Posts Tagged ‘photography’

Filming with Drones

March 28th, 2023 by George Derrick

Drones and INP Media

The use of drones (or UAV) for filming and photography has rapidly gained popularity over the past few years. With advances in technology, drones have become more affordable, easier to operate, and capable of capturing stunning aerial footage. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using drones for filming and photography and discuss some of the key considerations when using drones for this purpose.

At INP Media we have been using drones for filming for over 10 years now. We were also one of the first people in the country to be certified by the CAA. On our shoots these are the drones that we tend to use most depending on location, production type and budget:

DJI Inspire 2

DJI Mavic 3 Cine

DJI Mini 3 Pro

If you’d like to take a look at some of our work, then head over to our aerials page where you can see some of our case studies such as the Case Project Tetra we filmed in the Carrara mountains in Italy

Benefits of Using Drones for Filming and Photography

  1. Unique Perspectives: Drones offer a unique perspective that cannot be achieved by traditional filming and photography equipment. Drones can fly at high altitudes, capture footage from hard-to-reach locations, and provide a bird’s eye view of the subject matter. This unique perspective can add a new dimension to your films and photographs, making them stand out from the rest.
  2. Flexibility: Drones are highly maneuverable, allowing you to capture footage from multiple angles and perspectives. With a drone, you can easily change the height, speed, and direction of the camera, providing you with more flexibility when filming or photographing.
  3. Time-Saving: Drones can save you a lot of time when filming or photographing large areas. For example, if you are filming a landscape or a building, a drone can cover the area quickly and efficiently, reducing the time and resources required to capture the footage.
  4. Cost-Effective: Drones are often more cost-effective than traditional filming and photography equipment. With a drone, you can capture high-quality footage without the need for expensive cranes, helicopters, or other specialized equipment.
  5. Safety: Drones can be used to capture footage in hazardous or hard-to-reach locations, reducing the risk of injury to filmmakers and photographers.

Considerations When Using Drones for Filming and Photography

  1. Regulations: Before using a drone for filming or photography, it is important to understand the regulations in your area. Depending on your location, you may need a permit to operate a drone, and there may be restrictions on where and when you can fly.
  2. Weather Conditions: Weather conditions can greatly impact the ability to operate a drone safely and capture high-quality footage. High winds, rain, and other adverse weather conditions can make it difficult to control a drone and capture stable footage.
  3. Battery Life: Drones are powered by batteries, which can limit the amount of time you can spend filming or photographing. It is important to monitor the battery life of your drone and plan your flights accordingly.
  4. Safety: Safety is always a top priority when operating a drone. It is important to follow safety guidelines, keep your drone away from people and property, and maintain a safe distance from other aircraft.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drones are a valuable tool for filmmakers and photographers looking to capture unique perspectives and high-quality footage. With careful planning, attention to safety, and adherence to regulations, drones can provide a cost-effective and efficient way to capture stunning aerial footage.

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Depth of Field in Cinematography

March 27th, 2023 by George Derrick

Introduction

Depth of field is a fundamental concept in cinematography that can significantly impact the visual storytelling of a film. The term refers to the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a shot that appear acceptably sharp. In other words, it determines which parts of an image are in focus and which are out of focus. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of depth of field in cinematography, the factors that affect it, and how filmmakers can use it to enhance their storytelling.

Importance of Depth of Field

Depth of field plays a crucial role in the visual language of cinema. It can create a sense of realism, depth, and dimensionality, or it can be used as a creative tool to convey mood, emotion, and meaning. For instance, shallow depth of field can draw the viewer’s attention to a specific subject or object in the frame while blurring out the background. This technique is often used in close-up shots to isolate the subject and create a sense of intimacy or drama. On the other hand, deep depth of field can show the entire scene in focus, emphasizing the context and environment of the story.

