Over the past week, I had the opportunity to work on various shoots, each presenting unique challenges and learning experiences. From navigating tight filming spaces to capturing an all-day tennis event, this week reinforced the importance of adaptability and problem-solving in video production.
I worked Friday evening with Connor White from WVU News to film his story at Gene’s Beer Garden. We immediately encountered space limitations—there wasn’t enough room for both of our cameras, so we had to take turns. Adding to the challenge, some patrons at the bar did not want to be on camera, which significantly restricted our B-roll options. To adjust, we moved to the basement speakeasy, where we captured interviews and unique visuals. While it wasn’t the shoot we originally envisioned, the experience reinforced how crucial flexibility is in this field.
Saturday was a long but rewarding day at Summit Tennis Academy, where I assisted Luke Blain with his story on freshman Lyla Byers. One of my favorite moments was filming a creative sequence that captured both Lyla and her father simultaneously, a visual element that could be compelling in the final piece. Throughout the day, I focused on getting a strong variety of shots while carefully managing my camera battery and SD card storage. I was able to save enough battery life to capture the team singing "Country Roads" after their match, a perfect way to conclude the shoot.
On Monday night, I joined Jamie Green and Reilley at a powerlifting practice to help film Jamie’s story. This shoot was particularly enjoyable because the athletes were very open to being filmed, making our job much easier. I also had the opportunity to mentor Reilley, showing him different filming techniques and letting him practice with my camera. It was a great experience to reinforce my knowledge while helping a classmate develop his skills.
On Wednesday, I went to the Coliseum with Camden Bilotti to re-shoot his standups and sound-on-tape segments. We faced some timing issues, waiting for practice to end and dealing with constant background movement, but we remained patient and got the shots we needed. This process served as a reminder of how patience and persistence are key in a dynamic sports environment.
In the editing lab, I helped Luke troubleshoot an audio issue and provided feedback on Connor and Joey’s package. On show day, I arrived at the studio around noon, excited for production. I thought the team had great chemistry, and overall, the show went smoothly. However, I did make a small mistake by pressing the wrong button and disrupting the side monitor. I take full accountability for that and will be more careful next time. Despite this, I believe we put together a great show, and I’m looking forward to seeing our progress moving forward.
This week highlighted the unpredictability of video production and the importance of adaptability. Whether adjusting to filming restrictions at Gene’s, managing exhaustion during an all-day tennis shoot, or troubleshooting technical issues in the edit lab, every experience contributed to my growth as a videographer. I am excited to continue refining my skills, collaborating with my classmates, and pushing myself to create even better content in the weeks ahead.
