3 Useful Tips to Seize the Timing of Your Next Rack Focus

Asked to carry out a rack focus? Well, the pressure could not be higher. Although it’s important for you to lead the way when it comes to focus, you need to ensure you seize it. Adding to it, you also want to carry out the rack focus considering the right style and accurate speed.

What is Rack Focus or Pulling Focus Technique?

Rack focus or focus pull is one of the great techniques employed often by cinematographers in Hollywood. This is the technique where a subject in a scene (foreground or background) remains in focus. Then the focus progressively changes to another subject in a scene. This technique lets the cinematographer lay a strong and theatrical emphasis on one subject followed by changing the emphasis to another. It’s often considered for those scenes where there’s a dramatic dialog exchange between characters.

Well, I got up close and personal with an expert who explained what rack focusing was all about.

What do you usually hear when people talk about pulling focus? They mention that it’s both an art and a science. When we talk about the art part, it’s the “touch” one puts into pulling focus. Also, it’s got to do with how fast you do it, and how long it lasts.

The science part, on the other hand, is about measuring distances, calculating them on the fly, and being very accurate when it comes to measurements. And that plays a very significant role in terms of rack focusing.

Simply put, rack focus is when there are two subjects in a frame and the focal plane’s shift from one to the other when a shot is in process. When you do that, you’re shifting the focus of the audience as well between the two subjects. It goes without saying that rack focus is a very powerful tool. If truth be told, it happens to be one of the most effective tools that every filmmaker just cannot do without. Speed is a very crucial part of performing a rack focus in the right way.

When it comes to determining the speed of a rack focus, there are three important things to consider, including:

1.Action in a scene,
2.Camera Movement, and
3.Tone of the Scene.

Let’s examine all these scenes one by one for better understanding of rack focus.

Action in a Scene

So the first essential thing to take into account is how action affects the speed of a rack focus.

Do you remember it was about a tennis player going into a baseball batting cage in order to better shots for Andy Roddick’s serve at the Australian Open? I specifically talked about how the tennis player goes into the batting cage and the door shots. And then I had to rack focus from the face of the actor to the door of the cage.

When I took my first few takes, I liteally goofed up. I almost found myself in a state of shock knowing I did not hit my marks. The job was not accomplished then I was so looking forward to. The director, in spite of knowing we were running out of schedule, got ready to move on, and I intervened there and then.

I said, “Josh give me one more take and I assure you there shall be no disappointments.”

I owed a big one to him for having granted me one more take which I did it without fail.

One important thing to take notice of is how the rack focus almost seems invisible. Why is it invisible? Simply because it’s covered by the action. The actor steps in his face is in focus. This is because motion haze you otherwise won’t be able to take notice of that it is out of focus. And by the time it shuts, it is in focus and there you go.

Camera Movement

Now the second most important thing that influences the speed of rack focus is the camera movement.

This shot has gained immense popularity. And it can have either a dolly or steadicam or jib or a crane or some type of camera movement device move a shot along. On spur of moment, something new gets exposed into the frame.

Now there’s a mailbox. You can easily read the name on it. As the dolly is on the move it’s disclosed that there is a man who is walking up to the front door. And that’s how we develop a connection between the man, and supposedly, what’s his name or the mailbox. And if this is not the man we’re looking at, then we’ll find out who “J. Fox” is.

And that’s how the speed of this type of rack focus is determined by the reveal.

Tone of the Scene

Now here comes the final thing - the tone which is going to affect your rack focus. It could be the tone of the story, the tone of the scene, or even of a shot in particular.

Does the scene seem tense? Maybe a quick rack focus is excellent.

Does it happen to be dull? In this case a slow, efficient rack focus might seem more suitable.

If you ask me, I won’t be in a position to offer you any advice on which one is the right choice. This is because it is so coincidental. In fact, it plays so laboriously into the specific object that you are on at the moment.

