DSLR Workshop Program Initiated at MBS!

Last March a group of intrepid photographers and entrepreneurs embarked on a three-day DSLR workshop with Jem Schofield, founder of the C47. Not quite sure what to expect, the group of ten strangers gathered on Friday night for a little mixer and introductions.

DSLR videography has provoked the genuine interest of filmmakers and photographers alike. Photographers are keen on the notion of new capabilities inherent in familiar hardware. They can translate their lighting and composition skills into a new medium, using tools they already know. Our first round of DSLR students discovered that areas like sound recording, scripting, and post production represented the newest territory. Many of them were interested in learning how to incorporate video services into their existing businesses. With a mixture of field practice and an expert instructor who could readily respond to class needs, students got a fully immersive education condensed into one workshop weekend.

"Hands-on is really a great way to find out what works, and how one might be able to apply this in my own work flow," says Ulf Wallin, an attendee who works as a creative photographer. "So much information out there really makes it hard to really distill it all when you have no background in video."

Ulf and Felicia test their new sound equipment on site.

Susan of Double Image Studio gets some shots for her fashion short.

Videographers have also fallen in love with DSLR capabilities. Cameras like the Canon 5D Mk II and the Canon 7D have completely revolutionized the look of digital video within a prosumer price range. These cameras can shoot true HD, progressive footage. With substantially larger sensors than a standard video camera, DSLRs are capable of capturing incredible color information and of distinguishing a shallower depth of field. This mimics the properties of a film camera and creates a beautiful, professional image with relative ease.

"I want to explore the artistic potential of very short documentary & narrative film," says program participant Felicia Lovelett, explaining why she took the workshop. "I have fallen in love with HD."

Jem Schofield talking with students as they pack up for the day.

This being the first workshop of its kind for MBS, we made sure to get plenty of feedback from the participants. Some, for example, believed the workshop should last a whole week. We are looking forward to organizing the next class. What do you think? Let us know what kind of experience you'd like to have!