NATURAL HISTORY CINEMATOGRAPHY

[Christian Munoz D]

Great shots Christian, I would like to know what shutter angle you often use for shots like these, do you find that you have to stabilize your shots in post at times with these long lenses you are using and assuming light level allow, would you run 90 or 45 degree shutter instead of 180 to keep the motion blur to a minimum allowing you to stabilize later?

Larry

Larry, is interesting you asked that. I had never stabilized my shots in post until this project. I did try with several shots on the bobcat sequence but it worked in just a couple of them.
I shot almost everything 180-shutter angle, but the Bald Eagle sequence (below) I shot it at 120fps 90 degrees shutter angle. I tried to stabilize the end of the chase when the eagle dropped the fish to eliminate some jerky movement, without success. At last I used the shots as shot.
Now with my Epic I am putting together a more stable lightweight kit that will allow me to use 800-1200mm without big issues to avoid any post tricks. I will post the details of this set-up on this thread after using it in the real world.

[Mike Van Laanen]

Yes I did hear about that one, but it was just a short news blip and then nothing else about it. Did you happen to catch any of the Nat Geo Big Cat Week shows that aired a week or so ago? A couple of my old classmates produced a show for them about Mountain Lions in Montana. They did a great job and captured some amazing shots. Over the past five or so years there have rumors about a cougar roaming around the Door County peninsula, but nothing definitive ever was found. I will keep looking and let you know if I get lucky.

[Phil Holland]

Thanks for the fluid head/tripod info. That eagle air combat is wonderful.

[Christian Munoz D]

Thanks for the fluid head/tripod info. That eagle air combat is wonderful.

My pleasure Phil, Thanks!

[Christian Munoz D]

Yes I did hear about that one, but it was just a short news blip and then nothing else about it. Did you happen to catch any of the Nat Geo Big Cat Week shows that aired a week or so ago? A couple of my old classmates produced a show for them about Mountain Lions in Montana. They did a great job and captured some amazing shots. Over the past five or so years there have rumors about a cougar roaming around the Door County peninsula, but nothing definitive ever was found. I will keep looking and let you know if I get lucky.

Nop, I missed it, I will keep an eye on the show.

Here is the official info about the cat found in Connecticut:

http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=4013&Q=483778.

[George D.]

You're a great wildlife cinematographer Christian, and you're even greater being willing to share info on a forum, any forum. It's heart warming to know your sons are following in you footsteps too. Let's hope they're as good.

You might want to lean on the side of caution though, in giving away too many of your personal secrets. I had a very good contract working on Irwin Allen's "The Swarm" yanked right out from under me because I said too much. You live and learn. And, that wasn't the last time either. Once people know your secrets, you've lost your edge over the competition. I don't know, maybe I'm paranoid.

Anyway, I'm very happy to see the thread, and I hope Red makes it a major category.

Keep up the good work. Shine on Dude!!

;)

.

[Ian B. Johnson]

Did you happen to catch any of the Nat Geo Big Cat Week shows that aired a week or so ago? A couple of my old classmates produced a show for them about Mountain Lions in Montana. They did a great job and captured some amazing shots.

Mike, are you an SNHF alum? I'm currently in the program and was an assistant editor on that show. Very exciting to be a part of. The rest of the season should start trickling out on Nat Geo Wild soon...

[Larry Kelly]

Thanks for the explanation and the clip Christian. Great shots! So what you are saying is that even though you are using a fairly fast shutter speed you still couldn't stabilize due to motion blur? or was it some other reason?

[Josh Beadle]

Wow . . . thank you for the post!

[Mike Van Laanen]

Ian, Yes I am a SNHF alumni and actually attended classes with most of the crew on that show. Great group of people, loved learning and working with all of them, very talented and creative. Good luck in getting your MFA and don't let them scare you too much about the thesis defense - not as bad as I thought it would be. Can't wait to see your films on lifeonterra.com.