Factors Affecting Depth of Field

There are several factors that affect the depth of field in cinematography, including the aperture size, focal length, distance to the subject, and sensor size. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors:

Aperture Size: The aperture is the opening in the lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera. A larger aperture (lower f-stop number) will create a shallower depth of field, while a smaller aperture (higher f-stop number) will create a deeper depth of field.

Focal Length: The focal length of the lens determines the angle of view and magnification of the image. A longer focal length (telephoto lens) will create a shallower depth of field, while a shorter focal length (wide-angle lens) will create a deeper depth of field.

Distance to the Subject: The distance between the camera and the subject also affects the depth of field. The closer the subject is to the camera, the shallower the depth of field will be, while the farther away the subject is, the deeper the depth of field will be.

Sensor Size: The size of the camera sensor also affects the depth of field. A larger sensor will create a shallower depth of field, while a smaller sensor will create a deeper depth of field.

Using Depth of Field Creatively

As mentioned earlier, depth of field can be used creatively to enhance the storytelling of a film. Here are some examples of how filmmakers can use depth of field to convey mood, emotion, and meaning:

  • Shallow depth of field can be used to isolate a character from the environment, creating a sense of intimacy, vulnerability, or tension. For example, a close-up shot of a character’s face with a blurred-out background can convey their emotional state or inner turmoil.
  • Deep depth of field can be used to show the entire scene in focus, emphasizing the context and environment of the story. For example, a wide shot of a landscape with everything in focus can convey the vastness and beauty of the natural world.
  • Changing the depth of field during a shot can also create a dynamic effect. For example, starting with a shallow depth of field to focus on a specific detail and then gradually shifting to a deep depth of field to reveal the entire scene can create a sense of discovery or surprise.

Conclusion

Depth of field is a powerful tool in cinematography that can enhance the visual storytelling of a film. By understanding the factors that affect depth of field and using it creatively, filmmakers can create compelling images that convey mood, emotion, and meaning.

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An INP Media Guide to Filming Budgets

March 23rd, 2023 by George Derrick

Introduction to budgets

Filming budgets are a crucial aspect of the filmmaking process. Whether you are producing a small corporate film or a big-budget commercial, understanding and managing your budget is essential to the success of your project.

In this blog, we will explore the different factors that go into determining a filming budget and provide some tips for managing your budget effectively.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that the cost of making a film can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors such as:

  1. Script: The script or story is the foundation of any film production, and it can have a significant impact on the budget. A script with lots of locations or scenes will be more expensive to produce than a simple, dialogue-driven story.
  2. Crew: The size and experience of your crew will also impact your budget. Crew members with lots of experience will generally be more expensive than hiring a young start up film maker, but the knowledge and experience can often be invaluable. In some instances it is possible to have a single camera operator to film, the entire production, but more often than not there is more valuable in having additional crew members. Extra crew could include a director, sound recordist or an assistant on a shoot which will ensure you can get the most out of your production. You may also need more specialist crew depending on your production such as a drone pilot or a lighting technician which will all add to the costs.
  3. Locations: The locations you choose to film at can also have a big impact on your budget. Renting a soundstage or building elaborate sets can be very expensive, while filming on location can be more cost-effective, although you will have to allow travel time into your considerations.
  4. Equipment: Filmmaking requires a lot of specialized equipment, from cameras and lenses to lighting and sound equipment. The cost of hiring this equipment can add up quickly.
  5. Post-Production: After filming is complete, there are still costs associated with the editing of the footage shot. These costs can be significant, especially for films with lots of cameras, graphics or a complex sound design.

Once you have a sense of the factors that will impact your budget, you can start to plan and manage your expenses. Here are some tips for doing so effectively:

  1. Create a Detailed Budget: To effectively manage your expenses, you need to create a detailed budget that outlines all of your expected costs. Make sure to include all of the factors listed above and leave some room for unexpected expenses.
  2. Be Realistic: When creating your budget, be realistic about what you can afford. Don’t try to make a big-budget film on a shoestring budget, as this will only lead to problems down the line. Often less is more with filming, and trying to do too much in a single day will significantly impact the quality of your film.
  3. Stay Organized: As you begin the film production, make sure to stay organized and keep track of all of your expenses. Use a spreadsheet or other tool to track your spending and make adjustments to your budget as needed.

