Surfing Montage At Dorak Film

Surfing Montage At Dorak Film

Here at Dorak Film, we have a new project in the works that is sure to awe and inspire our readers. It will make them envious, too, because of all the cool equipment we get to use. We are putting together a surfing montage using some of the newest high resolution FPS cameras on the market. The video will feature shots of water, waves, and surfers. With this kind of resolution, the videos and stills are breathtaking. Our chief videographer fills us in on how he does it.

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Know Your Subject

Josh, our lead videographer, says that the first skill he requires of any photographer shooting sports is an understanding of the sport. With surfing, especially, he says that knowing the sport enables the photographer to anticipate the next move. If a wave is perfect for cut backs, the photographer needs to be able to anticipate the move to get the best shot. Otherwise, he misses a great opportunity and an even greater shot.

Using a video camera doesn’t get the photographer off the hook, either. Much of the filming he does is with a telephoto lens, and there is little room for mistakes. Therefore, knowing the cues that something exciting is about to happen – such as the surfer building velocity before he pops a trick – makes the photo shoot more successful.

Know Your Equipment

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You have to have a fast camera, and a great telephoto lens. Dorak Films used some of the newest high resolution FPS cameras on the market today, along with some great standards. The workhorse of the department has been the Phantom. This v1211 camera is an ultra fast camera, perfect for catching high resolution video even in the fast-moving sport of surfing. The fine definition of water droplets and waves with the action of the waves and surfer make for compelling video and still shots.

Also in the stable is the Edgertronic. Josh says this new technology is doing some impressive work, and while it is not a widely available camera, yet, it is earning a loyal following among photographers and videographers who use it.

For still shots of surf and the people who ride it, Josh prefers a Canon 7D – in burst mode. He says every time he hesitates on the shutter, he misses a great shot.

You’ll also need a great telephoto lens. The smallest that Josh uses for surfing and surf shots is a 200mm lens. A 500 mm is better, though.

More Expertise

If you know your sport, an know your equipment, the next most important skill is to know the surf itself. There are all kinds of “breaks” in surf, surfing lessons can help here, and if you know what they are you’ll have a more successful video and photo shoot. Once again, this leads the shooter to a better ability to anticipate the action – in both the actions of the surfer and in setting up for wave shots, too. Point breaks, beach breaks, and reef breaks all throw the water differently, and provide different opportunities for your shot.

The Surfing Montage should be completed in about a week. Look for it here, at Dorak films.

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