If you're a regular reader of Videomaker and the Videomaker blog, you've no doubt read about or seen our videos on lens whacking.
It sounds like a rough treatment of camera gear, but lens whacking is a videography technique by which the camera operator holds an unattached interchangeable lens in front of a cameras lens mount. By hands-on manipulation of the lens position, a variety of depth of field effects and light leaks show up in the recorded footage.
Lens whacking is a videography technique that requires some experimentation and takes some practice to produce interesting and creative results. It's easiest when done on a locked down camera, the lens becomes the only moving object that needs manipulation. But how would you do it with a camera on a stabilizer?
Lens Whacking On A Body Rig
A body harnessed stabilizing rig, such as a Steadicam or a Glidecam, is a staple of videography. It helps to create smooth life-like movement with the camera and brings a touch of realism to any scene. Effectively using a body harness rig for videography is another skill that takes practice.
Combine it with lens whacking and you have a difficult proposition, but one that's pretty cool if you can pull it off.
15four, a digital agency in Baltimore figured out how to pull off this stunt. We are very fortunate that they were able to share with us their technique and write about it on their blog. It's obvious that it's a technique that takes a team effort to pull off, 15four explains it all while also sharing the gear they used. It's an interesting read and a great example of how creativity flourishes when technical know-how meets experimentation.