Well, all I can offer you is - if you do not know naturally - it’s wise to seek an opinion from the DP. I have never come across a situation where I have not known (naturally) how fast to carry out a rack focus. Watching rehearsals without a pause makes me get a feeling through the dialogue what exactly the scene is about. Or, I ask the DP. If you’re a movie buff, you get a feeling of what seems more applicable.

Too quick or too slow? Don’t fret! The DP will perhaps tell you about it.

Conclusion

No doubt pulling focus is undoubtedly the most important duty of the 1st Assistant Camera. A shot can be appealingly illuminated, flawlessly framed, and feature some Oscar-worthy acting, but if it is not in focus, it’ll probably find its way to the cutting room floor. You don’t want this to happen, do you?

Top 7 Must Have Accessories for your First DSLR

Thinking about getting a new DSLR? Or, just got one? Been using for a long time? You would be surprised to take a plunge into the wealth of DSLR video accessories. These accessories will help you transform your profession i.e., photography in the best way you could possibly think of.

Well, we are not saying that you will not be able to exploit cutting-edge accessories straight out of the box. If you want your DSLR to work in your favor at every step of the way, you will need to make a sound investment not only in lenses in a mint condition but several other photo accessories as well.

Here we’ve put together a list of 7 accessories you ought to have for your DSLR camera:

1.Tripod

A tripod plays a very crucial role when it comes to capturing a good shot. This accessory provides one a method of holding the camera at precisely the right angle and keeping it still. That way the images produced will be pin-sharp and loaded with detail.

Make sure you hold yourself back if you come across a cheap, shaky tripod. It’s evident that you want something robust that will keep your camera still in a breeze. Ensure that the tripod should not falter like a jelly every time you touch it or the DSLR.

Instead look for a tripod that expands to close the level of your eyes, still allowing you to take a shot close to the ground. Know that clip locks on the legs are deemed to be good for rapid formation. But twist locks consume less room so they’re considered somewhat good when it comes to transporting the tripod.

2.Camera Lenses

A lot of people live with a perception that having a fancy camera allows one to take fancy photos. But this statement does not hold true. This is because it is more about the lenses than the camera body itself. And most often it’s about the person behind the camera, but the fact remains true that having a good camera is having triumphed over the battle.

Keep in mind that there are two types of lenses: Prime and Fixed. These lenses have one depth of field - they do not zoom in, nor do they zoom out. Zoom lenses can zoom in and out through diverse depths. Many people out there greatly emphasize on using the 50mm f/1.8 lens. Not only is this lens versatile, it’s reasonably priced when compared to other lenses.

3.Spare Batteries

The fact remains true that there’s been a breakthrough in the camera battery technology. When you’re busy shooting outdoors or traveling, odds are you’d be running low on battery, especially if you’re shooting in a cold environment. 

You don’t want to run out of juice when shooting something great, do you? So make sure you carry one spare battery for your DSLR while traveling or even you’re going for an outdoor shoot. Using a flash? Then carry spare AA batteries as well. You’ll get at most 1.5 hours of shooting from a single battery, so grabbing one extra is the best bet.

4.A Good Camera Bag

Bought your DSLR? Now don’t let time slip you by and get a good camera bag for your camera. You will need the right bag so you can keep your investment safe and sound as well as transport it between location without hassles. But when it comes to choosing the best camera bag, you’ll find yourself in an overwhelming situation. It may get awfully tough for you to make the right decision. So you should look for the bag with more room allowing you to accommodate everything you need.

Most often people end up buying a camera bag with limited space that does not allow them to place their gear. They replace the bag often. You can consider a backpack if you want, or you can choose from a sling bag and shoulder bag depending on your needs.

5.Remote Shutter Release

A remote shutter release (one of the most important DSLR video accessories) for your camera along with the tripod is a must. Your DSLR can easily shake on a long lens setup no matter you’re using a robust tripod. When you work with slow shutter speeds, even bit of variation can make your image hazy.

