Development: Session 2

Shooting session 2:

22/03/2012 at Union Plaza

Contrary to our first session at the Social Sciences building of RGU, this was shot outdoors.

I chose the Union Plaza area because it is one of the most urban/big city areas of Aberdeen. And again we want to promote an image of modern luxury, except our budgets would not allow us to travel too far.

Ironic.

This time I had another lens to test, Canon 85mm f1.8.

Contrary to what the price might suggest (approx 260, compared to ‘mere’ 80 pounds for 50mm 1.8), I could not tell any difference except the focal length of course.

Since during our first session we covered most of the ‘trick side’, this session was meant to provide us with the filler footage (see in Case studies section, mainly the first parts of analysis) for the build up part.

As we discovered the area though, we happened to come up with some interesting ideas for using the urban landscape and the Union Plaza’s architecture to our benefit. The low-light square, strong red light of the entrance wall and reflective surfaces of the building walls were among the elements we took advantage of.

Still, this session was mainly about getting ‘extra’ footage and material that looks nice by itself.

This is the footage we got in the process (the best bits compiled together):

What I learnt in the process:

The repulsive nature of Aberdeen’s weather has not helped us much.

As the performance took place outside, it was difficult for Radek to do much with the cards due to the strong wind.

Also as the temperature surprisingly dropped to 2 degrees not long after our arrival, again cold hands get in the way of executing sleight of hand smoothly.