Max Erickson: 2011 Cinematography Reel critique

.Max.

.Max.

Active member
Hey everyone, I recently finished my cinematography reel from 2010/2011. During this past year I shot four short films, and a little bit of action sports. I made an attempt to use light, sound and time to convey as much emotion as the footage was intended to have when the light hit the sensor.

I know the song is used, but this isn't aimed towards the ski community, and I was attached to it so don't tell me that it's been used.

I would hugely appreciate any comments and critiques that you guys have. I know I'm a somewhat bad cinematographer/editor but it's a huge passion of mine and I would like to improve, so if you have anything to say, say it please.

2011 Cinematography Reel from Max Erickson on Vimeo.

Thanks ahead of time! Be picky!
 
it felt like you shot some diverse things which is really neat. Overall seemed good but I felt like there was to much of the shots from the short films IMO for a cinematography reel but I that is what you were shooting. Overall good job can't wait to see some more ski footy this winter from you man.
 
That was pretty sick! The short film shots were awesome at the end. A few things that caught my eye:

I hated the opening title where you went for that glitchy look. Didn't go with the song choice at all. And no need to have it say Max Erickson cinemotography reel twice, a the beginning or at the end. Just pick one or the other.

Some of the lighting in certain shots was not the best. There were times when the lighting was really flat, which could've been changed real easy by adjusting on-camera contrast.

I would cut out like a minute of it. A reel should be a teaser of what you're capable of, which will also give you the opporitunity to go through the shots with a comb and take out some of the lesser shots. There's some real good shots in there that look awesome.
 
I like the feel of it and you have variety which is good because it means you are shooting a lot and thats the best way to become good.

few things to watch out:

saturation, oversaturating is killing your image and taking away detail and making it look amateur.

Watch out for focus: I remember one shot especialy where you see him working on cables and electronics. I expected the shot to fall into focus but it never happened. it just remained slightly blurred and thats no good. it may look artsy to you but its not in every situation + being artsy is over rated. /Hipster

3: your lighting: on your next projects take time to concentrate on lighting. sometimes too much light is worse for your shot than not enough. You dont want to flood your scene with lights, you want to add it so it shapes your scene and makes it look more 3 dimensional. 1example of flooding was in that hallway, he walks past an open door which over exposes him. this is too much light. other scenes you didnt have lights and it looked flat. sometimes color grading can help that but it takes a lot of practice and skill. try to shoot with any light available. Im the biggest fan of practicle light. ( light that is on set) it looks natural and will always help when shaped properly
 
Thanks everyone so far! I changed the intro and it's currently uploading.

BikeMlatt,

Which shots seemed flat to you?

MatRich,

Which shots did you find over saturated? Which hallway shot was too blown out?

As far as the tracking shot on the table, I realize that what should be the focal point (the tips of his fingers) is slightly out of focus, but I think the shot has enough redeeming qualities to justify its use, even with the minor flaw.

I'll definitely focus on lighting in my next project, anything you would recommend investing in?

More critiques are welcome!
 
2:33 is a good example I think. there was another shot that bothered me but I can't find it.

Also the 1:1 shots kinda bothered me.
 
nice work man. I would agree with the fact that you are over saturating. you are crushing you blacks. Just watch out for that. Nice work though!
 
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