A Year in the Water [DEMO REEL]

Cameras


It’s not a secret. I know that I am young to the game but I feel that I’ve had the best chance possible to make it in this tumultuous business. I went the film school route. Learning from working pros with titles like SOC and A.S.C. behind their name. I touched film. Used it. This is a big plus to me looking back as a student. Even though many readers of this blog consider film is dead as a image acquisition medium. In some circles this may be true. But, to be on a production with the sound of film speeding trough a gate is a sobering experience. Unlike shooting on digital, the sound coming from the camera has a “cha-ching” cash register sound. Feet is money. You have to be very vigilant when shooting film. Almost methodical. These skills I learned made me a better student of cinematography. Also, I am a firm believer of the 10,000 hour rule to becoming a master of your craft. You learn by doing it over and over and over again. Never stop.

“One light is a statement. Two lights is less of statement. And three lights, is no statement at all.” – David Watkin (1925-2008) – Pictured shooting Blue Pullman in 1960.

All that being said I want to share with you my demo reel from my last production gig. I worked for this boutique, niche, production company that specialized in fly fishing content. My job was to market the sport in a way that hasn’t been seen before. Our biggest clients were Patagonia, Simms, and Oakley. Heavyweights in the game. Personally, I think fly fishing is one of the most boring sports to watch. Meanwhile the sport usually offers a stunning backdrop for your subject. That was cool to me. Standing on a cliff, looking down at a floating fly on the end of a line in a running river, framed up with a 600mm lens on a 2x extender is pretty challenging. That may be, but it is so rewarding when you get that perfect shot. I tried to produce content that was interesting to me as a non-enthusiast of the sport. Bringing a little cinematic eye to a pastime that most associate with our grandfathers. Sitting there in a wood covered room tying intricate little flies on a workbench. Well this image I tried to break. Enjoy the video above and take a look at the one below too. What I consider some of my best work for the company.

I am a cameraman. When I do laundry I’m not just some dude doing his laundry. I’m a cameraman doing his laundry. I never stop. And if you want to seriously consider this avenue of profession, you should too.

It’s not a secret.

**Big thanks again to Jared for making me a part of this awesome community of filmmakers that is Wide Open Camera. He’s currently crushing it on tour with Sandy Puc’

 

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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.