UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Unfortunately the cast for my plan A story did not pitch! To make up for it, however I did get to witness a number of animals coming down to a waterhole in the (hot) late afternoon and this ultimately determined the final shape of my film.

I decided to split my video into two scenarios – one featuring daybreak (and best time for finding birds) and one featuring late afternoon and dusk. Both scenes took around half an hour to film.

I set out specifically to capture footage that would demonstrate the effect that the early morning and late afternoon light was having on the subjects and on their surroundings while it was continually and rapidly changing through time. For this reason I focused on one or two subjects only. I was particularly enamoured by the effect the golden light was having on the mist and spray in these scenes. I also confirmed during testing and filming final footage that, contrary to what I have been led to believe, the light in this part of the world is far from soft especially in the late afternoon and I ended up with high contrast images.

My videos are normally educational in nature and packed with information but I wanted to take a break from my usual way of doing things and so this time I have deliberately not done a V.O. and hope that the footage will speak for itself. How successful I was in these endeavours is for you to judge. I would be happy to receive critique @ level 1 from anyone who would be happy to comment!

(Just to clarify: I reluctantly inserted the names of birds purely for those folk who are interested. I deliberately made them as short and inconspicuous as possible so as not to interrupt the mood of this piece.)

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Although I don't like the music I think the visuals are very eye pleasing. Also the bird names and other text add to that.
These colors, the contrast, the setting is just so beautiful ...
Great job

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Another impressive job, Marj. How you can get in an afternoon what a BBC crew would spend a week on is beyond me. I have one question. You have hippos, rhinos and elephants in the range of your camera. Were you in a vehicle? Were you hidden? Looks a little dangerous.

Don't apologize for adding the bird names. People want to know. If anything they were too unobtrusive and on the screen for too short a time. I watched 3 times and didn't even see them until Martijn made a comment.

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Hi Marj,

You did very well, even without your usual VO. Nice to see you try out different styles.

It is the same here, more contrasts in the afternoon than early morning. In my opinion the high contrast images worked well for you, like when the elephants walked out of the water and the sunshine was reflecting off their skin.

As Steve mentioned, the text could have been more visible and perhaps lasted 1-2 seconds longer. I barely had time to read it before it faded away.

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Hey Martijn

Really appreciate your encouraging comments!

(I understand from your broad comment on the music that you do not like my choice of music but maybe you meant that it should not have been included - not sure?)



Thanks Steve.

To answer your question: In South Africa you may not get out of your car if there are any of the ‘Big Five’ or Cheetah in the reserve so you have to film from your vehicle or from a hide - if there are any.

I was well hidden but there was no danger here at all because the animals are relaxed and I was some distance away. (Elephant families led by a Matriarch are not generally aggressive and in this case the Ellies have their ears back – usually a sign that they are relaxed.) Actually I could not include it due to time constraints, but the adults formed a laager when the rhinos arrived and they all got ready to leave by facing in the opposite direction but they did not get aggressive at all. When they perceived that there was no danger they carried on bathing. You will notice that the Matriarch did not take a dip but kept constant watch.)

The problem with Elephants and Hippos (and probably most animals) arises when you get between the mother and the baby. A bull elephant in musthe (breeding male) especially one with flapping ears is something else altogether. He is a dangerous creature and you have to get out of the way very fast when meeting one along the way. We have reversed down dirt roads many times to avoid confrontation with one of these ill-tempered beasts. (They like to walk down the middle of the road and they make it quite clear whose boss and who has right of way!)

Then I accomplished my task! :) I do not have problem adding names but when I added them it seemed to spoil the mood so I made them less conspicuous - seems like I was concerned unnecessarily judging by the comments.

Thanks Trond. Glad to hear that you also experienced high contrast. (Not shown in my final movie) but when I did my tests I found it was only in the final 10 minutes before the sun disappeared that things became soft but then the quantity of light also waned in the gloom

Once again thank you all for your comments. I intend to my feedback at the weekend.

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

The pace and harmony fits quite well, it's the sound of the instruments (DX7?) I don't like :)
Personally I like acoustic instruments .. they have a far more "natural" tone that can work magic together with nature footage.
And again, I love your film!

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Thanks for your reply Martin and for clarifying exactly the issue.

Now I have a problem of course - because you are talking another language altogether! :) - I am loathe to admit it but am clueless when it comes to music terms.

