Portrait Reflection

I haven't had my portrait critqued yet, but I can already talk about a few things that I have learned just from seeing others and working on my own.  I've enjoyed getting to see these other pieces and seeing the creative side of everyone else. A big reason why I liked doing my portrait was because it allowed me to be creative myself.  Often times, I feel like I don't have a chance to come up with ideas and actually see them through so it was a lot of fun being able to get out and work on something. Working my D.P wasn't near as bad, or hard as I thought it could have been.  I felt like we were able to work smoothly together and he was willing to listen to what I had to say.  I was also open to hear feedback and take ideas, so I think it came together pretty well in the end.  I'm looking forward to getting more hands on experience with the next projects.
  I can honestly say that I've learned more so far this semester than I have the past three years when it comes to film and my Tcf classes.  I have always loved watching movies when I have the chance, but before this class I wasn't able to notice things like I can now.  This goes along with seeing the other projects.  I like being able to notice things such as depth of field, exposure, lighting, color, etc. when I watch different pieces.  I still feel as if I overlook a lot of things, but it's nice to pick out these technical aspects while I'm watching.  I remember the Rule of Thirds from 201, but I wasn't able to put it into use like I can now.  I try to think of this when I'm filming, and it's one thing I try to notice in others too.  The same with depth of field and the vertical lines that show depth.  I've always wondered how to "trick the eye" into focusing on a certain subject and now it's great to understand it.  Hopefully I'll be able to take what I get from my critique and put it to good use in the future.

Shot with the JVC instead of Sony HD.
Tuscaloosa Riverwalk from Taylor Holland on Vimeo.

My Camera Sense

To be honest, I really have no true experience with either of the cameras we are using in class.  This goes along with what I mentioned in my last blog about how my experience is kind of what holds me back.  It was a year ago this semester that I had my first hands on Tcf class.  It was 201, with Nathan Dains.  We only used the PD-150 and without bs'in around, I didn't like them very much.  At the time, I thought they were impressive and I felt pretty knowledgeable once I knew how to work one.  I was able to check one out for CMF in the Spring, and I also thought it was a big deal to be using a bigger and "better" camera than the little HD given to us.  Compared to what I've already seen with the cameras we get to use now, I feel like the 150s are a league behind.
  I think the biggest difference for me is going to be using the cards vs. the tape.  Logging and capturing was always such a hassle for me because something was bound to go wrong every time.  I'm excited to be able to get away from that for the most part and use the cards with the JVC.  I also like how the size of the JVC is smaller and easier to handle.  I've already learned a lot from being able to film the little bit that I have so far.  A lot of what we have covered in a few weeks I never learned from my 201 class last year.  It's nice to finally be able to get back to being hands on again.

Being a Filmmaker

  It wasn't until second semester of my Sophmore year that I realized I wanted to be a film major.  Up until then, I had always been fascinated with movies, especially the acting side of things, and growing up that's what I wanted to do.  My problem was I never knew how or what to do to get involved with any of it.  I joined the Drama club my Senior year of high school and I took another acting class here my Freshman year.  Although I loved being able to act, I just didn't feel like it was the right thing for me.  I stayed in the Business college my first two years and wasn't satisfied, but luckily I came across CMF in the spring of '09.  It was Campus Moviefest that really turned things around for me, and I realized that if I couldn't be on screen then why not be behind it.  (Even though I acted in both shorts ha) 
  After doing CMF the past two years and taking Tcf 201, I was able to get a feel for what I was really interested in.  Of all the different aspects, I took a liking to the art of editing.  When anyone ever asks what I want to do one day with film, my answer is to work with post-production on putting a movie together.  Of course I love being on set, and ultimately that would excite me more than anything, but I have one problem . .  My experince . .  The only thing that discourages me about pursuing film 100% as a career goal is my Lack of experience.  I feel like if I did have more experience, or at least been exposed to more opportunities besides CMF and 201, then I would feel more comfortable with what I'm doing.  That is the number one thing I believe I am going to take out of this class and my other Tcf class also.  I hope to learn everything I can about the entire process of filming/vidoegraphy, and basically everything I see and do is new to me.  My main goal for this course is to be able to feel Comfortable standing behind a camera and using the tools necessary to depict an awesome shot and set up the right lighting.  Aside from the actual filmmaking process, I still contemplate heavily the idea of becoming an Entertainment lawyer.  I believe I would be good at it, and with this training I could understand a lot about the industry I'm working in.