A Second adventure

Our little boy Casper’s Birthday party really was only part of his birthday celebrations. We had always planned his actual birthday to feature a trip out. We often take him places to see animals. He seems quite the curious little chap when we go to pet stores, aquariums and of course we’ve already taken him to Cotswold Farm Park. So this time, the plan was to take him somewhere bigger. We were going to take him to Cotswold Wildlife Park.

The weather on his birthday turned out not so encouraging, but on the promise of a brighter weekend, we opted to keep things local for the day. A trip to Cheltenham for lunch out, where Casper had a little go at colouring in and a stop at a soft play area. Slides, all manner of squishy bouncy things and a massive ball pool. What else could you want? Naturally, when we finally arrived back home, there was only one way to round off his first actual birthday. More Cake (we ate most of it)

A Wild Weekend

A glorious Sunny Sunday morning rolled around, we packed a picnic and set off to Cotswold Wildlife Park. Casper’s first time looking at much bigger animals. We made our way around towards the rhino area, then detoured back around the the other side of the park to see a huge queue around the penguin feeding session. We opted to go see a few other things before coming back round when things quietened down. As it was such a warm day, a lot of the animals were a little lethargic. We’ve never really been able to spot an active lion, today was no exception. We could just about make them out, lying down in some long grass as the back of their enclosure.

One of our favourite parts of Costwold Wildlife Park is the lemur enclosure. An enclosed and guarded area with a large area of greenery, pond and walkways where the lemurs are free to roam around. Often you get really up close with them as they scurry and skip alongside as you walk by.

Casper seemed to love these cute furry creatures, but as they sauntered off in one direction towards the lure of feeding time, we made our way back to the penguins. They always amuse me, watching them waddle, groom themselves in the waterfalls the plummet unceremoniously back into the pool to cool off. Agile in the water, but clumsy as you like firm ground.

Pit stop

After a spot of lunch on a picnic blanket, we made our way through the wooded area, looking at the owls and pallas’s cat as we went by (who seemed to hide every time I wanted to take a picture) We made Our way to the train.

Casper took it all in his stride as he sat on our laps, spotting the animals in the distance. Once we completed the loop, we headed towards the petting area. Was he going to get to touch any animals? As we made our way round the smaller animals, the ponies, the pigs and the goats, our little boy started to lean back more in his seat, his eyes heavy after a very exciting (and very, very warm sunny day).

We went over to see the giraffes as they wandered in and out of their tall feeding shed. It is amazing being so close to the giraffe’s neck you can literally see them swallow, and watch it flow down their long patchy necks. For an animal so huge, with their long, bony legs, they walk by with a certain air of grace. By the time we had reached the rhino for the second time, Casper had fallen asleep. Such a big day. We learned later that a little zebra that was lying on the grass being caressed by its mother had actually been born earlier that day.

Filming Wildlife

As we wandered around the grounds, we saw many camera enthusiasts with lenses of various sizes and other accessories to boot. Of course, I was ‘one of those’ armed with my trusty camera and monopod, I thought I’d have another go at making a video montage of our day out as a family.

As this was another very sunny day, I had a lot of brightness to contend with. Learning from last time, I was determined to keep an eye on the exposure a bit better for this video. I did as best I could with this and, for the most part I think I managed reasonably well. I suspect further investment ND filters and such would probably help a lot in such situations.

I tried hard to add variety in the shot making. It found it difficult when shooting animals at distance to keep things interesting, but I think of the material I have kept in, there is enough there. I did notice as we were on our return leg of the trip back to the car, I realised that I’d missed some great opportunities for B-roll. I must must must remember to record more establishing shots and general scenes to allow me to break from scene to scene more effectively.

As I am working on all aspects of videography, I am also looking at ways to improve my editing. These days I find myself paying more attention when watching TV/Film to how the pieces are put together. I have incorporated a new technique in my editing to add a bit of contrast to a simple cut or cross dissolve. There are more I am planning to add to my editing arsenal but this time I focussed on adding “light leaks” which when used correctly, offer a more subtle transition between scenes and can almost make the cut invisible. I’m happy with how those have turned out, though I think I should be careful about where the light bleeds into the scene and whether it helps hide the cut or detracts from the video itself.

Overall, I think there is much to be pleased with with this video, although I should try and make something more interesting than a simple montage. There’s a few ideas I am going to consider when making my next video, but for now, from a cinematic perspective to date, this is some of my best work. In all honesty, its probably fair to say I am a way off being the finished article or to be of a standard where I can say, yes I am 100% happy with that.

The Good

Variety of shots

Use of different scenes to drive narrative

Addition of new transitions

The Bad

Some shots still not steady enough

Colour correction/grade still needs refinement

More B-roll, more B-roll, more B-roll