(I guess I will have to start learning before the next round. This place is always presenting challenges!)

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

OK, OK. I surrender! It is possible to make a great video with only music. It has been proved more than once this round. Still, I do miss your voice-over and I have never thought that your videos convey too much information. You obviously don’t need any technical feedback from me but I will note one thing. I think we somehow do ourselves a disservice by calling it the Golden “Hour”. As you say, it can only last ten minutes or at extreme latitudes where the sun never climbs high in the sky perhaps most of the day. Season has a profound effect and weather conditions can produce similar lighting at almost any time. Why limit ourselves to thinking in terms of an hour? Is the rule that no one can get out of the vehicle if one of the Big Five or Cheetah are present on the reserve a national law? I can see how that would be good for business but it bothers me. I have spent a good amount of time around dangerous animals that can and do kill people and I can’t help but feel that I might acquit myself well there much of the time. What I object to is losing a preciously held right- the right to be killed by an African animal! I’m sure my final thought would be that it was an appropriate death that somehow brought me closer to the thousands of generations that came and went before me. I’ll reluctantly admit that I find the mental image of my carcass being hauled up a tree and draped over a branch by a Leopard disturbingly appealing. Ah, well. Back on the bus. I hope to see you again in May, Ma’am.

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Acoustic means instruments, without electronics being played by people and recorded with microphones.
Then there are electric instruments, that basically are acoustic instruments fitted with electromagnetic pickups to capture the vibration of the strings, and also have to be played by people.
And there are "digital" instruments .. the tone is produced by algorithms and/or samples (pre recorded sounds), and can be programmed.
I think acoustic music suits all nature footage better.

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

I am not sure if I am laughing with relief or because this is just so funny - the image this conjures up in my mind of you being hauled up a tree by a leopard with this blissful look on your face while holding a placard proclaiming your right to be eaten by an African animal . . . This was the last thing I expected!
(I had been waiting with trepidation for your post because I did a music video - I guess I was expecting a lambasting. ;) )

I am not sure if it is a national law but all the national, provicial and municiple parks do apply this rule. I must clarify however that you can go walking in the bush with an armed Game Ranger - two if it is a big group.

I am sure you would cope well in the bush but so many people come here thinking they can take a selfie standing next to a lion and end up getting chomped. I have the greatest respect for wild animals.

Thanks for your feedback Mike - much appreciated.

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Okay now I have learned something. Good explanation. I guess this means I can't use Garageband then!? :)

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

you got it Marj :P

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

I hope the rest of you gentle readers do realize that Marj and I have been known to kid each other on occasion! ;)

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Thought I'd check in on my friend Marj just for fun...am I glad I did! You know I'm one of your biggest fans, right? :)

For just a moment I felt disappointed that I couldn't listen to you narrating, but with the title Tranquility you made a perfect call. This way viewers can simply take in the captivating and tranquil scenes.

As Steve mentioned earlier, it is amazing to me that you caught such interesting antics that some of us have not seen before in such a short amount of time. Is there a special reason the African Darters (and yes, thank you for naming them) were posing with wings outstretched? Also, your footage of the elephants mostly submerged was fascinating--something I didn't know about them and haven't seen in any wildlife films.

Thank you for taking the time to let an old farm gal from the States enjoy a quick and pleasant trip to South Africa, Marj. Always a pleasure watching your work.

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Hey Lorinda - It's soo good to hear from you and to know you are still looking in on us. It was really special to get a comment from you today!

Re the African Darter: The shot at 24 sec shows the African Darter swimming with only its head and neck showing above water - hence the common name ‘snakebird’. These birds can remain under water for quite some time often changing direction under water in search of fish which they spear with their sharp bills. (This can be pretty frustrating when you are trying to film them because it makes it difficult to anticipate where they will pop up next with their catch!)
Because their feathers do not contain any oil they are not waterproof like ducks and other water birds. While this improves their diving capabilities the feathers can become waterlogged so they need to dry their feathers in order to be able to fly and maintain heat insulation. You will typically find the African Darter out of water perched on a branch or rock with wings spread wide open as they dry their feathers in the wind and/or the sun.

