Training!! I Need Training!!!

[adutto]

Guys,
since I began diving more than 10 years ago I've been trying to improve my video quality but I'm nothing but disappointed with my results...
Seems that nothing I do improves the quality, not even the countless hours I spend in Final Cut trying to improve me deficient raw takes.

Right now, I'm diving with a Sony Handycam HDR-XR260 Camcorder with a couple of SOLA Video 2500 lights, the setup is quite good, but obviously the cameraman not...



I need help, I want to take a course but can seem to find anything pre-packaged that suits the need... So, if anyone has a recommendation on how to proceed, or a suggestion on someone that can dive with me and give me the 100% honest feedback and tips I need, I'm all ears!

Thanks for reading thru my self-frustration hehehe

 

[Bubblesong]

If you can post a few short clips it would help the pros diagnose? I am hoping to learn too.

 

[adutto]

If you can post a few short clips it would help the pros diagnose? I am hoping to learn too.

Gladly!

Here's my """"""Best""""""" work, with the cuts that made it thru...

EDIT: These are the one taken with the set-up mentioned above.

 

[Bubblesong]

These look, great to me, but more experienced video people might have some suggestions?

 

[adutto]

These look, great to me, but more experienced video people might have some suggestions?

you are too kind!

 

[GJC]

I think they look very good.

I'm no expert, but I have found my videos are steadier with a wide base tray to hold onto. Also, the more your rig weighs, the more mass there is to resist motion. My video camera is Gopro size and I am considering adding lead and a float to my rig so it has more mass but stays neutral in the water.

You didn't mention filters on your rig. I find a big improvement using red (for blue water) or magenta (for green) for the long shots that your lights can't reach. Just remember to get them off when the light goes on.

 

[diversteve]

Some options worldwide - may not be current;
Underwater Video Training Thailand | Video Courses | Courses
Underwater Videography Course @ Oceans Below, Koh Tao, Thailand
School Of Filmmaking
Pro Underwater Videographer Course
Your Guide to Creating Underwater Video - Learn How to Shoot Underwater Video - AnnieCrawley.com - when she lived in LA she taught u/w video - maybe still does.
Cathy Church's Photo Center - Cathy Church's Photo Center - - also teaches video on Grand Cayman.
Video camera courses | BonPhoto Bonaire

Look around here also, you might find someone locally that teaches. More of a pro site than ours.
Video Gear and Technique

 

[adutto]

I think they look very good.

I'm no expert, but I have found my videos are steadier with a wide base tray to hold onto. Also, the more your rig weighs, the more mass there is to resist motion. My video camera is Gopro size and I am considering adding lead and a float to my rig so it has more mass but stays neutral in the water.

You didn't mention filters on your rig. I find a big improvement using red (for blue water) or magenta (for green) for the long shots that your lights can't reach. Just remember to get them off when the light goes on.

I use the filters just like you do, but I hardly ever take them away, even with the lights on! good tip! I'll try it this weekend.

 

[adutto]

Video camera courses | BonPhoto Bonaire

That one I will use! this year I'll be teaching a class in Bonaire, but definitely I'll take some time off so I can talk to them and get one of their classes

Thanks!

 

[sea_ledford]

Are you/can you white balance underwater? That purpleish hue to the water at about 1:00 on the Helma Hooker clip is pretty distinctive of a red filter without white balancing. If you can, you should be white balancing with any significant depth changes - more often in shallow water, less often in deeper water. Also your shots need to be slower and more stable- which is the problem with about 99% of people that shoot underwater.

As far as classes, if you can't find someone that has something pre-packaged, find your favorite videographer and ask them how much it would cost to do a video course. I have asked a few great cave photographers (Becky Kagan-Schott and Jill Heinerth for example) about doing a cave photo class and all were more than happy to schedule one for a reasonable day-rate. I haven't had a chance to follow up with anyone for an actual class, but it is just a matter of making it a priority on my part.

-Chris