Vlog #9: Landscaping Projects, Multi-Camera Shoots & Trading Gear
1. Landscaping Client Shoot (Big Project, Multiple Sessions)
About Us Video + Social Media Clips
I’ve been collaborating with a landscaping company that wants an About Us video, plus extra footage for social media and their website. One of my favorite options to offer is a footage & clips package: after filming, I deliver the best highlights (fully color-graded, no audio) so the client has plenty of extra material to use however they like.
Three “Heavy” Shoot Days
This contract calls for three full-on shoot days, complete with:
- Another Videographer: My friend Ben from Morrison Media joined me.
- Full Gear: Lights, microphones, harness rigs, multiple cameras.
Working with someone of equal (or better) skill is a huge help. We can split tasks and ensure we’re capturing everything needed, without me juggling every moving piece alone.
2. Meeting the Second Shooter
Before we started, I grabbed breakfast with Ben to go over the shot list, talk gear, and let him test out my Lumix cameras (he’s a Sony shooter). We ended up talking more than prepping—oops—but it still went smoothly on shoot day. Having someone you can hand a task to, knowing they’ll crush it, is an incredible stress reliever.
3. Learning Curve: My Trinity System Mishap
I’ve been using a homemade “Trinity” stabilizer system, which usually impresses clients and yields super-smooth footage. But:
- Overweighted Rig: I recently reconfigured my cameras to allow for handheld use. I didn’t balance the rig correctly beforehand.
- Result: It felt unmanageable after just 15 minutes. I had to switch gears to handheld, which, luckily, still fit the aesthetic.
Lesson: Always double-check your rig setup the night before, especially if you’re using heavier or more complex gear.
4. Splitting Big & Small Filming Days
Because this landscaping job spans multiple phases, we structured the contract with:
- 3 Major Shoot Days: Full crew, full gear, capturing the main work.
- Additional “Just Me” Days: A lower rate for quick visits (1-2 hours) to grab progress footage or drone shots.
It’s a win-win: clients don’t pay a full rate for every minor update, and I can efficiently cover everything without overbooking. This approach also ensures they get a complete story from start to finish.
5. Exploring MPB.com for Gear Trades
I’m prepping for a December shoot with a symphony and need five cameras. Since I love the Lumix S5 series, I decided to trade in some gear to acquire extra bodies. Enter MPB.com:
- Instant Quotes: You input your current gear (condition, accessories) and pick what you want to trade for.
- Flexible Trades: MPB suggests adding accessories (like spare batteries) to boost your trade value.
So far, the process seems promising. I’m awaiting final confirmation on condition and pricing, but it’s a great option to know about if you want to buy, sell, or trade used camera equipment.
6. That Time I Crashed My Drone (But Got Lucky)
During a recent project, I finally had my first drone crash—a dreaded milestone all drone pilots secretly expect. Thankfully, the damage was minimal, and my drone still works fine, but it was extremely nerve-racking in the moment. The real fear? Needing that drone for upcoming shoots and not knowing if it would survive!
Final Thoughts
That’s it for Vlog #9. Between multi-camera landscaping shoots, reorganizing my rig, and testing out a gear-trade service, it’s been a busy stretch. Plus, the drone scare taught me a valuable lesson: always be ready for the unexpected.
If you found anything useful or have questions, drop a comment—I’m an open book. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next vlog!
—Jake, Blue Tie Productions