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Week 13: Project Reflections
24.5.24
Project Pitch + Discussion:
Project:
Reflection on the Project
Going into my exploration with Davinci Resolve, I was armed with a robust background in photography and image editing. My skill set included extensive work with Adobe Lightroom, where I refined RAW photos, and Adobe Photoshop, where I handled basic photo fix-ups and utilized generative fills. My technical proficiency extended to sophisticated camera operations, thoroughly understanding the exposure triangle—manipulating shutter speed, ISO, and aperture with ease. I was adept at using various camera settings, such as the RGB histogram for optimizing exposure, particularly focusing on highlights for the best image quality. I was also familiar with different focus modes, toggling between single-shot and servo according to the shooting context. My photography experience was quite diverse, covering studio and street portraits, landscapes, experimental photography, and even mobile photography with manual settings on the iPhone using the ProCam app. However, my experience with videography was somewhat elementary, knowing just the basics like avoiding the 'jelly effect' in frame rates and adhering to the shutter speed rule—yet these were largely untested in real-world scenarios.
As I began working with Davinci Resolve, I encountered several challenges and learning opportunities that significantly broadened my understanding of video production. One immediate challenge was dealing with log footage; unlike RAW photos, the log video from my Canon R8 offered limited flexibility in post-production due to its compressed dynamic range. This was compounded by the camera's lack of in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which became painfully evident when I reviewed the noticeable motion blur in my nighttime footage. Although I could stabilize some of this in post-production using Davinci, the initial results highlighted the importance of mechanical stabilization on the field. Transitioning from still photography to video also required a shift in how I approached framing shots. Video demanded a seamless visual transition between shots, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning in camera angles and shot sequences to ensure a cohesive visual narrative.
My technical journey with Davinci Resolve expanded as I delved into its editing capabilities. Initially hindered by my MacBook's slow performance, I switched to a friend's M1 Mac Mini, which dramatically improved my workflow efficiency. I learned the intricacies of video editing—cutting clips, utilizing essential shortcuts for efficient workflow, and experimenting with layering and transitions. Audio processing was another area where I gained valuable skills. Color grading opened up a new world of creativity; I learned to manipulate color wheels, understanding the impacts of 'lift', 'gamma', and 'gain', and refined my ability to work with curves and nodes. Handling log footage was particularly challenging, involving a series of pre-adjustments, color space transformations, and post-adjustments to achieve the desired end results.
Looking forward, I plan to address the challenges noted during my initial forays into videography. Using a gimbal or tripod in low-light conditions will be crucial to avoid the issues of camera shake and motion blur. I am also committed to advancing my editing techniques in Davinci Resolve, exploring more sophisticated methods, and enhancing both my efficiency and creative expression in video production. This journey into the world of Davinci Resolve has not only pushed the boundaries of my technical skills but also expanded my creative vision. It has been a compelling blend of precision and artistic exploration, and I am eager to see where this combination of technology and creativity will lead my future projects.
