When I found out I got the role of ENG this semester, I was thrilled! One of the main reasons I chose to major in Sports and Adventure Media is because I’m fascinated with working behind the camera, shaping visual storytelling, and being part of the crew that makes everything come together. Going into this show cycle, I felt confident from the start that I could capture strong shots and contribute creatively, while also knowing there is still more for me to learn.
Although I was excited to get the ball rolling, I knew there would be a learning curve since I was using a different camera than the one I worked with last semester in 380. But one thing that stood out immediately was how collaborative the environment was. I never felt hesitant to ask questions, and that openness helped me get comfortable quickly. Because 380 was still fresh in my mind, I also found myself able to help classmates refresh their own knowledge. Working alongside another ENG, Havannah, who is currently taking 380, gave me opportunities to step into that supportive role. Helping others while still learning myself created a balance that made the experience feel productive rather than intimidating!
One of the biggest areas of growth for me over these two weeks has been understanding the camera on a deeper level. Simply spending time shooting (adjusting, experimenting, and troubleshooting) pushed me forward quickly. At the beginning of the semester, I was asking for guidance on certain technical details, but now I’ve reached the point where I’m helping others with those same things. That shift showed me how valuable hands-on repetition really is! One big takeaway I learned is that technical confidence doesn’t come from memorizing settings; it comes from working through real situations and adapting in the moment.
Creatively, I also enjoyed contributing ideas during shoots. Whether it was blocking standups, suggesting visual transitions, or finding ways to frame environments in more dynamic ways, I leaned into thinking visually rather than just mechanically operating the camera. I’ve always had a strong passion for directing and developing unique shot ideas. Being on ENG allows me to bring those creative concepts to the reporter’s package, and so far, they have been very receptive and trusting of my vision. Being trusted to help shape how something looks on screen reinforced my excitement about pursuing this type of role professionally!
Of course, not everything went perfectly, and those challenges were just as valuable. Audio presented some learning moments, especially during my first shoot. Monitoring inconsistent channel readings reminded me how important it is to stay alert to technical details beyond just framing and focus. It reinforced that strong visuals mean little if the sound isn’t usable. Another challenge came while filming at Coopers Rock. By the time we reached the cave location, the sun was setting quickly, leaving us working with limited light. We adapted with phone flashlights and creative adjustments, such as the transition shot with a hardhat light, but it was still a reminder of how environmental factors affect production decisions. The hike back through snowy woods in the dark was eerie yet memorable! The experience opened my eyes to the physical realities of field production that you don’t always anticipate when planning a shoot.
On the Monday before our first show, I also had the opportunity to stop by Studio B and help as ENG for Andrew’s prerecorded adventure segment. I focused on making sure he was framed properly and checked in via FaceTime with Professor Scatterday to confirm we had the final positioning right. The more relaxed environment compared to a live taping allowed me to pay closer attention to technical details and workflow, and seeing the behind-the-scenes setup helped me better understand how preparation in the studio contributes to the overall show.
When it came time for our first show taping, it was exciting to finally see everything come together. Watching the team’s hard work from the previous two weeks translate into a live production gave me a stronger appreciation for how all our roles connect! It took me a moment to refresh myself on setting and storing the studio cameras, but once Cam and I locked in our camera angles, everything ran smoothly. We stayed coordinated throughout the show and remembered to switch to the correct camera at the right moments.
Overall, these two weeks confirmed how much I enjoy the ENG role! I’ve had fun collaborating, experimenting creatively, helping edit, and improving technically. More importantly, I can already see measurable progress in my confidence and understanding of the equipment. As the semester continues, I’m excited to keep refining my skills, supporting my classmates, and finding new ways to contribute visually and technically to our productions!