Music Video Assignment ft. Zecky

Nothing Without Love - Nate Ruess

Music Video Assignment

                When I began creating the storyboard for this video, I knew that I wanted it to be  romantic and cute, but realistic. I wanted to capture a relationship and the true joy that should be brought with one just like the song emphasizes. So after I had my vision, I asked to film my brother, Zak, and his girlfriend, Becky.  I wanted to capture exactly how their relationship was, meaning I didn’t want everything to be staged in the video. That influenced how I filmed as well. I decided not to use a tripod. I wanted to hold the camera in my hands as a more casual way of filming as if we were just filming everyday events. A lot of the footage I got was planned within my storyboard but I knew they had to be general ideas of scenes because I needed some ‘wiggle room’ in case anything changed or I couldn’t get the exact footage I had in mind (since many of the videos were supposed to have a candid feel).

                One thing that I really wanted to have in my video was to achieve continuity and unity that had to do with lighting. Personally, I find that when scenes in a music video transition from one to another, there needs to be a consistency in the background lighting. I don’t think it’s that appealing when you are seeing a colour scheme of white/natural lights, and then it all of a sudden becomes more of a yellow tone. It distracts the viewer, and I wanted the viewer to focus on the fact that the two subjects are in love, going along with the song ‘Nothing Without Love’. In the end, I don’t think my transitions are too bad. I think for the most part they have similar light coming in allowing you to focus on the main idea of the video. However, not everything was perfect and in some scenes where the subject and I were not in the usual filming places, more of the yellow tones are coming in. If I had some more time to film, I think I may have taken some of the footage again so that there was more unity in that area.

                Because the video was not meant to fully stick to a structure or storyboard, it wasn’t too hard to put together technically. The key was filming scenes that showed what Zak and Becky were like as a couple but keeping the scene loose. What I mean by that is there are many opportunities to cut the clip and place the sections that were taken from it into any part of the song. On the other side, I think the part that I was most nervous to create on Premiere Pro was the bridge to the song. In this part I wanted very quick clips of small things that the couple does in day to day life. But each of those clips had to go with each beat and be perfect with timing. In the end, I was able to complete that section and I was happy.

Like I said before, I think of the whole video, my favourite part is the bridge. Because this is a very fast and upbeat part of the song, it gets you pumped as a viewer and it was fun to imagine how the clips would fit in with each other. Because they are such short clips, they remind you that little and quick things in a relationship like a high five, one simple kiss, or a fun piggy back ride make a difference in a mood.

Overall, although I could always fix a few things, I am pretty happy and proud of my video. I was able to put my vision and storyboard into action and was able to really capture some of the quirky things that the couple does together.

A Compelling Video

The Police - Every Breath You Take

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMOGaugKpzs

          I find this video to be very compelling in many ways. First, in the lighting. The lighting for this video is just simple black and white which is less common in the 80's. The 80's was a time for brighter neon colours, or patterns and so it having more of a somber look makes it stand apart from other videos. When I say somber, I don't necessarily mean depressing but it doesn't make you feel good inside. The black and white look is also giving off a dramatic feel. Especially when the lighting switches from one side of the face to the other (0:45-46). Once it switches, the video seems darker and you realize there is a purpose for this switch.

          I find that when you first listen to this song or hear about it, you think it's coming from a romantic side. This video starts out in a way that could be, until he looks directly into the camera as saying, "I'll be watching you". This gives you the creeped out feeling and makes you realize that this video isn't really romantic, but looking at the darker side of things; the things that make you feel on edge.

          The editing is kind of choppy in this video. There isn't always a smooth transition. Sometimes it's just like the scene cuts, and in other times it slowly fades into another part. For example, at one point the bow from a violin becomes the end of the guitar and that works beautifully. But there is also another point where the footage just pauses and the screen splits in half as something from the background moves forward. However, for some reason, the choppiness seems to fit and work for this music. 

          The seriousness of the video and facial expressions give off the emotion of the song. The dramatic filming of the instruments also helps with that. 

Overall, I think this video is pretty well done.

Thanks!

Music Videos - Reflection

          1.) Going over the many different decades of music videos, I have noticed how things change throughout the years. Clothing changes, environment changes, people change, music styles change, quality of video changes. I like this because it encourages change now, and allows some room and options of how to film videos.

          2.) Moving backward from 2016, I love the Arcade Fire video idea to 'We Used to Wait'. Music videos are always better when the viewer can relate to whomever is the ''character'' in the video, and this one is perfect because you can literally see your own neighborhood in the background. It makes you feel as if you were there the whole time. This is such a unique way to make a video, but I can't imagine the work it took to put it together. That makes me believe it's art; not being able to wrap my head around the time and way the captivating and relatable video was put together. I also believe a-Ha's music video for 'Take On Me' is amazing. The amount of detail is insane, and truly stands out from other videos because of it's unique style and literal art put into it. One other of the many videos that I believe is art is OK Go's 'Here It Goes Again'. This idea is just so outside of the box and truly involved planning even though it is just a simple camera on the stand. They use themselves and dance on something you don't usually dance on so it gets the attention on the audience. I personally think it's kind of genius. Lastly, the final video I will mention is Blur's 'Coffee & TV'. This video is so cute. Mixing the cartoon feel with real life is so clever and I'm sure wasn't too common at the time. This once again is outside the box and inspires more of it's kind.

