iamconnorcleary-blog

[iamconnorcleary-blog]

Trying a new look for my photos. What do you think? . . . . . . . #streetphotography #like #follow #bornsinner #fitness #fitnessmodel #fashion #photographer #people #instagram #instagreat #instadaily #newlook #look #colourpop #colour #color #motion #canon5dmarkiii #canonphotography #artofvisuals #lensbible #beautiful #happy #awesome #adobe #southampton #canon (at Fareham)

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Smoke. . . . . . . #thelensbible #instagood #portsmouth #instagoodmyphoto #portraitphotography #streetphotography #streetportrait #contrast #smoking #ricohgr #agameoftones #urbanandstreet #killyourcity (at Portsmouth)

[iamconnorcleary-blog]

Throwback to a awesome shoot with @bornsinnerofficial_ and @sophiebrace #instagreat #canon_photos #travelingthroughtheworld #fitness #instagood #instagreat #smokebomb #chasinglight #thelensbible #photooftheday #artoftheday (at Portsmouth)

[iamconnorcleary-blog]

Another day another dollar. #ricoh #ricoh_gr #streetphotography #blackandwhite #blackandwhitephotography #hipster #instagood #instagreat #instagoodmyphoto #travelingthroughtheworld #portsmouth #homeless #awareness (at Portsmouth)

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Walk. #instagreat #travelingthroughtheworld #perspective #ricohgr #ricoh #streetphotography #photooftheday #lookingdown (at Portsmouth)

[iamconnorcleary-blog]

London was fun. #travelingthroughtheworld #portrait #street #canon_photos #canon5dmarkiii #reflection #instagood #instagreat #mirror (at London, United Kingdom)

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My Final Website

www.connorcleary.co.uk

[iamconnorcleary-blog]

All finished!

I have finally finished my Set-up, my CV has been printed on semi-gloss 120gsm paper, and the cd has been printed! i have tried to keep all the colours consistant, and i have tried to keep the colour scheme the same.

I like the final result, it all works well and is easy to read/look at.

[iamconnorcleary-blog]

My Website

I realised my content relating to how and why I made decisions on my website did not upload to tumblr (because apparently they only take JPEG and PNG images...) so here is a quick runthrough of my website.

This is my front page, I wanted to use a single image that had texture and this photograph from saffron watson did the trick, its muted winter colours helped the white text ‘pop’, so i ran with it.  The text underneath my name describes my old title ‘self shooting director’ somthing i have now adapted to ‘filmmaker’ as to cover all bases. The email is a working hyperlink to a mail box so clients can get in touch with me. 

For ease of use when clients click on my name it also takes them to my showreel.

This was my older front page, is a lot more 2002, with a bold video in the centre of the page, it isnt designed well. 

My older front page.

My final front page.

Movin on to my showreel - i wanted the focus to be on content so i decided to make the background of all the pages dark grey, this also has the nice effect of making all the colours that aren't grey ‘pop’. 

In this image you can see I tried to keep all the content in neat boxes, and make the eye focus to my name, email and the content itself. 

I have a few pages that contain posters of the work I have made/been apart of, this was a cool way of making the films look professional and also the posters are complemented with who made the films and a logline. 

With all of my website I wanted to keep it monochromatic and clean, this is the same with my ‘About me’ page, where i try to summarize myself in a paragraph, but also provide the onlooker with an image of me working.

I haven’t received much feedback on my website other than a remark from Ben Thompson who wrote ‘just had a quick look, seems all good to me’.

[iamconnorcleary-blog]

Software I use on a day to day basis...

I try to learn as much software as possible to both improve my knowledge and to keep up to date with all the new improvements and updates, that can give me a hand in improving my work.

I have recently updated to the Adobe Creative Cloud 2017 and though not much has changed the user interface of most programs and the overall usability feels faster.

Adobe Photoshop is my go-to photo manipulation software, (unless i have to edit in bulk then I use Lightroom) i has all the tools I need to create images such as posters and photo edits, though not advised I even created my CV on photoshop as it gave me the flexibility to move the text around as much as I needed.

A major piece of software I use is Adobe’s Premiere Pro, it has been my go-to NLE (non linear editing suite) since i was in college, and its ease of use/ performance on most systems is astounding. It is both capable of 1 minute short films to 1 hour DNG raw compositions, it’s fantastic, the latest updates have seen a great improvement on the colour grading and tracking front, where it feels like I can do a compatible colour grade within the software (without having to take it to Davinci resolve). The other major improvement is the auto tracking that can intelligently determine a path an object takes in the frame (i’m unsure if this is new in 2017, but I only just found it!)

I only use Premiere pro for the simple reason it’s (subjectively) better, AVID has a better workflow, but there is a lot of transcoding and linking to footage that takes up time and is only useful on major productions, Final cut is great on Mac but needs work as it still feels like Imovie, and though Davinci Resolve is very compatible as an NLE it still needs a lot of work.

For my design and computer art work i use Adobe’s illustrator, a great piece of software that has a lot of compatibility with my drawing tools (wacom), I designed both all of my signage for my business cards, CD cover, and CD artwork all within Illustrator. I use illustrator to brainstorm ideas also, as i can layout my ideas on and off the canvas.

[iamconnorcleary-blog]

I have upgraded!

Now i loose all the ugly WIX branding, to give me a more professional and concise look. 

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My Job Research

Another Path i see myself doing is working on short films and continuing on my film festival journey to become a director, or narrative film.

