Clean Run Magazine - February 2010 - 34

on, zoom, record. And most have a red dot or other mark on the record button so there’s little doubt that it’s the button to push. But it doesn’t hurt to be safe and have a step-one, step-two card for reference. Chances are your mind will be on your upcoming run so there may be a detail or two that you forget to pass on. Discuss your objectives, what skills you’re working on, and what your goals are. If there’s a particularly difficult section of the course, mention that you’re working on it.This will allow the camera operator to focus her attention on that particular skill or area. While you may want her to shoot everything, she can be certain to concentrate on a particular area. If I’m running camera for a friend or training partner, I like to ask what their goals are so I can be sure to concentrate on those particular subtleties. Give plenty of warning. You know your marker dog; make sure your camera operator knows him too. Before you leave to go to the gate you might even want to remind her, “I’m wearing a white shirt and blue pants” so she can keep an eye out for you. If I am filming for someone else I often start filming early (as early as when I see the team on the trial floor) and follow them through their entire warm-up routine. So for me, the marker dog may not be helpful but remembering what my subject is wearing is essential. Also remember to reciprocate and offer to tape for your camera operator when she runs her dog; it will be appreciated. If you are operating the camera winter, when trials are few and snow covers the equipment, you’ll have time to review and make notes. Better to spend your time making training notes than reviewing the run to try and figure out where and when the trial took place. If possible, you may also want to shoot the course map to have a visual record of it as well. • Microphone: It is helpful in a trial situation if you mute the microphone on the camera or turn it off entirely. Unfortunately, cameras don’t always have this option, so if you’re taping for someone else it is helpful to try to control the ambient sound that the camera cannot help but pick up. If your subject’s instructor or training partner is nearby and available, see if she can narrate the run. A verbal as well as a visual record can be very valuable. an excellent tool, overusing it can cause motion sickness on playback. Try to be gentle and sparing with the zoom, keeping in mind the subject’s objectives. If she’s working on footwork, stay focused on her feet. If she wants a record of the run, a moderately wide shot should suffice. era at a trial, try sitting and using your legs to steady the hand holding the camera. Most conventional cameras are extremely sensitive to even the slightest movement so the steadier you can be, the better the end result. • Zoom: While the zoom is • Camera angle: Try to get some height and some distance from the ring so you’re shooting down on the run. If that’s not possible, try to be sure you’re in an area where there will not be a lot of foot traffic in front of the camera while you are filming. class, the date, and even the judge. Naturally we all keep meticulous notes and immediately file all of our taped runs appropriately, but there are times when life gets in the way and we just don’t do what we had planned to do. In the dark of • Brace yourself: If you don’t use a tripod to steady the cam- • Slate: Verbally give the handlers’ name, the dog’s name, the • Run time: Verbally give the run time at the end. Sometimes you can shoot the clock, but it may not always be visible. And the timer on the camera may not be as accurate as necessary to give the full picture. ID Guaranteed to last the LIFE of your pet! • Premium stainless steel • Deeply engraved • No noise • Will not fall off or wear out • No ring or hook • Doesn’t hang and get caught on things • CollarTags™ available for almost all collars • Will not get in the food dish • Visit our website for details www.BoomerangTags.com 34 Clean Run | February 10

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Clean Run Magazine - February 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - February 2010