Tip for hiding your Zooms in Documentary filming - August 15 2013, 0 Comments

In documentary shooting, zooms are a necessity, even though not my favorite effect. When done properly, they can take the viewer exactly where they need to be and add to the drama and the story. Done poorly, they can seem as though your Aunt Josie was shooting the Sunday family outing.
I like to hide my zooms when shooting handheld. One way to hide a zoom while shooting with the Dougmon is to take a large soft step forward and as I do this, use the servo zoom on the camera to feather a slight push into the subject. This "dolly" shot intro helps hide Aunt Josie's home video zoom.