New Perspectives
BY CARLOS ESPINOSA, MESA, ARIZONA, USA - This last week, I went to an electronic store (no names) and came across a few nice cameras. I was looking at a Canon XL2 and a few Sonys that I cannot recall the models. It was weird since I was viewing the cameras differently this time, since my trip to Africa. At first, I did not notice but it became clear what I was doing. I was like, "Hmmm, no I don't like this button here, or why is this here, they should have placed this here....” and so on. As I held each camera, some models felt more natural to hold than others. It was funny because, in the past, I always read reviews about different camera models. I guess this time I was doing my own reviews, contemplating which camera I would donate my kidney to purchase over another.
Lately, I have been able to watch more films, since I have a little more free time on hand, and I see them differently. The way they are shot, the way they are edited, it seems like I used to have on foggy glasses and now, everything looks more clear as to why films are shot and edited as they are...or at least I think so. This takes me to the next thought and that is, what is next? I want to start working on something now but it is harder when you are going solo. So, umm, hello? I am eager to start a new project, or even continue to provide support on editing the documentary and the feature film.
About two weekends ago I was able to participate in a 24hr film festival by Apple. I worked with some of the crew members again. Even though the film was not completed how we wanted, we had a blast. It felt so good to go out and work on something you have a passion for and love doing. Even if this meant getting up at 4:30 a.m. with almost no sleep at all. While shooting, I felt more comfortable than before, setting the camera up quickly and getting good shots; especially since it was dark and a little tricky to focus (because of a fence that was in front of the action). I was able to shoot through it, however. Maybe the pressure was not as high, or I like to think that what I experienced in Africa has helped me to be more confident in my work. I only wish I could be part of more projects, but then I realized that between the real world, my job and my obligations, at times this is harder to do. Maybe soon I will have a job that revolves around film, where I will be able to focus all of my energy towards and do great things.
It is an odd feeling that next month it will be three months since that great adventure in Africa. I was home sick this weekend, so I went back and read every single blog from day one. It is interesting to read our thoughts and our expectations before going to Africa, while being there and after coming back. Reading these blogs took me back there. I could not help to laugh many times, having these images play back in my head while reading some of the blogs. I wonder if we will ever have an opportunity to do something like this again. For some reason, one day is sticking out in my head and this was when we went to shoot the exterior shots of the town. Even though we still had a strict schedule to follow, the day was rather quiet, calm and very fun. I could tell that the skeleton crew was having a great time shooting and going around Lusaka. It was not fun, however, when Mike was slacking in alerting me of oncoming traffic...good times.