          3.) Things that I notice have changed throughout the years is clothing styles, environment, people, and music styles (like I mentioned earlier). Clothing doesn't necessarily have a dedicated time anymore because styles come in and out all of the time, but people go from wearing checkerboard patterns to floral, to outrageous costume-like outfits in music videos. Nowadays, there is also a lot of nudity, so... no style. Environments have changed going from just a white screen behind to running outside, or being in homes. Also other footage has been brought into videos featuring historical sights or planes and amusement parks. Artists have changed and the music trends changed too, so many times and in so many ways it's hard to describe and you must see for yourself.

          4.) Arcade Fire's 'We Used to Wait' is set apart from any video in the past because of it's interactions with the viewers. Not only can you maybe relate to the "main character" and how he feels, but you can see your own neighborhood all around and that is fantastic to see.

          5.) Music videos in the future can either get better or worse. I feel like they are going to get worse for a little while, but pick up. Right now, shock factor is what makes videos go viral and huge and nudity really gets attention from this society. I think this will continue until viewers get sick of it and then there will maybe be a new clothing style that brings in a whole new shock.

Thanks :)

Themed Portraits

          For this project, we were to come up with a theme that we would like to somehow incorporate in our series of photos. Originally, I wanted to do a group of photos where people were just laughing. It captures moments where happiness is present, and I loved the idea of that. But then, when I first started shooting I got a couple images where the subject was just singing and snapping. That's when I decided I just wanted my them to be 'Real Moments'. That could be laughing, smiling, or anything that captures a true moment that isn't usually captured. The photos below, in my opinion, show 'Real Moments'.

Relaxed and Just Doing Her Thing Before She Knew I Was Shooting...

When She Found Out Something Shocking That My Classmate Told Her...

One of My Classmates Had Complimented Her and This Was Her Response...

 She Heard Her Favourite Christmas Song Come on and She Started Jamming...

The Feeling of Being Photographed Made Her Feel Awkward...

          As you can see, lighting changed between the black background and completely white. For the black background, I had the black backdrop down and one light. This light was the bigger light and it was off the the side of the subject outside of the 'safe zone' (refer to diagram in post before). I had my assistant act as a boomer and hold the light almost above my model. This gave me a bit more of a harsher light and dramatic look, but I liked it with the black background and it seemed to go well with the girl I was taking shots of.

          For the photos with the completely white background, there was a little more set-up needed. To keep the background white and not grey, I changed the backdrop and then put two lights of the same height and power 4 feet from the wall. These lights were just along the edges of the backdrop and aimed just to the right and left of the centre giving even light all along. Then there was the big light being held by my assistant just above from the side once again. The power of that light was not as high as the portraits with the black background making it a little softer on the subject. There wasn't really a reason for why I changed the background, it was just a different day and other people needed the room meaning I couldn't turn off all of the lights for the intense dark background.

          I held the camera vertically because I wanted portraits so it follows the direction of the body. All of their expressions are in the moment. They were not posed or planned, I simply just sat there with the camera until the right time to snap came. Some expressions show what calm looks like, some show confusion, awkwardness or just happiness. I love real expressions and I'm happy I could capture just a few of them!

Thanks for reading this post!

       

Portrait Lighting Workshop w/ Steve Carty

*Please note that these photos were taken by me*

Open Shadow

          This photo was taken at the very beginning of our workshop outside in open shadow. It was a fairly cloudy day so most of the area was slightly shaded meaning still a lot of natural light around, but not as much as direct sunlight. I placed my subject on a plain blue door originally which was good because it wasn't distracting. However, I moved slightly to the right and took this shot. I personally like it because of the colours. The blue with the colour of the brick wall is great. The diagonal line separating the door and the wall actually leads you toward the face since it's in the same area. Because I was up close to the model, though, I got a shot where most of the frame is taken up by his face, leaving the background as not too much of a distraction. His expression gives a mood to the photo. He is serious, which are photos that I tend to take, and calm. His expression intrigues the viewer. This image is the first of three, each photographed vertically. Usually, when you take a portrait photo, you take it vertically because that's the direction the body goes. For this entire shoot, all photos stayed in the same direction.

Studio Lighting #1

          This photo was done inside the studio. The background, as you can see, is completely white. This is done by having two lights four feet from the wall, evenly distanced from the middle. It is important that the two lights are the same height as well. The light that is on the left has to be aimed just to the right of the centre of the backdrop, and the light on the right must be aimed just to the left of the centre. All of this gives you an even background as a crisp white which looks very professional. I was using another light for this shot that was directly behind me and above the both of us. This light was giving a more dramatic look which is good on male models. I also took the white side of a reflector and had it placed on the subject's lap. This lightened up the chin just a slight bit from the light reflecting off the white surface, making a noticeable difference. My model's expression is more one of worry. He gives off an innocent look, much different from the photo below. The positioning in the frame is vertical, once again, for the same reason as before.

