UWOL #35 - Upstairs and downstairs - by Trond Saetre and Hege Johansen
 

This was a joined project between my friend Hege and myself.
The idea was to see what creatures live near the water surface, both above and below.
As so often before, time and weather had their own opinions about how and things should be done. But, a challenge must live up to it's name, so a challenge it was.
Should have had more varied footage, but ran out of time.

The underwater footage was filmed with a gopro, hanging in a line. Made it hard to control the camera movments, resulting in shaky footage. Tried the "warp stabilizer" effect in Premiere, but that made it even worse. Any tips and ideas for how to get more stabilized underwater footage with the gopro, is most welcome.

Feedback: Level 1, Bring it on!

(Notice that this video is not part of the judging since I made the challenge theme)

Re: UWOL #35 - Upstairs and downstairs - by Trond Saetre and Hege Johansen
 

I like your film Trond.
Thank you for sharing.

Re: UWOL #35 - Upstairs and downstairs - by Trond Saetre and Hege Johansen
 

Thank you Trond and Hege - a nice little example of sea life at the shore, and well put together with the commentary and music.

I had similar problems with a GoPro in my film about the brook, and solved it by using a carbon fibre mic boom pole I have - its not ideal, and you have to dry it well after, but it works pretty well as a low cost solution. Another way would be to hang a weight below the camera to keep it stable on the line.

I look forward to seeing more entries from Hege in the future!

Re: UWOL #35 - Upstairs and downstairs - by Trond Saetre and Hege Johansen
 

Trond and Hege, thanks for posting, good to see collaborations. Its only by experimenting that we can improve.

Mick

Re: UWOL #35 - Upstairs and downstairs - by Trond Saetre and Hege Johansen
 

Thank you, Geir Inge, Paul and Mick for the feedback! Hopefully I will get time to make my own entry next time.

Re: UWOL #35 - Upstairs and downstairs - by Trond Saetre and Hege Johansen
 

A boom pole would definitely prevent the gopro from spinning/panning on its own will, like it did for us when filming the fishes and shrimps. Thanks for the tip!

Re: UWOL #35 - Upstairs and downstairs - by Trond Saetre and Hege Johansen
 

Apologies for posting here so late. Welcome to UWOL Hege and hope you will enjoy your time here making some interesting videos.

I enjoyed your little film although I wish it had been longer and that you could have got in a bit closer to some of those interesting looking creatures. Seems like you did not have good weather.

Trond if you are a bit handy you could make something like this. I found an old window cleaner with an aluminum telescopic handle and I adapted it for the GoPro: We hammered the end flat and drilled a hole in it. We also rounded the end so that the camera could be used at different angles. It fits into the standard fitting of the GoPro waterproof case. I can stand on a bridge and reach the water when it's fully extended. At the opposite end I glued on a round level like the ones used for leveling a caravan. It is useful if you want a level shot.
We also made a short one that is easy to carry in the camera bag for use in shallow water like fishponds.

Re: UWOL #35 - Upstairs and downstairs - by Trond Saetre and Hege Johansen
 

Thank you, Marj!
The tip about the window cleaner bar sounds like worth trying out. Would have helped a lot!

Used my XM300 to film the "no name" creatures, and I had focusing issues when trying to get closer. I agree with you, close ups would have improved the film a lot.