Once again thanks for popping in on us and for your comments Lorinda

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Hi Marge, lovely well exposed footage that really shows off the African savannah's magic light at it best. You have certainly brought back lovely memories for me of my many times filming in Africa (Kenya). I personally would have liked to have seen the odd cutaway of may be a hot air balloon or the odd vehicle with people enjoying scenery and wildlife for the morning segment and for the evening maybe a group of people sitting around a fire with a sundowner looking out at a sunset to show how much we humans enjoy natures wonders. I would have liked the music to have had an African style to it in order for me to have have been totally transported there in my mind. My only other point is the transition between the morning and evening was I felt a bit harsh for the tranquil mood you had set, something wiggly with soft edges maybe. These points are only of a minor nature and my personal view, and certainly did not take away any of the enjoyment I had watching your entry.

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Hi Marge

Great subject matter and scenery you've captured in limited time. There were lots of tranquil shots making the film. I think that would be strengthened by some slower transitions between shots in general, not just the morning and afternoon divide (it seemed like the transition called attention to itself which detracted from the flow and feel). I think it would blend with the music and overall feel, and really convey the tranquility that was there the rest of the time.

On one hand it was great to see the diversity of wildlife there, but on the other hand it seems like, time permitting, you could easily focus on one animal (or group of) for the duration of the piece. I'm guessing that was plan A? Lots of potential stories in there, and I'd love to see more of these large mammals.

The absence of the VO, for me diminished the story a little. Whilst the shots were arranged in a way that had a progression and conveyed the changing lighting, I felt I wanted more. I guess we all have a bias about preferred style (I tend to like details), and it's certainly worth experimenting and trying new formats.

Thanks for sharing this slice of South Africa. I enjoyed watching it, and am looking forward to seeing your next creation.

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Hi Marj,

The title of Tranquility for me simply took away the VO from this film making one less element to hear and more calm feel to observe, just my view .

Footage wise i like the shots used, the darters are interesting, on the fall of events i may not use the darter drying up first and then swimming, i liked the swimming shot and then when the tussle to get up the perch to get dried up.
Light is so nicely captured all over the footage , i simply love it.

For some of the big game i would have liked a close up or 2 for a small moment at least, would have made it more engaging,

Some of the transitions have been pointed out.

I think you have been to this place quite a few times as you knew where to make your shots in that small time .

The music works nicely for me with the chosen sequences.

Another amazing video from you.

vishal

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Hi Marge,

I wish I had some great tips for you, but at this level, I am only a student! One thing, maybe it is time to move to Africa! I am not sure if that would help my work, but at least my jumpy videos would be of more interesting topics!

Yes, the bird names could have been revealed better and for longer periods. The Elephant bath was worth the whole show for me!

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Hi Marj.
You provide - once again.
This time you have omitted the narrator, in favor of the music, background audio (and perhaps Foleys?).
I go straight to the point and I do not mean to offend in any way.
As it says in the criticism scale (Rule No. 9 for judging), and I quote:
"1 = let me have it! Be ruthless! I wanna produce professional wildlife cinematography at the highest levels."
Well, I have not at all intend to be ruthless. I do not think it is the way to go, when to give criticism. I would rather call it to be honest, as well as make an attempt to analyze the film, the best way I can.
I think your film is almost perfectly put together. The images are clear, colors are great and creatures are super nice to look at. Not to mention the superb light you captured. Fantastic work!
Still, I found something that is not completely fallen in my taste.
The text with the names of the birds could been a little longer, just to mention.
I am very unsure of the choice of music. For me it is simply too monotonous and electronically, in contrast to the wild creature and tranquility found in nature.
Nevertheless, although the music is electronic (also known as cold music) there is a certain warmth in the sound of the notes, which compensates.
Yet, what I miss most is the narrator.
I think I've mentioned before that it can sometimes be a lot of information in your films.
In this it is the opposite, although I can find some information in the background sound and composition of the images.
A narrator, which says something about the time, the mood, the creatures, the light and not the least; tranquility one finds at the water hole.
When you still have chosen to go for music, I'd gone for a warmer music that brings several moods to play with. In addition, people sitting looking out over the water and the creatures would have been lovely. People, enjoying the peace and the tranquility.
Nearly forget it, but I also give you a point plus for the text color. It is not coincidental, is it?

Thanks for sharing.
You play in May, right?

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Just to add to this. This rule applies if any dangerous animals are present - including crocodiles and hippo and hyaena etc. Hippos and crocs are responsible for killing more humans than any other species. This is because they frequent rivers and other waterways and are therefore difficult to contain inside a reserve. They are active at night. Hippos walk many kilometers from the water in search of grass and can pop up in the most unexpected places, catching people unawares.

