By Maya Wilkinson and Jody-Ann White


All video uses some sort of lighting, whether it be natural light (from the sun) or artificial lights. The goal of video lighting is to choose the best source(s) to achieve your goals.
First and foremost you need enough light. You must ensure that your camera is able to record an acceptable picture in the conditions. With modern cameras this is seldom a problem except in very low light or strong contrast.
Assuming you have enough light, you must then consider the quality of the light and how the various light sources combine to produce the image.
If you have clashing light sources (e.g. artificial interior lights with sunlight coming through the windows), you may find the colours in your image appear unnatural. It's best to control the light sources yourself if possible (e.g. turn off the lights or close the curtains).
When moving between locations, think about what light source you are using. If you move from an outside setting to an inside one with artificial lights, the amount of light may seem the same but the colour temperature will change according to the type of lights. In this case you need to white balance your camera for the new light source.


Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio is the difference in brightness between the brightest and darkest parts of the picture. Video does not cope with extreme contrast as well as film, and nowhere near as well as the human eye. The result of over-contrast is that some parts of the picture will be too bright or too dark to see any detail. For this reason you need to ensure that there is not too much contrast in your shot. See Camera Contrast Ratio for more details.

By Tsahai Thomas


Today we'll be looking at shot angles. The different angles from which you take a picture, or film a video can give an audience various meaning and interpretation of a scene. So for all our young photographers and film makers out there, be sure to choose your camera angles well before producing, it could make the world of difference.


There are several types of angles one can use to take a picture or film a video, so sit tight as we go through each one.


Birds Eye View

This is taken from directly overhead. Images taken from this angle can look very unnatural at first such as houses that look like match box or umbrellas that look like dots. This is the angle we would normally see the earth from in an airplane. This shot helps to put the audience in a god-like position, looking down at the action. Objects and people can be made to look insignificant or simply apart of the wider scheme of things.


High Angle


This shot angle although taken from an elevated angle, is not as extreme as the bird's eye view. The camera is elevated above the action giving a general view of what is going on. High angle shots  such as the one shown can help the audience feel apart of the action. At times, however, it simply makes objects seem smaller, such as the cheerleaders on the ground, and thus they become less significant. When using high angle shots, the characters tend to get swallowed up by their settings as they become apart of the wider picture.








Eye Level


As the name suggests, the audience gets to view the action on a face to face level. This shot can be used especially with conversations among characters or simply to get a personal view of a scene. The camera is usually placed five to six feet from the ground. (Yes this picture is one of me and some friends).










Low Angle



Low angle shots are used to increase the height of characters or objects. This is used especially in cinema to at height to short actors. This type of angle helps to create a sense of confusion within a scene, and audiences feel a sense of powerlessness and confusion as the action speeds along. The added height of the subject assists in inspiring awe, respect and sometimes fear in audiences.
















Canted/Oblique Shot


The camera is sometimes tilted to get what is called a canted shot angle.  This can create a sense of imbalance, transition or instability. This is mainly found in horror movies (but I did not want to scare any of you bloggers with one of those pictures). The technique is used to suggest point of view i.e. when the camera becomes the 'eye' of a character by seeing what they see. A hand held camera is usually used. 















These are the basic camera/shot angles. I also added a video from YouTube demonstrating the basic shot angles. Please check it out.

By Reneece Francis

Hi guys, I'm just putting up a few of my articles form my tech page in the Observer TEENage paper. My tech page consists of games and gadgets, do enjoy.


Super Mario Galaxy 2- Release date-May 23, 2010

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is an upcoming platforming video game in development for the Nintendo Wii. It is the sequel to Super Mario Galaxy. The game's levels are galaxies filled with minor planets and worlds, while its game play is based on that of its predecessor, updated with gravity effects and new power-ups. Old mechanics will be returning from Super Mario Galaxy, such as blue Pull Stars, sections restricted to a 2D axis, balance ball levels, Lumas, and gravity-reversing background arrows. Also, new items and game play mechanics have been showcased. These include a drill that allows Mario to dig through dirt into new areas and in some cases explore the interior of planets. Players can also collect Comet Metals hidden in the stages to unlock harder levels with tougher challenges.

Radioisotope Battery

Tired of the short lifespan and battery life of your laptop and cellular phone? Tired of having to walk around with your charger in search of an outlet? How about a change? Scientists have recently found that nuclear-powered batteries can solve our problems. The new radioisotope battery is the size of a penny and provides much more power than the traditional ones because, according to the researches, its capacity is very superior. The new nuclear battery would bring a solution based on a liquid semiconductor (rather than a solid semiconductor) that will produce a much longer lifetime for the battery. The reason is that the solid semiconductors are attacked constantly by some radioactive elements used by other types of batteries, while the liquid semiconductor is quite resistant to these attacks. Wow, how awesome would that be?

i4 Universal Charger

IDAFT, a Spain-based technological company has created a four-way portable charger that can charge up to 4000 different kinds of mobile phones and technological devices and gadgets, with its interchangeable tips. It was designed with three charging stations and an additional USB charging point that allows users to charge their electronic gadgets without the jumble of tangled cords or the need to have more than one outlet.

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa - April 27, 2010

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa will feature all 199 national teams that took part in the qualification round, the 10 official stadiums to be used in South Africa and stadiums from each qualifying region. Gamers will be able to play as their home nation from the qualification round right through to the FIFA World Cup Final and feel what it is like to score the goal that inspires national pride. Everything fans love about the World Cup will come to life in spectacular detail, including confetti rain, streamers and fireworks, just like the official tournament. For fans of nations that failed to qualify for South Africa, this is the chance to rewrite history. