Given the world-wide sweep of the current lockdown, we are all communicating from home. At first, we kept things really simple and just used onboard computer cameras and audio. But as time has gone on, and zooming etc. has become part of our lifestyle, we upped our game here at the studio a bit. Got a lot of questions on how we were doing things. So here’s a look at our workstation, and the various bits and pieces we have conjured to make a reliable and consistent appearance when called upon.
First up, the camera. The computer camera works fine in a pinch, to be sure, and we have used it. But you have to be careful with that puppy, as it is: A) not a high quality optic, and B) tends to distort. If I get too close to that thing I tend to look like Shamu with lips. So, a more flattering approach is to get your own camera, and locate it not only where you as the subject are a respectful distance, but the background has a measure of dignity and grace. (Hence we are located in an area where you don’t see my superhero posters as the backdrop.)
Camera of choice is the Z6, with a 24-70 f4 lens. Auto-focus is activated, as is the eye detect mode. Really does well tracking even small movements and presenting a clean image. It is mounted on a small Gitzo Traveler tripod, mounted on their center ball head, again, Traveler style, for the smaller size. This arrangement gives the camera a super sturdy base.
Lighting. My workstation faces a big window, and the outdoor intensity varies dramatically. Hence we put up a Lastolite HaloCompact Diffuser. Can’t say enough about the robust nature of this piece of gear. Hard to believe it folds down in a bag much smaller than your average sized shaving kit. The Manfrotto Lykos Bi-Color LED panel glows through the diffuser, and produces a really nice light, which I am in desperate need of. The Halo is held up by a Manfrotto Magic arm and super clamp, and the Lykos is boomed in by an Avenger C-stand.
Annie shot a quick smart phone video where I’m able to talk through the setup.
It makes for a comfortable way to go live on a zoom, and the grip gear and tripod are versatile enough to configure in such a way as to not impede a normal working day in the office. Hit a couple switches, and we can be up and running when needed. If we have to roam, and go mobile, Annie takes over the video documentation with her smart phone and uses the Joby Telepod, with a Beamo light and a Wavo mike.
Strategies from the home workstation. Looking forward to being back in the field, hopefully, soon. Hope all are well and staying safe!
More tk….
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Very interesting. Thanks, Joe
How are you connecting the camera to the computer? Straight to USB or through an HDMI capture box?
wow… looks great… thanks for the details..
Moose, are you running off a battery on the camera or a power adapter of some sort?
Running the camera on battery power…..most of our stints are not that long….
all good, thank you!
Hi Cary….as often happens when interfacing technology, it’s a bit of a collection of solutions! We go from mini-HDMI at the Z6 to full size HDMI into a connector called Camlink. That connector coming out of there is a USB, which then goes into an Apple adaptor that takes USB to USC. And then to my computer. And, it works!!
Great setup, Joe. Thank you for sharing. Working on a project right now and need to do something similar so, I’ll be ‘stealing’ lots of your ideas! Stay safe!
How about the audio? I see a microphone but you never mention it in the video or the blog, or did I miss it? I have been studying videography for last six months, and everyone says it’s equally important as video and lighting.
Thanks for sharing and inspiring! Stay safe!
Yep, audio is very important. When we go live I generally use the Onyx Blackjack array and a boom mike. But, we’ve been having some scratchiness with it lately, so I unplugged it all and am trying different solutions.
Go for it! Good luck, hope it works out well….
Hi Joe! Greetings from Budapest. Good to see you are doing well. Amazing setup.
Joseph from you I always learn new and interesting things. Hope you are well don’t hesitate to reply to my email. P.S. go ahead and use the superhero posters!
Thank you for keeping the world free of zombies! Without your incisive and inspirational newsletters many a photographer would go to the dark side. Your newsletters inform and inspire. They are always filled with gadgets, gizmos and great images. In this way we are able to continue a long distance relationship and stay connected. Thank you, Master!
It’s nowhere near the same quality as using your “real” camera, but I couldn’t stand how awful my laptop webcam is, so I’ve been using my phone as the camera for Zoom whilst still watching on my laptop (there’s a few apps out there that turn your phone into a webcam). Along with some well arranged lights we’ve had more than a few comments that it looks like we’re on a breakfast TV show when Zoom-ing with friends!
Awesome setup. I also have a “Youtube Setup” that is pretty similar. What I can recommend to check the image in real time is small monitor like a Atomos Ninja which I simply put on the hot shoe, facing towards my face.
greetings
Aww AWESOME setup and ideas. Thank you very much for sharing. Keep up the good work.