Blog for Wilkinson Visual, aerial and documentary video production and photography services in Lexington, Kentucky.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE what I do. I’m my own boss, set my own schedule, and routinely edit videos or write proposals while wearing pajamas. However, with the advent of social media, and people projecting this image of, “look how awesome my life is” I find it important to take a moment and reflect on the reality of this profession.
Read MoreIn this article for Fstoppers, I discuss how the National Park Service in the United States is one of the few organizations with clear policies regarding the use of drones, or small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) on their property. There are some pilots who ignore these rules, and it makes doing business as a licensed operator very difficult. Be sure to read the comments for some very interesting speculation about future developments, changes, and what other people see as a solution.
Read MoreFor a week in June, I based myself out of Boulder, Colorado, and sought out classic moderate trad climbs. I made it to Estes Park, Mt. Evans, Eldorado Canyon, Lumpy Ridge, and a few other places in just seven days, completing 33 pitches in total. Here's a brief look at a few of the climbs and areas I visited.
Read MoreVideo production takes an audience member to a place that they could never imagine going to. Whether it is climbing up Mount Everest or even watching a high profile soccer game live, the philosophy behind the technology is giving the audience a new experience.
Read MoreEvery winter I make the drive up north to Munising, Michigan, to spend a few weeks ice climbing and taking on a few video and photo jobs while there. 2017 was no exception, as my activities included climbing with athletes to flying drones for a Japanese film crew.
Read MoreAs a filmmaker & photographer, you might only see pressing the big red RECORD button on my camera and setting up a few lights, but trust me when I say there is a lot that goes in to what it takes for me to have even gotten to that point. Business costs, time, maintenance, training, are just a fraction of what it takes myself, and other working professionals, to operate legally and at a standard of quality that enables us to (try) and make a living.
Read MoreOver the last five months or so, I have enjoyed many days in Red River Gorge, spending hours on Kentucky's finest sandstone routes. Besides climbing, I also had some photography objectives in mind– including capturing images for a new guidebook.
Read MoreJust released is an e-book I co-authored, entitled "Tips for Shooting Professional Video Interviews."
With over 100 pages of content, the information in this e-book has been created to help videographers and filmmakers produce professional video interviews.
Read MoreThe Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6K RAW Camera is a high end video camera that I was fortunate to check out for a few days while shooting some climbing and documentary b-roll around Kentucky. The technical specs are out of this world: 4608 x 2592 pixel capture, RAW recording, and a whopping 15 stops of dynamic range, all in a $5,000 package. Read all about it in my full review on Fstoppers.
https://fstoppers.com/gear/fstoppers-review-blackmagic-ursa-mini-46k-raw-cinema-camera-155172
Read MoreThis November, I passed the UAG exam and earned my Remote Pilot Certificate, which gives me the legal license to operate a drone commercially in the USA under the Part 107 rule. I am pleased to offer this service to all of our clients in Kentucky and around the United States. So what does be licensed even mean? Why does it even matter? In this post, I'll explain why this is serious stuff and outline the reasons you should only hire licensed pilots to provide aerial video and photo services for your business or project.
Read MoreIn this article for fstoppers.com, I review the Black Magic Design Video Assist 4k, a dual monitor and recording solution for filmmakers.
Read MoreMinnesota friends! This November I’ll be teaching a Photography Workshop as a part of the 2016 Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) Conference. If you lead outdoor programs, or are an adventure athlete and want to learn how to take better photos of the incredible places you go, consider checking it out. I’ll cover a ton of tips and tricks in this full day, hands on workshop!
Read MoreAmidst a tumultuous couple of months that had been jam-packed with video shoots around the country, in early July I found myself in Michigan for my good friend Jakob's wedding. While enjoying a draft german beer at the reception, compliments of Jakob's new father-in-law, Jen and I chatted up our buddy Scott and after about 10 minutes, we had all but planned out specifics for a kayaking trip on the Two Hearted River. Four weeks later, we were on the water, but only after having made an unexpected trip to the animal hospital...
Read MoreIn this article I wrote for Fstoppers, I used my recent airline travel experiences to outline a number of tips and questions that a traveling filmmaker or photographer should consider. Late flights, gate-checked bags, and picking a travel backpack that best suits your needs. This and more in the full post.
Read MoreWorking in video and photography has really taught me that things can happen quickly. A phone call, email, or even text message can immediately change the course of my plans and I've found it vital to remain flexible and open to those opportunities.
Read MoreWow, Bill Thompson and the crew of Downwind Sports did a stellar job at the 2016 Michigan Ice Fest! There were a number of sponsors in the mix this year, led by the charge of Black Diamond as Title Sponsor. We’ve been attending the event for years and this one certainly raised the bar!
Read MoreWhile written articles and word of mouth have their benefits – in this day and age, videos are a superb way to market a business. With this in mind, and after seeing some of the work Mike had done on the Michigan Ice Film, Garrett reached out to us about creating a video that would help show what Peabody Ice Climbing is all about.
Read MoreWhile working on content for an e-book about video interview production, I wrote an article for Lensrentals.com, all about audio gear and techniques.
Read MoreIt’s safe to say that when the ball dropped on the evening of December 31st, 2014, I had no idea that in twelve short months I would be writing a summary of my experiences from my new home base in Lexington. I’ll try to keep this as brief as possible, while exploring the notable jobs and events of the year, as well as the decisions that led my partner Jen and I to a somewhat unlikely destination.
Read MoreI shared with the audience of Fstoppers, who are always hungry for new behind the scenes content, this informative piece about a promotional video Wilkinson Visual made in 2014. It features motion timelapses, slow motion, and a tricky "match-cut" sequence.
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