In conclusion, filming budgets are a critical part of the filmmaking process. Using a production company such as ourselves means we can provide you with a detailed quote up front which covers all of the associated filming costs. With our in-depth knowledge and understanding of filming we are also able to provide you with our experience and ensure you have the right crew and kit for your production.

By understanding the factors that go into determining your budget and managing your expenses effectively, you can create a successful film that meets your creative vision while also staying within your budget.

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ARRI AMIRA, The Ultimate Video Camera?

March 22nd, 2023 by George Derrick

At INP Media, the ARRI AMIRA is one of our favourite video cameras to use on productions, and one of the best all-rounders. In this blog post we’ll take a deeper look into this camera, and why 9 years after its release it’s still one of the best cameras on the market.

What is the ARRI AMIRA

The ARRI AMIRA is a professional digital camera designed for high-end video production. It’s a versatile camera that can be used for a range of projects, from narrative films to documentaries and commercials.

Design

First, let’s talk about the design of the camera. The AMIRA is designed to be compact and ergonomic, with a shoulder-mounted form factor that makes it easy to carry and operate for extended periods. It’s also built to withstand the rigors of professional use, with a rugged and durable construction that can handle tough shooting environments.

Sensor, Image Quality & Formats

One of the key features of the AMIRA is its image quality. The camera is equipped with a Super 35 sensor that delivers high-quality, cinematic images with excellent dynamic range and color reproduction. It also supports a wide range of codecs and recording formats, including ProRes, DNxHD, and ARRIRAW, giving you plenty of options for capturing and storing your footage.

Benefits

At INP Media, what we love most about the AMIRA is its versatility. The camera is designed to be used in a variety of shooting scenarios, with a range of built-in features that make it suitable for everything from handheld run-and-gun shooting to more controlled setups with a full crew. For example, the camera includes built-in ND filters, which can be quickly and easily adjusted to adapt to changing lighting conditions. It also has a range of monitoring options, including a high-resolution OLED viewfinder and an LCD monitor that can be positioned in a variety of ways to suit your shooting style.

In addition to its hardware features, the AMIRA also includes a range of software tools that can help streamline your workflow and make post-production easier. For example, the camera includes a built-in LUT (lookup table) system that allows you to preview your footage with different color grades applied in real time. It also supports a range of metadata formats, which can be useful for organizing and managing your footage during post-production.

Conclusion

Overall, the ARRI AMIRA is a powerful and versatile camera that’s well-suited to a wide range of video production scenarios. Whether you’re shooting a feature film, a documentary, or a television show, the AMIRA’s robust feature set and excellent image quality make it a reliable and effective tool for capturing your vision on camera.

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A Guide to Camera Sensors

March 21st, 2023 by George Derrick

Video cameras and camera sensors have come a long way since the early days of film and analog recording. Today, digital video cameras have revolutionized the industry with their high-quality image capture and ease of use. One key component that makes this possible is the video camera sensor.

What is a camera sensor?

Video camera sensors are responsible for capturing light and converting it into an electrical signal that can be recorded as digital video. There are several types of sensors used in video cameras, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at video camera sensors and how they work. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the sensor, the better the image quality.

At INP Media we use a range of different cameras depending on the needs and budget of each production. For example on a higher end production we would usually tend to shoot these on an ARRI AMIRA or an ARRI ALEXA Mini, both of which have excellent camera sensors. Examples of work shot on these cameras:

722 Last Blast which was shot on the AMIRA for Mercedes-Benz

Jaguar Land Rover Ice Driving, shot with an ARRI ALEXA Mini for Jaguar Land Rover

Types of Video Camera Sensors

There are three main types of video camera sensors: CCD (charge-coupled device), CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor), and MOS (metal-oxide-semiconductor). Each of these sensors has its own unique features and characteristics that make them suitable for different types of video recording.

