From Still to Motion: A photographer's guide to creating video with your DSLR (Voices That Matter) [Paperback]

James Ball (Author), Robbie Carman (Author), Matt Gottshalk (Author), Richard Harrington (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 27, 2010 | ISBN-10: 0321702115 | ISBN-13: 978-0321702111 | Edition: 1

Book and accompanying DVD with over six hours of video training—all geared to teach you everything about shooting video with your DSLR

With the arrival of high-definition video-enabled DSLR cameras, photographers are faced with an opportunity for creativity and a competitive edge in their field unlike anything they’ve experienced before. Add to that the expanding demands from a video-hungry audience and it’s no longer a matter of if you are going to add video to your repertoire of skills, it’s when.

Here to guide you in a thorough exploration of the video-making process — from preproduction to post — and to ease your transition from still to motion are four veterans who speak the language of both photography and video fluently. With their clear, instructive approach, they quickly get you up to speed on everything from picking your gear, to properly lighting for motion, to using professional-level audio, color correction, and editing techniques, to media management and outputting, and much more. Here are just a few highlights from this richly illustrated, completely interactive book and DVD:

• Explores the entire spectrum of video for DSLR camera owners, with recommendations on gear, planning, lighting, lenses, audio, editing, color correcting, exporting, media management, and more.
• Covers a wide variety of shooting styles, including indoor, outdoor, studio, portrait, event, and available light.
• Addresses technical challenges associated with DSLR video, such as camera movement, multiple camera coverage, low-light videography, and synchronized sound.
• Explores additional creative techniques such as stop motion and timelapse photography in depth.
• Includes a real-world example of a music video and promo package throughout the book to demonstrate concepts in action, with additional profiles of photography experts in nature, sports, commercial, and weddings and events.

The accompanying DVD contains over 6 hours of video training that delves deeper into each topic, as well as high-definition footage, hands-on project  files, and templates to experiment with and follow along.

Share your work and communicate with other readers at www.facebook.com/dslrvideo.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“If you’ve been looking for the one book that teaches you how to bring DSLR video into your workflow, this is the only one on the topic I’m telling my friends to buy.”
—Scott Kelby, photographer, author, president of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP)

“Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a novice still photographer…this book has the answers you need, even if you don’t know you need them yet.”
— Scott Bourne, Publisher, Photofocus.com

About the Author

James Ball is a director of photography for HBO, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and PBS (onlinejamesball.com). His work ranges from feature-length documentary projects to dramatic features to corporate projects.

Robbie Carman is a professional colorist who works on broadcast television series. He is a principal at Amigo Media (amigomediallc.com), a well-known trainer, author, and speaker at industry conferences, and the Creative COW forum host for DSLR video and Apple Color.

Matt Gottshalk is the principal of McGee Digital Media (mcgeedigital.com), which specializes in cinema-style HD production and post. He is a lighting director and camera assistant for a variety of clients and an active member of the dvxuser.com community.

Richard Harrington is a director and editor. He is a Creative COW forum leader, a member of the NAPP Instructor Dream Team, and a popular author, trainer, and speaker.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: New Riders; 1 edition (March 27, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321702115
• ISBN-13: 978-0321702111
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #355,885 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars For true beginners April 10, 2011

By tyler

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book seemed like a great book for someone who has already been into film making but just bought a new dslr. I guess I should of focused on the title more. The book is truly for the photographer that knows nothing of recording video. The book itself didn't teach me anything I didn't already know about film making because it was very basic stuff. I was hoping that the book would get in depth about how to really get the most of the dslr but I feel like they hardly discussed the workings of a dslr camera. Most of the book could of pertained to any video camera.

On a good note, there was a few chapters that really focused on dslr cameras. The chapters about lenses, and video technology were good. The rest of the book was about basic lighting, sound, tripods, rigs, editing, etc...
I think that if you have little experience in video recording than this might be the book for you. However, if you feel that you know the basics of film making such as 3-point lighting, panning, and how to record onto sd cards; then you might skip this book.

The real bonus is the chapters at the end where they discuss stop-motion, time-lapse and distribution. It's not something I really needed to learn, but perhaps I'll take up stop-motion one of these days. Seems like fun.

I give this book 3 stars because of the little information that I think is valuable. I give this book 5 stars if you are brand new and your new dslr is the first video-capable camera you've owned.

28 of 35 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Only HDSLR Book You'll Ever Need April 17, 2010

By Stephen A. Mick

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Listen, I'm not much for pimpage. I mean, my pimp hand is strong, but I'm not in the habit of shilling products or hawking gear. (There's enough people doing that.) But when I come across something I really think is useful...no, indispensable...well that I have to share.

If you shoot on HDSLRs, you need to buy the new book "From Still To Motion..." by Matt Gottshalk, Robbie Carman, Jim Ball and Richard Harrington. LINK At just over $30, it may be the single best shooter's resource for DSLR shooting available. Period.

(Don't get me started on how poorly-named the book is. The title makes it sound like just a photographer's guide, but it most certainly is not. It's for anyone who picks up a DSLR with the goal of shooting and putting together quality work.)

Written by working pros who deal with all aspects of production, the book takes you from start to finish, from lens selection to workflow and final output. It is the most thorough resource out there, and is valuable even if you've been shooting with DSLRs for a while, like I have.

The book is not camera-specific, so whether you're on a GH1 or a 1DMkIV there is plenty of great information here. And at the back of the book is a DVD with hours of tutorials, project files and sample videos. The DVD alone is worth the price of the book.

Buy. This. Book. Now. It's that good. And it will make your work better. I consider this book to be nothing less than the bible of HDSLR shooting.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST most complete guide out there...and CURRENT! April 3, 2010

By Angel Burns

Format:Paperback

Rich Harrington and the gang have put together a PHENOMENAL and very thorough manual on the latest in HDSLR photography right now. It contains so much, including the thoughtful, artistic side of filmmaking along with the technical info (even down to specific plug-ins and software recommendations, links, tutorials and the wealth of material on the included DVD). Can't imagine how much work this must have been to collate, but I am grateful and will definitely be referring this to friends. If you want the latest details on how to be a (successful) early adopter of this technology, From Still to Motion will save you time, trial, research and loads of cash. There are also DIY tips for lighting! My favorite cheap cheat was the Chinese paper globes for soft background lighting. If you are looking to get into a pro setup, you'll do it confident in your purchases. I like how the book allows you to scale your experience depending on your level of expertise, financial investment, crew size, computer platform, etc. Whether a dabbler wanting to stick a toe in the water, a photographer looking to increase skills, or a high-level videography company wanting to add the new gear for a movie look, there's something for everyone to benefit. These guys REALLY know their stuff. A stellar primer for all! Grab it. :)