A remote shutter release will allow you to fire your DSLR even without having to touch it. There are plenty of entry level cameras that have infrared remotes. They are extremely lightweight and compact. What’s more? They are wire

6.Filters

Neutral density filters are gaining immense popularity because allow you to take long exposure shots in daylight to dim water or cloud movement in landscapes. Adding to it, they also come in handy when you want to shoot with an extremely wide aperture in bright light.

At the same time, graduated neutral density filters let you balance the exposure of a bright sky with a foggy foreground. Polarising filters are useful allowing one to compress reflections and enhance saturation and contrast as well.

7.Lens and Sensor Cleaners

It goes without saying that you need keep your DSLR video accessories dirt free. A blower is beneficial for blowing tiny bits and dirt particles from your camera body and lens as well, before you give it a wipe using a soft lens cloth.

It’s sensible to make an investment in a sensor cleaning kit because, although DSLRs and compact system cameras have in-built cleaning tools, sticky pollen can find its way onto a sensor and it can rake some shifting.

Conclusion

While there’s no escaping the fact that some of the video accessories for your DSLR can cost you an arm and a leg, you can easily build up the system as you take a step forward. That way you’ll be able to plan out what seems significant and what you will need to begin with.

Getting Focus Marks: Which Measuring Tool Will Work in Your Favor?

If a camera assistant wants to keep a shot in focus, getting distance marks plays a very crucial role. That is the reason why people exploit plenty of different tools to accomplish the required task at hand. Ask a pro who’s meticulously involved in measuring the distance with dynamism why they have a soft tape, a hard tape, and a laser measuring device, and you will get your answer. As mentioned above, these tools serve the same purpose, but a pro will use them all in different ways.

So, when are you likely to use the soft tape and not the laser one? And what is the advantage to using these tapes? Let’s find out.

Soft Tape

Twisted in a spool, a soft tape is made of fiberglass. This tape measure is referred to as soft tape because of the reason that it seems adaptable and hangs loose. In fact, this tape seems the actual tool of the old school camera assistant or focus puller. In general, this tool is deemed to be the best for getting accurate measurements.

In order to use the soft tape, there’s a hook of some type on the camera at the film plane that the soft tape is attached to. You walk out with the reel until you measure the desired distance. Because you walk along with the tape measure to pull it tight, it can give you very precise measurements you look forward to.

Make sure you use soft tape when required. This tool must be used in certain situations when there’s very little depth-of-field. Also, it’s also seems to be a perfect choice for those situation in which you need to get numerous marks. However, there are times when the soft tape does not seem right. No matter it can go up to 50 feet, it takes its own time to wind it back into the reel.

Hard Tape

Hard tape is undoubtedly the good old steel tape measure. This is probably the tool that everyone’s aware of how to use. This is because they have those memories lending a helping hand to Dad when it came to measuring stuff as a little child.

Keep in mind that the cheap tapes are not strong so you must avoid buying a flimsy tool. It will not do you any good. Moreover, the locking mechanism breaks down and they won’t even go that far as you expect. A hard tape is an ideal choice when working fast. It’ll allow you to stand by your camera and to pull it out and have it placed near the eye of an actor.

Once in a while actors, the trained ones are kind enough to grab the end of this tool and hold it up to their eyes to provide one much needed assistance. This tape always works to one’s advantage to use in a situation where you need a precise mark in no time. Be careful not to hit anybody with this tool. Don’t you forget you’re holding it against the film plane mark on the camera?

Laser Tape Measure

Wondering why we said hard tape is a perfect option for rapid, precise measurements? Did we talk about the laser tape? Well, it is complex. Laser tapes are those tools which are fast and very precise. But there’s a whole point in question of shooting a laser around the set. This is because it can be diverting attention for the actors. Also, it’s not a cakewalk to shine a laser at their forehead without the risk of shining the laser in their eyes.

Using a laser tape is suitable in those situations where you have a great amount of depth-of-field. Having said that, this tool is very precise if you have a keen interest in measuring accurately on the subject.

If you’re thinking that laser tape measures are effective only for rapid, dirty close marks, think again. If truth be told, these tools really work well in those situations that require a long distance or a remote location.

