We’re super excited to be hosting a Video Boot Camp for Photographers on April 6-7 with photographer-turned-videographer, Victor Ha, who also has a hand in developing Cinevate‘s awesome line of video gear and Benro‘s support systems. Do you have clients who want you to expand your repertoire into video? Or are you burning with a desire to make that short film you’ve been talking about for ages? Or do you just want to know how to make cool video with your HDSLR? Then this seminar is for you.

Explore and learn the basic skills and elements needed in transitioning from the photography into HD Video. This two-day, hands-on seminar will investigate the concepts of storytelling and what tools, skills and concepts are required in moving beyond the still and into the world of HD video. Plus, all attendees receive a free Benro monopod. So that’s a pretty sweet deal.

What can you expect to get from this seminar?

“My goal for this seminar is to have everyone leave with a practical understanding of creating video and a deeper appreciation for craft,” Victor said. “I want all of my attendees to leave my class motivated to create more content and inspired to push themselves past the barrier of capturing just stills and into the world of creating motion.”

Check out the two-day schedule, which is jam-packed with information:

Day 1:

• How video applies to your photographic profession
• The nuts and bolts of using an HDSLR to create video
• Some basic filmmaking concepts
• Using your photographic tools to create video
• Essential video-based tools and why they’re important
• Conceptualizing, planning and capturing a simple project
• Planning your first project.

Day 2:

• Filming your first project
• Audio 101
• Video Lighting 101
• Editing 101

When we found out we would have the change to host this seminar, we were stoked. And we knew Victor would be a great instructor, given his own personal experience shifting from photography to videography, and his practical experience in helping develop products for companies like Cinevate and Benro.

“It should not be a surprise to you that our industry is shifting,” Victor said when asked how his experience as a photographer and videographer influences the development of Cinevate and Benro products. “As our cameras become more focused on providing us with still and motion capabilities, staying on the cutting edge of technique and products is crucial to our success as image makers because we need the right tools that not only work well for us, but also feel comfortable and natural in our hands. In my experience in working with manufacturers in creating products, I bring a unique perspective to product development because I have the experience of transitioning from stills to video. At my core, I’m a photographer, so the tools I use must cater and appeal to the photographer within me. I bring this same level of practicality and pragmatism to my suggestions and recommendations that I bring back to the manufacturers creating the products for our industry.”

We thought we’d take a closer look at Cinevate and Benro and why they rock for photographers transitioning into video.

Cinevate’s goal is to equip filmmakers and photographers with the optimal tools to achieve their creative goals.  They are a passion project, bringing highly innovative cinematic tools to reality, and this quest adds production value to any filmmaker’s work. Cinevate prides itself on simplifying filmmakers’ equipment lists and reducing their overall production costs by providing high-quality filmmaking tools that are durable and withstand the test of time.

One of our favorite Cinevate line of products are the Atlas Sliders. They are easy-to-use inexpensive tools to help you add movement to your video project. If you’re an indie HDSLR filmmaker whose working with a tight budget, one option is the 26″ Atlas 10 Slider. It’s compatible with any standard 3/8″ threaded ball head and, weighing less than 10 lbs., easily transportable. Need a little more range? Check out the 35″ Atlas 10 Slider.

If you want a little more flexibility with where you can place your slider and set up your shot, you might be interested in the 58″ Atlas 30 Slider, which features an all-terrain leg system, 100mm Bowl, and 58″ rails. The over-molded, non-skid ball feet are designed to withstand rough ground while being gentle enough not to damage delicate surfaces. With this system you can sit the slider anywhere. The system is designed for ultra-smooth movements on loads up to 30lbs using long even long focal length lenses, and will accept heavier loads up to 45lbs with no complaints.

Want a little more freedom with your camera movement? Cinevate’s Simplis Ultimate DSLR Support Kit  is the solution for anyone needing a lightweight, “run and gun” support rig. Incorporating a revolutionary system that allows a filmmaker the unique ability to customize and scale their rig as desired, Simplis is ideal for any filmmaker seeking a versatile, modular and upgradeable DSLR Support System. Check out the video below for a closer look at the Simplis Ultimate DSLR Support Kit:

Take a look at the other Cinevate products we keep in stock.

Benro, a tripod manufacturer dedicated to creating high-quality tripods and heads for filmmakers and photographers, is also a HDSLR videographer’s best friend. That’s why we’re giving our Video Boot Camp attendees a free monopod. Leveraging decades of experience in manufacturing and design, Benro prides itself on being the product of choice for photographers and filmmakers that rely on their equipment while developing their creative visions. Professional products at an affordable price, Benro is perfect any image-maker at any level.

The Benro A38F Series 3 AL Monopod & S4 Head Kit is a great deal for the videographer on the move. The Quick Lock Legs with Anti-Rotation Leg System make the monopod height easily adjustible with a flip of the quick lock leg levers. The Pan Drag/Lock Lever adjusts tension and locks the monopod head within 360 degrees of pan movement, while the Tilt Drag/Lock Lever sets tension control and locks within a complete range of full front to rear tilt axis. Plus, the included carry case and strap makes for handy transport and protection.

Want a little more stability? Benro C1573F Series 1 CF Video Tripod & S2 Head Kit offers exceptional rigidity and torque-resistance that’s so critical to smooth camera movement. Benro tripod legs can be independently locked into place at three different angles to enable shooting in cramped quarters, on irregular surface areas, or at ground level. The tripod comes equipped with a choice of screw-in rubber feet or stainless steel spiked feet, and the QR Plate System with Safety Lock makes camera mounting and dismounting easy.

Take a look at the other Benro support products we keep in stock.

We hope you join us April 6-7 for our Video Boot Camp! For a preview of the dynamic instruction that you’ll get from Victor, check out his recent webinar, and check out his blog here.