The Method of My Madness
The creative process is as unique as each individual who creates. For me the process varies but usually goes a little something like this.
Every photo is a chapter in a story
While videos are just strings of photos presented at a certain rate, photos are meant to be looked at individually. In my opinion at least. To me a photo needs to be able to tell it’s own story and can also be a part of an ongoing story, just like how a chapter is part of a book.
When it comes to planning a photoshoot, personally I have found that the planned shots are great foundations for a shoot. It’s the shots captured in the moment, however, that are the shots that make a photoshoot worth it.
Every photoshoot needs a plan to be followed and these planned shots are great. Anytime I do a shoot I have a theme and props, I plan locations and create a story throughout the process. While I put much effort into the planned shots, I stay aware and am always looking for other opportunities for unique shots. Awareness and willingness to look outside the lines of the outline of the photoshoot is when original quality and uniqueness can be achieved.
Do what you have to for the shot
I play the video in my head over and over
When I am making a video, I think in reverse of the process. Once I have an idea that I want to share and know what tone I want to tell it in, the storytelling begins.
The first two shots I establish, are the opening shot and the final shot. That way I have a point A to start at and a point B to get to. In my head, I already can see the shots head-on. Quickly after these shots have been set in my mind the music to that will have a major influence on the shape of the video is the next thing to be found found. Then the thinking starts.
The angle of the shot, the color grading, even the song is playing are all forming inside my head. From there, the frame freezes and the angle changes, revealing the production crew all around the shot all begin playing in my mind. I start to think of what the camera guy has to do, in order to get the shot-the lighting, angle, equipment, I think of how the shot needs to be taken so that effects can properly happen for the editing team to do their magic, how what’s happening in this shot justifies or is justified by the next shot. The process continues until it finally is all stitched together into a smooth one story.
If I am working with a team, they’re ideas get included into my mental movie as we establish the look and the story we are creating.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been at this long enough to understand that thing RARELY go as planned, that’s why, my ability to run-and-gun comes in handy. You have to make a plan and stick to it but it’s always market to do a few different kinds of takes, just in case.
Once the all of the shooting has been done. The editing process becomes simple. After vetting all of the takes for the best ones, it becomes simple editing execution. I think this is why I can get my edits done well and quickly, because I’ve already know what it needs to look like.
This process has worked for me so far and I have yet to be late to a deadline using it.