CCD Sensors

CCD sensors were the first type of sensor used in video cameras. They are known for their high-quality image capture and low noise levels. CCD sensors are also less prone to distortion and have better color accuracy than other types of sensors. However, they are more expensive to produce and consume more power than other sensors.

CMOS Sensors

CMOS sensors are now the most common type of sensor used in video cameras. They are cheaper to produce and consume less power than CCD sensors, making them more affordable for consumer-level cameras. CMOS sensors also have faster readout times, which makes them better suited for high-speed video recording. However, they are more prone to noise and distortion, which can affect image quality.

MOS Sensors

MOS sensors are a newer type of sensor that combines the benefits of both CCD and CMOS sensors. They have better low-light performance than CMOS sensors and consume less power than CCD sensors. MOS sensors also have faster readout times than CCD sensors, making them suitable for high-speed video recording. However, they are more expensive to produce than CMOS sensors and have a lower color accuracy than CCD sensors.

How Video Camera Sensors Work

Video camera sensors work by capturing light and converting it into an electrical signal that can be recorded as digital video. The sensor is made up of millions of tiny light-sensitive cells called pixels. When light hits a pixel, it creates an electrical charge that is proportional to the intensity of the light.

The sensor then converts the electrical charge into a digital signal, which is recorded as a series of pixels that make up the digital video image. The number of pixels in the sensor determines the resolution of the video image. Higher resolution video cameras have more pixels in their sensors, which allows them to capture more detail in the image.

Conclusion

Video camera sensors are an essential component of modern video cameras. They are responsible for capturing light and converting it into an electrical signal that can be recorded as digital video. CCD, CMOS, and MOS sensors are the most common types of video camera sensors, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Understanding how these sensors work can help you choose the right video camera for your needs.

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Prime Lenses

March 20th, 2023 by George Derrick

At INP Media we are big advocates of shooting everything we possibly can on prime lenses rather than zoom lenses. Of course this isn’t always possible, and depending on what you’re capturing sometimes you need the flexibility of a zoom lens, but in this article we’ll have a look at some of the reasons why we like shooting on prime lenses so much.

What are prime lenses?

Prime lenses, have a fixed focal length and cannot zoom in or out. They are designed to capture images at a specific focal length, such as 50mm or 85mm, without the ability to adjust the focal length. Prime lenses are available in a wide range of focal lengths and are typically preferred by filmmakers and photographers who want to achieve a specific look or effect in their films and photos.

What are the benefits of prime lenses vs. zoom lenses?

Prime lenses have several benefits over zoom lenses:

  1. Wider Aperture: Prime lenses generally have wider maximum apertures compared to zoom lenses, which allow for more light to enter the lens. This is particularly useful in low-light situations where you need to use faster shutter speeds.
  2. Image Quality: Prime lenses are designed to produce sharper, clearer images than zoom lenses. This is because they have fewer moving parts and a simpler design.
  3. Portability: Prime lenses are typically smaller and lighter than zoom lenses, making them easier to carry around and use for extended periods of time.
  4. Bokeh: Prime lenses are great for creating a shallow depth of field, which can result in beautiful bokeh (the blur in the out-of-focus areas of the image). This effect can add depth and dimension to your images.
  5. Consistency: Prime lenses are consistent in terms of image quality and aperture across the entire focal range, unlike zoom lenses which can have inconsistencies at different focal lengths.

Overall, prime lenses are a great choice for anyone who prioritize image quality, low light performance, and creative control.

What Prime Lenses do INP Media Use?

There are lo of different types of prime lenses that we use at INP Media, but the main ones we use for our day to day filming are the Canon Cine Primes. These 6 lenses come in focal legnths from 14mm to 135mm, and deliver excellent picture quality whilst also being relatively small a light weight. For higher end productions however we tend to use ARRI Ultra or ARRI Master Primes.

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