Why I Shoot. By: Jared Abrams

Cameras
Posted by Admin on 22, April 2011 with 13 Comments
Twitt

Here is a little video I shot of Patti, the camera operator for Heli USA. It was so refreshing to hear a voice that only cared about the task at hand and not the gear to make it possible. It made me think seriously of what drives me to do what I do. I decided to put this to the rest of the Wide Open Camera crew. Why do we make films? Here is my response.

“I shoot because it is a beautiful combination of multiple crafts to create a stand-alone piece of art. Both still and motion photography capture a moment in time with vivid detail and emotion. In many ways this is how I perceive life. I started at a very early age and have been looking at life through a various mix of lenses. Some of them slightly soft, others sharp as a razor. It is this way of thinking that compels me to observe the light everywhere I go. There are very few careers where every situation is new and instant collaboration is fundamental to the success of the project. It is that combination of people and craft that make my job so appealing. I just happen to be one of the lucky few that is allowed to play in one of the best playgrounds in the world.”

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Jared Abrams is a cinematographer based in Hollywood, California. After many years as a professional camera assistant he switched over to still photography. About two years ago a new Canon camera changed the way the world sees both motion and still photography. He just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
  • http://samwilkerson.smugmug.com Sam

    Love your thoughts Jared!
    I only started filming ‘professionally’ last year, my senior year in high school, and the hardest part is figuring out how much to charge people. It seems so odd to charge people for something you love to do.

  • http://wideopencamera.com Jared Abrams

    Think of it as an investment in yourself. That may make it easier to charge more.
    Thanks for the comment.
    Jared

  • http://www.VampireMob.com Joe Wilson

    Great reason to shoot, Jared!

  • http://ruschervisuals.com Rob Ruscher

    Love the idea of this. Hope more people put their input.

    “I shoot because I love taking a vision, whether mine or others, and creating it into a visual. I love using different tools to get certain shots and specific movements. Growing as a Director of Photography is fun but growing with a team is even more satisfying. I am lucky to have the opportunities I have and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”

  • http://samwilkerson.smugmug.com Sam

    It has definitely gotten better, one tricky thing I also think is, and this goes for almost any business, is figuring out how much money your time is worth.
    How much trial and error did you guys go through when figuring out day wages and such?

  • http://wideopencamera.com Jared Abrams

    Thanks for the great reply. I too hope people will answer that question here in the comments section.
    Great response.
    Thanks,
    Jared

  • http://www.youtube.com/amoibe Alexander Amoibé

    I began filming because I saw amazing things happening around me, and I thought I would share them with people. I capture musicians performing, primarily, and the music I capture is a treasure I give. I’ve never been one to experience life through the filter of a lens. But you have to shoot some things, because if you don’t, they are unavailable to people who couldn’t be there. If you’ve ever stayed up late at night watching YouTube videos of a band you like, and been brought to supernal emotional release through it, or it just simply gets you through – whatever the case, there was somebody filming it, and I’m that guy.

  • http://wideopencamera.com Jared Abrams

    Thanks for sharing that!
    Jared

  • http://facebook.com/realola Ola Faronbi

    I’m currently studying digital film-making and video production @ the Art Institute of Atlanta. And I from Nigeria. Making films simply makes me happy. Passion beyond reason

  • http://www.twitter.com/faronbi Ola Faronbi

    I take it personal. It’s bout the gear, it’s bout the task, it’s about lighting, and the camera. It’s about everything. It’s bout the creative mind behind it all. I never stop thinking about fancy gears, music, videos and photos. I’m always finding inspiration. I have no fear plus I gotta pay my dues. I have nothing to lose.

  • http://wideopencamera.com Jared Abrams

    Thanks for the comment.

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/TheEyeballstudios Phil Arntz

    Filming is a passion for me. I always wanted to film. Filming gives me the freedom to be creative and completely free. There are no boundaries and that’s what I love. Being behind the camera just makes me feel better. Looking back at your accomplished project just makes you feel proud of yourself and you feel that you have created something personal and unique.
    This is not the only aspect though. I love working together with people and it is just so nice to share your thoughts with others who feel the same about a film.

    The hardest part probably is, being only 15, to gain trust by other people. I always feel a bit underrated when someone tells me that by no means I can make a projects like that.
    Eventually, I will get to that point that people will trust me. It is just hard, hard work.

    -Phil

  • http://www.crews.tv Yves Simard

    I shoot because it is my first love – Its where I am truly at peace with myself and fully connected to the subject I am capturing.

    Some people run, some fly, some skydive. Me, I capture light and motion and there is little else that compares.