Video Modules A compilation of video modules on a variety of subjects using a number of techniques.
A Few Comments Regarding the Video Modules I have wanted to produce video modules for many years. I saw early digital editing systems and became very excited. But the cost of this technology and the effort required to master the software precluded its use. Equally important was the limitation of distributing video content. Slowly, digital video technology became less expensive. And video servers, primarily YouTube, opened the distribution channel in ways that we never imagined. I’ve returned to this medium. Slowly. Mostly using rostrum camera techniques. There are three sections: Travel & Event Videos Instructional Videos Technology Comments
Travel & Event Videos I have taken digital cameras many places. Generally, the photos that I’ve captured are bundled in sets of still images. Increasingly, I use these bundles to create stories. These stories are like illustrated magazines. I’m beginning to document my travels by using bundles of photos to create videos. The links on the following pages provide access to my growing collection of video modules. 2015 The National Orchid Garden (4:55) King Kamehameha Floral Parade, 2015 (8:33) Ranunculus at Flower Fields (8:33)
Travel & Event Videos
The National Orchid Garden Singapore is (arguably) the orchid capitol of the world. The best place to see Singapore’s orchids is at their National Orchid Garden, located inside the Singapore Botanic Garden. YouTube (4:55) 2015
Travel & Event Videos
King Kamehameha Floral Parade, 2015 Each year, on the celebration of King Kamehameha’s birthday, there is a parade in Honolulu. A unique and pervasive element in this parade are the pa`u rides. These are women mounted on horses who are wearing a unique style of garment and spectacularly adorned by flowers. YouTube (8:33) 2015
Travel & Event Videos
Ranunculus at Flower Fields Virtually all of the commercially-produced Ranunculus are grown at Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California. The fields are planted as broad stripes of primary colors. Most flower of each color are nearly identical. Some flowers, however, are quite different. YouTube (2:28) 2015
Instructional Videos I believe that there is both a huge need for good instructional videos as well as great opportunity for creating specific titles. Video servers, such as YouTube, have erased one of the major limitations in storing and delivering video modules. Camera technology, including the use of smartphones, has brought video creation to many people. Ancillary equipment, such as gimbal stabilizers, improves the quality to near-professional standards. There are many ways to create instructional videos. The early videos linked here were built from sets of still images; some were photographs while others were drawings made in PowerPoint. A few images were screen-grabs. One of the biggest challenges has been narration. Experiments on text-to-speech (TTS) technology have shown promise but licensing requirements and cost prohibit the use of this technology.
Instructional Videos
Showing Data on Google Earth This two part video series provides an overview of some of the data representations (Part 1), followed by a step-by-step demonstration of the process (Part 2). YouTube, Part 1 (4:28) 2013 YouTube, Part 2 (9:19) 2013
Instructional Videos
Community Analysis This two part video series provides an overview of the conceptual basis of Community Analysis techniques (Part 1), especially in the context of Ethnobotanical Research, followed by a step-bystep demonstration of the process using the PAST software program (Part 3). There is no Part 2. YouTube, Part 1 (10:01) 2013 YouTube, Part 3 (7:59) 2013
Instructional Videos
Contextual Photography This video was created for the Society for Economic Botany annual meeting in 2015. The focal message is that photography that supports Ethnobotanical research should not focus just on details (like pictures of flowers) but should show the context of the study. There are many techniques available to do this, some of which involve new technology. YouTube (19:07) 2015
Technology Comments
A-Roll vs B-Roll People who contemplate video projects focus on the technology required to place a person on-camera who will narrate the video. Video clips with such an “actor” are called A-roll. Getting good lighting and clear video can be a challenge. B-roll video clips are those without an on-camera “actor.” These are often broad scenes that show the context, or close-up shots of details. Sometimes they are static shots and other times they are filled with motion. Documentary subjects are often filled with B-roll video and very few A-roll clips. The B-roll materials have a voice-over track that explains the video. B-roll is much easier to create than A-roll video. Consider, carefully, how you can minimize the need for A-roll shots. You’ll likely be surprised how this can simplify your video production.
Technical Comments
Rostrum Camera A rostrum camera, in the original use of this term, is a video camera on a copy stand that moves over a still image (such as a photographic print). The camera can move any direction as well as zoom in or out. The original physical setup has been replaced by a virtual camera by using software. I use ProShow Producer for this task, but there are a number of alternative programs that work well. Rostrum camera technology lets you create motion in what would otherwise be a series of still images. This adds a needed dynamic to a video presentation. A strong point of the rostrum camera approach is that you can re-purpose still images and make them useful (and interesting) in video productions.