CamDolly Tips #1
The first in an occasional series suggesting ways to get great results from the CamDolly modular camera dolly system.
In getting the perfect shot, having good equipment is only part of the equation. Obviously, you need the knowledge and skills to use the equipment effectively. The good news is that a lot of that knowledge is easily obtained through planning and practice.
The CamDolly is designed to perform well in a wide variety of settings – in the studio or on location. Nonetheless, it’s necessary to pay attention to any environmental factors that might interfere with the dolly’s operation, or which might adversely affect your shot. Chances are that if you’re working in anything other than the completely controlled, optimized environment of the studio, your surroundings will present you with a variety of challenges you may not anticipate, ranging from uneven surfaces to lighting irregularities. As a camera operator, your challenge is to plan for these challenges and effectively compensate for them before the scene is shot.
CamDolly in a table top camera dolly mode
Begin by closely examining the surface that the dolly will be moving across. If you’re using the CamDolly in tabletop mode, take a good look at the table surface: Is there any warpage? Are there surface irregularities such as cracked veneers or raised areas? Is the surface completely clean, dry, and grease-free? Does the table “bow” in the middle under the weight of the dolly and camera? You may not be able to fix some of these problems – but you can probably compensate for them.
If you’re using the CamDolly on wheels on a floor or paved surface, what irregularities do you see? Even small irregularities—say, small pebbles, sand, dirt, or other debris—can cause unwanted vibration or uneven dolly movement. Ensuring that the surface is swept free of any debris before you begin is an easy way to eliminate problems before they happen.
CamDolly as a tracking camera dolly
If the surface is too uneven—a warped wooden floor, or deeply cracked pavement, for example—using tracks rather than wheels alone might be a better choice, as obviously operating the dolly on smooth straight or flexible track will eliminate these problems. But what if the movement you have in mind can’t be accomplished using track? Simple: Replace the surface. Laying down a few sheets of flat plywood can create a smooth, wheel-friendly surface.
Next, check and double-check your dolly and camera setup. Is everything assembled correctly? Are all bolts tightened? Is the camera mounted and angled correctly? There’s probably nothing more inconvenient or embarrassing than discovering that some simple but essential setup item has been overlooked when it ruins your take halfway through.
Once the surface has been adequately addressed and the setup has been double checked, try a “dry run” of your shot and your dolly movement before you start—and then do another one. Work slowly and deliberately, with an open eye for any potential onscreen irregularities: Any wayward shadows or reflections, or other irregularities in the lighting? Any bumps or vibrations? Is the dolly’s movement smooth and fluid from start to finish? Most importantly, does your subject remain precisely where you want it to be in the frame throughout the entirety of the camera’s movement?
All of these simple steps will go a long way towards speeding up shooting times by eliminating problems before they happen. Best of all, they lead to better on-screen results.
