More video!
Video: Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Post written: Raleigh, NC
February 24, 2023
February 26, 2023
Blogger’s Note
Learning video requires lots of practice. Luckily there are plenty of interesting places around Raleigh. Last Friday a friend and I headed out to the Sylvan Heights Bird Park. Obviously I still need to learn to work with light – and to edit sound! But hey, I’m having fun!
Starting Simple – A Hooded Merganser
I guess learning something new each day helps keep my mind healthy. Videography fits this approach perfectly – there is soooo much new to learn. Here even setting up the tripod is different from working with stills. To follow the action of this little guy – a male hooded merganser – I needed to be sure the tripod was leveled. Then I pieced together 3 selections cut from one long clip.
This one is a Guinea Turaco
Merging two clips is an art …
The Pink Flamingo
This one got complicated – I have six clips, each 45 seconds or longer. I’m trying to learn to cut, pace and merge selections …
A Demoiselle Crane
It took me forever to create this one – and somehow the final clip disappeared! It was too hard to redo it so I have to be satisfied …
Of course, video is all about the story. I’ll try to work on that someday!
Again, I’d love comments and suggestions!
Dear Barry,
I can’t see where you clipped anything together as it all looks seamless to me!
I particularly like how the Demoiselle Crane looks directly at you, or so it seems, curious about what you’re doing.
In this pair, also, it’s a treat to see how perfectly their beaks are made for specific grooming, parting feathers to scratch unseen skin and then those feathers settle right back into place, barely disturbed by the slender beak.
Is it a Pink Flamingo or Flamenico? I’m just not familiar with that name or maybe it can be called either. Is one most correct??
What a treat to see a Guinea Turaco – a totally new bird for me. She/he swallows even. I love details like that. I couldn’t tell at all when one clip joined another. Good for you. It’s simply amazing to me to see these birds up close just ‘being’.. Thanks so much. The Hooded Merganser is a familiar fellow for us here in the Sandhills – seasonally. But he’s a beautiful bird to watch.
Thanks, Barry!
Celia – So wonderful to hear from you! I’ll start by saying I’m getting careless in my older years … I let autocorrect “fix” my spelling without realizing that it’s as bad as I am. I loved your comments – they are really helpful as I’m finding that video is a completely different art. Story and movement are big keys and practice plus comments really are the only way for me to learn. THANKS! – barry
Barry,
I never tire of watching birds. Sylvan Heights has so many interesting birds. So glad you are practicing your video work with birds. Their colors, faces and moves are so unique. Thanks for sharing.
Carol
Hi Carol, Birds are easy – well not those damn little birds! They’re hard. But Raleigh has lots of places where the bigger birds are easy to spot and photograph. A little movement that’s not too hard. That’s what I like. – barry
Barry great job! You stated there were many clips stiched together. I never could tell where you had a “seam!” I really liked the “quick Fade” in the Crane video. The flamingoes I think the lens was too close because I kept wanting to see more of the birds but I see they are big birds. I am so proud of you in this endeavor. You are so smart putting yourself out of the box to do this. Congratulations!!
Thanks Barbara! I’ve sold my Nikons! So all I have now is a beautiful Canon camcorder. It’s a heavy load to carry with a tripod and fluid head! And soooo much to learn. I see you’ve got a new grandchild! Aren’t they fun?!??!
I enjoy your posts even when you preface them with the warning that they do not satisfy you.
I become excited when I receive one of your posts because they are always interesting.
Hi Barry,
I like this series very much. I really liked the clip of the Guinea Turaco. Where did you film it? It appears to be an African bird. Please continue to work on this genre of photography. I am looking forward to your next project! I appreciate the efforts you put into editing. I’m a big fan of “jump” editing, but that is a different kind of story.
BTW: your last clip on the Demoiselle Crane is generating an error.
Hi Michael! The Sylvan Heights Bird Park is near Raleigh. It has a wide variety of birds from all over the world. And the park welcomes photographers. So I head over there a couple times a year. It’s a perfect place to capture new video and to work on my editing skills. Especially because there is so much to learn! Come and visit some time and we’ll go! Cheers, – barry
Thank you for this beautiful experience. As with others I see no “seams” in these breathtaking images. Continue to enjoy this adventure. No pressure! Say, “Yes Mother”.
Hi Mary – I love to get your comments! THANKS. – barry
Is it me, or does the demoiselle crane look exactly like Larry David?
Hi Marc – Got a good laugh over that one! Thanks! – barry