Studio Lighting #2

          This photo was taken in the studio as well, and was the last photo that I snapped. As you can see, the lighting technique is different from the other two images. This time, I turned off the backlights so the backdrop would look more grey in the photo. Then, instead of having a light above the two of us, it was placed beside the subject. This gave off, again, a more dramatic look and also gave the rembrandt lighting where there is a triangle of light under the opposite eye. No reflector was used for this one. Expression has changed from one of worry, to confidence and mischief. It's like there is no shame when looking into the camera, which is intriguing. The colour of the background goes well with the colour of the sweater, tying the whole look in. Lastly, the image is vertical again because that's the direction of the body, and it works with the pose the model is in. 

This is a diagram of what the studio set up was like, including the lights that I used.

Thank you so much for sticking with me!

Portrait Assignment - Open Shadow / Window Light / Direct Sunlight

The photos below are photos that HAVE been taken by me, and I am going to share why I chose these photos to represent open shadow, window light, and direct sunlight.

Open Shadow

          This photo represents open shadow. I got my model to sit beside a wall and look to the side directly into the camera. I love the emotion in her face. She isn't smiling, but she doesn't necessarily look unhappy. I am proud of the composition since the brick wall clearly brings in the rule of thirds. I like the fact that her glasses are in focus. Usually photographers aim for the eyes to be in focus, but with this image, the glasses seem to direct your eyes to the model's. Lastly, I love how everything ties in. The brick wall goes great alongside the model's glasses, and the ground ties in with her eyes. The mix of everything, I believe, really makes this photo work. 

Window Light

          This photo represents window light. The model is tilting her head down with her eyes closed, which gives off this calming feel to it. She isn't in the centre of the photo, but instead she is just off of it, which I like. The background is so light because of how much light is coming in, but the bottom left shows just a bit of what is going on outside. Not enough to clearly define action, but enough to allow more colour in. I think the colours are nice in this photo, and there is some nice contrast between her hair, the shirt and, of course, the window.

Direct Sunlight

          The photo above represents direct sunlight. I love the colours in this photo, along with the contrast between the hair, the skin, the shirt and the background. The model is just off centre which is again, a feature I like to include, and there is even a leading line given by the fence toward her face. The glasses lead your eyes to hers, and her emotion is calm. She has happy eyes, and a semi-smile on. It seems as if the model really interacted with the camera.


Thanks for checking this post out!

Online Art Theft & Plagiarism

         Have you ever copied and pasted a photo of someone's artwork and uploaded it somewhere? Have you ever reposted something on Tumblr or Pinterest and not given the artist credit?

          Plagiarism and Online Art Theft is a problem in today's time. Internet is so useful and definitely has plus sides to it, I'm not being someone who says that isn't true. However, the internet can also have a downside for up and coming artists. When people post photos of their artwork online, whether that's Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr or anything else, it's is so easy for someone to take it and label it as theirs.  Yes, it gets exposure for the artist, but when there is no label, is it really exposure for them?

          Ideas are a huge part of what's important to today's artists and society. There seems to be a difference between now and back then. Back then, it was as if the technical process of creating the artwork was a bigger deal than just the idea of it. When someone stole the look AND copied exactly how they portrayed it within the brush strokes, etc. that's when it became a problem. Now, if an artist, new or old, comes up with an idea and somehow creates it but someone comes along and recreates something so similar it's barely changed to become new and unique, problems start rising. There are so many pages that could go on and on about huge companies such as Zara, or Urban Outfitters that consistently copy artist's work. So as said earlier, it doesn't matter whether it was off Etsy, or a pinterest post, when the idea of someone's has been taken nowadays and been mass produced without giving any credit, the world goes crazy.

          What's sad is huge companies, such as Zara or Urban Outfitters, have so much money that when a single artist wants to sue them for the stealing they are taking part in, they may as well give up. Big companies get great lawyers, meaning anyone who wants to fight back needs to have a good one as well. Good lawyers cost money, though, and when people aren't getting credited or paid for the artwork people or companies are stealing, they then don't have the money to pay for that lawyer meaning they get no where in the legal battle.

          Personally, I feel that if using someone's artwork is going toward something valuable like an education/marks, work and being paid, then credit should definitely be given. Or if you see that the piece of artwork is going around social media very quickly, find out who the artist is and continue to send on the name. It's fair that way, and if you were the artist, I'm sure you would want the public to do the same for you. If you choose to just put a picture that inspires you on your bedroom wall at home, then it's fine in my eyes.  That's personal and you aren't taking credit. It's just once it becomes public that the world needs to know who the true artist behind it was.


Thanks for reading!