Hoodloupe Review

One of the most vital pieces of add-on gear a DSLR video shooter must have is a good loupe.  A loupe is a viewfinder-like attachment that fits over the camera's LCD screen and gives you something like an EVF (electronic viewfinder).

There are a wide variety of loupes available.  BorrowLenses.com has the Hoodman and Zacuto available for rent.

Currently, I use the Hoodloupe by Hoodman.  It's a simple design with a diopter (allows the finder to be adjusted for a user's eyesight) and a couple of mounting options.  The one I use is the crane.  It allows for precise adjustment of the finder's position and also let's you quickly remove and replace the unit.  It requires no adhesives or anything like that.  Brilliant design.


My Hoodloupe fitted with a Bluestar chamois eye cushion.

Oldie

In the fall of '09, I shot a piece about video artist, Bill Viola and his innovative installation, "Pneuma."

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

This was great to be a part of.  First, I was really happy with how I was able to integrate the art into the interview shot.  You'll notice the key is clean, but the fill (shadow side) on Mr. Viola varies depending on what the art is doing.  It's subtle but I really dig what I came up with.
Secondly, the interview was eye-opening.  I had never been into video art before this job, but Bill Viola has an amazing approach to the medium, especially in this recent installation.  Take a look at the video, and I'm sure you'll agree.

Produced, directed and edited by Philip Dolin
Lighting cameraman: Me
Production Company: Particle Productions

Art Upstate

Here's a link to a great art video I worked on with Philip Dolin of Particle Productions/Circle Terrific Media.  It's a short doc about Sherry & Joel Mallin and their amazing outdoor art collection on their expansive estate in Bedford, NY.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

On this piece, I shot b-cam for the sit-down interview and a bit of the walk and talk stuff.  Then, as the D.P. and producers continued with the subjects, I roamed the grounds and did beauty work - the landscape, full coverage on the art (details, wides, etc.).  It was a lot of fun to be able to just set off and shoot.

Produced, directed & edited by Philip Dolin & Molly Bernstein

Director of Photography:  Mead Hunt

B-Cam, 2nd Unit Photography:  Me

Location Sound:  Mark Mandler

Production Company:  Circle Terrific Media

**For the geeks, the A-cam was a Sony PDW700, and the B-cam was an EX1.