Definition by Creative skillset:

“Directors are responsible for creatively translating the film's written script into actual images and sounds on the screen. They are ultimately responsible for a film's artistic and commercial success or failure. Directors may write the film's script or commission it to be written, or they may be hired after an early draft of the script is complete. They must then develop a vision for the finished film and work out how to achieve it. During pre-production, Directors make crucial decisions, such as selecting the right cast, crew and locations for the film. They then direct rehearsals and the performances of the actors once the film is in production. They also manage the technical aspects of filming including the camera, sound, lighting, design and special effects departments. During post production, Directors work closely with Editors through the many technical processes of editing, to reach the final cut or version of the film. At all stages, Directors are responsible for motivating the team to produce the best possible results. Directors must also always be aware of the constraints of the film's budget and schedule and manage the expectations of the film's financiers.”

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My Job Research

I see myself working in a few different film paths.

one being a camera operator.

Definition by Media Match.

Camera Operator

“A Camera Operator works with digital, electronic and film cameras in multi and single camera operational conditions, producing pictures for directors by combining the use of complex technology with creative visual skills. The work is based in either a studio, where the Camera Operator usually follows a camera script (which gives the order of shots practiced at rehearsal and is cued by the director during recording) or on location, where there is likely to be more opportunity for creativity through suggesting shots to the director. A Camera Operator usually works under the direction of a director or director of photography and is sometimes supported by a camera assistant (or a focus puller/clapper loader, although with the advent of digital and electronic cameras these functions are in decline). The role is an interesting mix of the creative and technical.

Typical work activities include feeding film into automatic film processor that develops, fixes, washes, and dries film; measuring original layouts and determines proportions needed to make reduced or enlarged photographic prints for paste up; exposing high contrast film for predetermined exposure time; immersing film in series of chemical baths to develop images and hangs film on rack to dry; performing exposure tests to determine line, halftone, and color reproduction exposure lengths for various photographic factors; mounting material to be photographed on copyboard of camera; measuring density of continuous tone images to be photographed to set exposure time for halftone images; selecting and installing screens and filters in camera to produce desired effects; adjusting camera settings, lights, and lens; being prepared to innovate and experiment with ideas; taking instructions from the Director or the Director of Photography; working quickly, especially as timing is such an important factor; taking sole responsibility in situations where there is only one Camera Operator involved in the filming; keeping up to date with filming methods and equipment; repairing equipment; demonstrating a good awareness of health and safety issues.

Part of the role involves interacting and maintaining good working relationships with other members of the camera crew, including sound recorders,lighting technicians, and actors.”

This job is usually the result of working up a ladder, beginning with grip or camera trainee, moving up to 2nd and 1st assistant, and resulting in DOP.

Definitions by Creative Skill Set.

Director of Photography

“Directors of Photography (DoPs) are key Heads of Department on film productions and theirs is one of the major creative roles. They provide a film with its unique visual identity, or look.

DoPs must discover the photographic heart of a screenplay, using a variety of source material including stills photography, painting, other films, etc.

They create the desired look using lighting, framing, camera movement, etc. DoPs collaborate closely with the camera crew (Camera Operator, 1st and 2nd Assistant Camera, Camera Trainee and Grips).

During filming, DoPs also work closely with the Gaffer (who runs the lighting team), the Production Designer, Costume Designer, and the Hair and Make-up Department.

After reading the screenplay, DoPs meet with the Director to discuss the visual style of the film. They conduct research and preparation including carrying out technical recces of locations. They prepare a list of all required camera equipment, including lights, film stock, camera, cranes and all accessories etc., for the production office to order.

During preparation DoPs also test special lenses, filters or film stocks, checking that the results fit with the Director's vision for the film.

On each day of principal photography, DoPs and their camera crews arrive early on set to prepare the equipment. During rehearsals, the Director and DoP block (decide the exact movements of both actors and camera) the shots as the actors walk through their actions, discussing any special camera moves or lighting requirements with the Camera Operator, Gaffer and Grip.

Each shot is marked up for focus and framing by the 1st AC, and, while the actors finish make-up and costume, the DoP oversees the lighting of the set for the first take.

On smaller films, DoPs often also operate the camera during the shoot. At the end of each shooting day, DoPs prepare for the following day's work and check that all special requirements (cranes, Steadicams, remote heads, long or wide lenses, etc.) have been ordered. They also usually view the rushes (raw footage) with the Director.

During post production, DoPs attend the digital grading of the film, which may involve up to three weeks of intensive work.

Most DoPs work on commercials and promos as well as on feature films. Although the hours are long, and some foreign travel may be required, the work is highly creative and very rewarding.”

[iamconnorcleary-blog]

My Industry

I have found my favourite thing to do at university is to direct narrative, but I know directing opportunities don't come around often, so I think classifying myself as a freelance filmmaker will be the best cause of action, this way i am able to diversify and complete jobs that might call for multi-competent individuals. It was after talking to one of the 2nd unit cameraman on my work experience for Fanged up (a feature film) that i realised being multi skilled is a great way in to the industry. At least till i can solidify my connections and make my way as a narrative director.

[iamconnorcleary-blog]

Today I did a days work experience for Lad Bible, as a sound operator (seen above listening back to the last take) it was cold and wet but it was great fun and leaned a lot about being a sound operator and how news companies have a fast turnaround. 

[iamconnorcleary-blog]

The final burgundy poster, we changed the saming - it no longer has ‘a short film’ and we have credited the main crew and cast. 

[iamconnorcleary-blog]

This is an updated showreel with titles of the films i have been apart of. 

I use premiere pro to edit my films and showreel, its ease of use and the amount of time i have been able to spend practicing on it. I decided to add a lower thirds showing the titles of the films, this was some feedback from my tutor at university.