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Hi Mick - appreciate your input.

Thank you for confirming I got the exposure right for this part of the world - I really wanted to accomplish that if nothing else. This was for me the critical part of this theme – trying to capture the light correctly.

Re the music - Where possible I try to use music with an African style but I found most of the music I listened to was too fast and I wanted something restful so I eventually decided on this piece. I would definitely have preferred African style music for this too. I have found that making these short films is a compromise all the way down the line. If it’s not the weather we have to accommodate, it’s the budget; if it’s not the time available it’s the equipment to hand; if it’s not the music it’s the limitations of your creativity.

Funny you mentioned hot air balloons. That was on my shot list but unfortunately none were to be seen on the days I was at the reserve.

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Thanks for your comments and observations, Andrew.

The dissolve transitions gave me hassles all down the line – to the point that I was going to (and may still) put a post on the Adobe sub-forum. Anyway I agree fully they bugged me too. The transition between morning and afternoon however, did not bug me at all - which is the reason I appreciate this forum - get to see your work through eyes of others.

Totally agree - always better to include a narration but I had a mission here and without big changes to the video a VO here simply did not work. :)

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Thanks Vishal.

Just one problem - the light was very different between those two scenes so I had to present it chronologically otherwise it would not have made sense.


The location where I filmed my sunrise is a place I visit very regularly and last year this time I got beautiful shots at sunrise with the Barn Swallows gathering for their migration. I was a bit disappointed not to find them this year but finding the mist on the water at this time made up for it. It is usually a phenomenon I am used to seeing there in winter. The folk at the reserve have recently dragged some branches into the water at the spot where I filmed and the Darter’s have obviously taken to it as it is an ideal spot for catching the sunlight at daybreak. I was very surprised to see the Hippos at the same spot – they are usually found wallowing in another Dam at the back of the reserve.

The waterhole featured in my film was a brand new discovery for me as I was in a reserve with which I am not familiar at all. I will certainly be visiting it again in future as it seems a good spot to pick up animal activity.

At another waterhole in the same reserve we watched lions chasing waterbuck. They cornered one waterbuck but no problem – it just took to the water and swam out of danger onto a little island. That was really exciting but it didn’t take place at dawn or dusk so I did not include it.

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Hi Geir

Thanks so much for the time you spent to give me your very thorough input - really appreciate the points you make about where I got it right and in particular where I should focus to improve!! Always appreciate the level 1 critique from you. (I had braced myself for harsher critique from everyone because I did not include a narration this time. Most folk were gentle on me.)


Because I appreciate the importance of a narration I tried to include a story very much along those lines but it did not work so I decided to remove it - first because it seemed superfluous - you could see most of it without my having to say a word - and secondly it disturbed the tranquil mood that I was trying to create which at the time somehow seemed more important than a V.O. - third I have a mission to accomplish and it didn't work this time. :)

What is definitely irrelevant for the viewer but is very relevant for me is what I set out to achieve here.
I am trying to get some things right before I continue trotting out any more educational videos – which is my chosen genre.

One of the things I set out to do here was to see if I could get my images to tell a story without too much explanation from me. (You may be interested to know that this is a direct response to your valuable critique that I pack too much information into my videos.)

I am looking forward to the point where I can achieve a balance - where I can narrate but say less by consciously shooting and including images that speak for themselves.

I don’t think my story is particularly strong but I was hoping the antics of the wildlife would be sufficient enough to engage viewers and keep them watching to the end. Judging by some responses it seems like it worked to a degree.

The second aim was to see if I could produce adequate Foley sounds to support my images. Other than you, no one has mentioned the ambient sound in my film so maybe that means it worked well enough to go unnoticed. The entire elephant scene was accompanied by my first home-made Foley sound. (The wind wiped out all the natural sound although I did rescue the matriarch’s trumpet at the right spot. I overlaid some of the ambient bird and cricket sounds that I picked up at the same spot the day before when there was no wind.)

Nope not coincidental - all text colour was very deliberate and for a purpose – as you guessed.

Re: UWOL # 33 - Tranquility by Marj Atkins
 

Thanks for your input Tim. Agree - absolutely lovely to watch those elephants bathing - just very happy I had the opportunity to record it.