For example, if you are on the shore of a lake and shooting two characters on a boat which is 100 feet away from the shore. It will be impossible for the soft tape as well as the hard tape to reach there, but using the right laser tape measure will work to your advantage. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about hitting actors at their eyes, instead go for their chest. The few inches at that distance will be within agreeable focus with the depth-of-field.

Final Thoughts

Soft tape is the most precise measurement that can effortlessly be obtained because of the way it’s used. A focus puller or an AC has to pull out and measure. That’s not all! This tool is also able to acquire multiple marks. But don’t forget that using this tool can be clumsy when it comes to measuring anything preceding 15 feet.

Talking about the hard tape, it suddenly seems so clear why this tape is precise. But it remains faster when compared to soft tape. One can use this tape from beside the camera.

Laser tape is the best choice for rapid approximate close distance measurements, but this tool is right for long distance measurements. Ensure that this tape is used considering the preventative measures when shining at a person so as to avoid hitting their eyes.

“There are three tools that measure distance, including soft tape, hard tape, and laser tape. Even though they serve the common purpose i.e., getting distance marks, they do so in ways that are nothing like each other. Some seem more appropriate for certain situations than others. When you’re a good camera assistant or follow focus puller, it’s like being loaded with the right tools and knowing when to use them.”

How to Control Remote Lens Using a Silencer Gimbal?

Ever thought why you need lens control?

For all one knows, the easiest way to wreak havoc on any scene is by losing focus. When you lose focus, it jumps the audience, breaks the trust and makes you look like a layperson. You need to make sure you everything you can to prevent from pulling poor focus. It literally damages a shot. Nobody seems delighted and the film you worked on turns out to be nothing but garbage.

So why not think about doing yourself and your 1st AC a big favor? Make a purchase of remote lens control system that will truly get the desired job accomplished.

Here at 24shots we have the silencer gimbal which we’ll throw light on as we proceed further.

Some imperative features for a remote lens control system you need to know:

Precision - Every time the focus puller puts the control wheel in motion to a witness mark (no matter pulling focus in or throwing focus out), make sure it matches the mark on the lens every time.

Consistency - Well, this can be pretty tough to forecast. This is because  electronics of all types, caliber and quality break down from time to time. And this seems the perfect reason why most 1st AC’s (1st Assistant Camera) express their loyalty to one brand of remote lens control system.

They consistently remain with what has benefited them and their associates in the most reliable manner in the times gone by:

Speed - While some lenses have smooth focus and iris rings, others have sticky lenses, especially the older ones. It’s important for you to know that the motor of your system should have enough torque as well as power to be able to move every lens in the set in real time as though you were turning the lens ring with your hand on the lens itself manually.

Size/Weight - In the gimbal world, every bit of weight on your rig makes a difference, especially on those long one shot shoots that are required by numerous directors.

Range - Is the signal lost between the transmitter (tx) and receiver (rx) of your system? If so, then the system is futile. Avoid counting on what your system’s spec sheet states, as the manufacturer has perhaps listed a best case scheme range which you may never get to experience.

Look for a volunteer who can assist you in range testing your system prior to your shoot in all the diverse plots you may get up close and personal with on your shoot.

Do try testing in a jam-packed downtown area where cell phone towers and radio signals fill the air. How about testing near water where signals unevenly bounce back? Do give a shot testing through different types of walls - cement, sheet rock, brick and so on.

What to Know About Silencer Gimbal?

Have a silencer pro? Want to upgrade to the Pro-Gimbal kit?

If you answer is ‘yes’ to both questions above, then this is right choice for you.

A “gimbal” is an incredible tool but it restricts the efficiency if there’s no method to focus or zoom. It’s time you release the Gimbal benefits with the Silencer Trigger controlled follow focus.

Here’s a list of items included with Gimbal upgrade kit:

Gear Drive
Shoe Mount
Pro 19mm Short Motor Rail
Extra 6” Rail
19 - 15mm rail carrier
19mm tensioner pulley mount
XL belt pack
2’ extension cable

This “Silencer Gimbal Upgrade Kit” is available for $275.00 with 24shots.

Focusing on your own with the Silencer AIR was never so easy. This new lens control system is literally wireless and connects to the 24shots app to boost ground as well as aerial photography. The silencer is the only trigger controlled follow focus that means you can keep both hands on the rig to acquire the best stable shot.

Looking for the Best Follow Focus for Your DSLR?

Many filmmakers have greatly been expressing their concern for buying the best follow focus system for their DSLR camera.

Why should you choose a follow focus system?

There’s no doubt about the fact that a follow focus system plays a vital role because auto focus capabilities cannot be found in DSLR cameras. Even if a DSLR camera had these capabilities pertaining to auto focus, they would not do any good to a videographer because auto focus is seldom used in the world where professional film-making is involved.

What is a follow focus?

A follow focus is a focus control device that’s stringently used in film-making using film cameras and in the production of television with professional video cameras. This mechanism is designed to reduce discomfort, but it may not be necessary all the time. It’s a set of parts that work together so it can allow one to focus more accurately and conveniently for video work. It’s main function is to allow focus so it can pursue the action.

If we were to talk about the “follow focus” system in other sense, it would not contribute to the basic performance of a camera. Instead, it will help the operator become more focused and competent.

The technique of pursuing the action using the best follow focus is called “racking focus.” It is also known as pulling focus, and the person who’s skilled at pulling focus is called the focus puller. Know that this person plays an important role in the camera department, and is generally the First Assistant Cameraman.

The fact remains true that the functional design as well as mathematics of focus are complicated and delicate. When a person uses his hands for making adjustments on the camera body while filming, they should know that this habit can be detrimental to follow. 

No doubt it will lead to the cutback of the perceived production value of your video. This is due to the fact that the camera is extremely lightweight that they are not able to soak the shock of delicate movements. And the result you get is shaky footage, soft focus and harsh focus transitions. You never know when you might get a combination of all three.

In the same way, because you cannot use the focus assist feature on your DSLR camera while filming, your competence to “eye” the focus of each shot will probably be somewhat off. Well, this may work to your advantage if you happen to shoot a documentary film. 

Why? This is because audiences generally ignore such technical faults. However, for those filmmakers with a keen interest in short films, music videos, feature length films as well as commercials it’s necessary for you to measure out each scene. Using a focus puller to make sure that each scene is fresh and in focus is what you should consider.

All You Need to Know About the Follow Focus System

One of the biggest challenges for product makers is to invent the best follow focus. While autofocus technology is improving day by day at all times, it still has to be executed in such a fashion that it works to your advantage. It works best with a single entity, but if one has got many people moving all around the frame it can lead to a tricky situation, even with an AF lock button.

What is a follow focus system?

A set of parts working together which help you focus more accurately for video work is what a follow focus system all about. The major function of this system is to allow focus so that the action can be followed. The method of following this action with the help of a follow focus system is known as pulling focus. This person plays a crucial role in the camera department and is also the First Assistant Cameraman.

What are the parts of a follow focus system?

The most known part of the follow focus system is the white disc and knob that the individuals turn. But there’s a lot more to it. And the only way you can get to know about the advantages and disadvantages is by showing a keen observation in the parts of a follow focus system.

Here are some of the typical parts of the best follow focus system:

• Rail clamp or bracket
• Gear
• Arm
• Focus knob
• White disc
• Lens gear ring

How would you determine if you need a follow focus system?

Well, below are some questions you need to ask yourself.

• Are you shooting 4K and above?
• Are you using low-quality semi-plastic lenses with badly constructed focusing rings?
• Is there a lot of movement by the camera?
• Is your production missing an external monitor with fine resolution?

These questions will let you decide if you really are in need of a follow focus system.

Marking on the follow focus has proven beneficial in every sense of the word. It allows better visibility of marks and it gives the ability to use more colors. And it’s also simple and produces less chaos.