They seem to be everywhere now, those really nice cameras that make the users feel like a professional photographer. I bet you probably have one, or at least thought about getting one. We definitely have come a long way from the disposable and old school film canister cameras! But with all this technology built into these cameras do we really know how to use them? Oh I'm not talking about throwing it on auto focus and flash but really use the cameras for all they are made for.
I am pretty snazzy if I do say so myself with taking still shots on my Nikon. When I feel particularly embolden, I will switch up my exposures, settings, and what not but that's about it. I knew I could shoot video with my camera but knowing something and doing something well are two different things. Sure I knew how to switch it to video mode but filming a video that doesn't look all shaky like the blair witch project, eh not so much. What's a mom to do?
For Dummies to the rescue!
Digital SLR video and Filmmaking For Dummies teaches you how to use your SLR camera to create professional looking videos. Whether you are a professional or an amateur, this book will teach you a thing or two about your digital camera. The author, John Carucci, is an entertainment television producer who has worked behind the camera as a producer and a director for numerous video projects and music videos. Needless to say the guy knows his stuff. Best of all, he has a great sense of humor. You will find yourself laughing out loud while reading this book. The way Carucci compares shooting scenes for a movie to pigging out at an all you can eat buffet is truly poetical.
Carucci walks the average dummy, I mean person, through common video projects like making a wedding video, video greeting card, and a music video. For the more advanced students, he teaches how to film movies from preshoot work to final cut editing and creating a documentary. All these tips are great and if you are reading this book then you already have the camera but is that it? Are you ready for the filmmakers guild? No. Any movie, tv show, or professional video you watch wasn't just made with a camera. Therefore this book isn't just about how to point and shoot. Alongside tips and tricks for creating videos, the reader will find a list of the right gear to use, how to hold the camera steady, working with “actors”, and getting to know your way around Adobe Premiere Elements.
What I loved about this book and all For Dummies books is the way the author takes something complicated and makes it easy for the average Joe (or Jill) to grasp. You will find the familiar icons for quick references: remember, tip, technical stuff, and the warning. Digital SLR Video and Filmmaking contains full color pictures showing the reader steps to complete a project, why different angels matter, gear, and more. For a visual learner like myself this is awesome!
With this book learn how to:
- Use DSLR video tools and processes to achieve better shots
- Edit in Premiere Elements and output to different platforms
- Develop a screenplay, shoot like a cinematographer, and direct your movie.
**This is where I would put a video of me showing off the new tricks I learned.**
However, before I could make my directorial debut I got laryngitis and I still haven't gotten my voice back. Sorry to disappoint you all, but one day I will win oscar 😉
Lights. Camera. Action! Find it today in the For Dummies Store and on Amazon
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*This post is sponsored. I was given the book for free in order to write this review. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own. This post contains an affiliate link.
This is definitely a book I need to check out – Trying to learn just from the little handbook with my camera is not happenin’!
Totally need this. Thanks!