A Walk Through Rock Creek Park
For the last four years, my wife and I have lived within a stone’s throw of Rock Creek Park. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but we’re close enough that it shouldn’t have taken me two years before venturing into the massive green space that bisects the North West quadrant of Washington, DC. Ever since I started going, though, I’ve had a hard time staying away.
Family responsibilities (now two little ones making us a party of four), professional obligations, and life’s little unanticipated interruptions (or even the ones you’ve actively chosen—Hello LIVERPOOL FC, YNWA!!!!) have prevented me from being down there more than I would like.
One of the pictures from my walk last week.
On my last visit, I brought my FujiFilm X-T200 and snapped a boatload of pictures. As you can see, the sunlight was doing some really cool and exciting things while piercing the thick canopy above. When I took the pictures, I wasn’t sure some of the things I saw would be captured by the camera. The last time I did any serious photography it was still in the analog era and I was developing my own film. I honestly miss that process, but I’m glad I can get near-instantaneous results.
In addition to re-engaging photography, I’ve been interested in learning a little about videography. This will be a new adventure for me, something I’m not certain I have the patience for, but will nevertheless attempt to master—at least at a novice level.
With an iPhone, or any new smart phone for that matter, you have a built-in video camera that’s quite good, even for more advanced folks. There was even a famous Iranian filmmaker who directed a film shot all on a series of iPhones. Of course, he did that because it was the only way he could film a movie and skirt the regime’s decree banning him from making any more movies.
Along with my iPhone, I purchased a gimbal—a device that helps stabilize a camera as you move while capturing video content. In fact, I purchased two. The first one didn’t really fit the newest version of the iPhone (13) and while using it I would have to be cognizant the arm could end up in the shot. After doing a quick google search, I found that the DJI OM5 was best suited for what I wanted. It was compatible with the 13, was beginner friendly, and had an affordable price point. It also has an app that syncs up with your phone.
After reviewing some entry-level YouTube videos, I decided to jump right in and see what I could come up with. Suffice it to say I won’t be winning any Academy Awards, but I really had a good time getting lost on the app with the various settings and functions while trying to capture a portion of my walk. I will certainly watch a few more online tutorials and see if I can find some weekend videography classes in the DC area that can help me better understand the basics.
Of the videos I was able to take, I uploaded one that seemed like the best of the bunch. It’s an 11-minute clip of my walk, shot from a low angle (the gimbal upside down and my iPhone right at shin level). For a first-time effort, I was quite pleased. Here’s to many more.
A short clip from my walk through Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC. It’s my first attempt at using the DJI OM5 gimbal. Hoping to get better as I use it more often.