod or stabilizer to make my shots smoother. I would also plan the timing more carefully so that the movements felt even more professional while also using a larger variety of shots.
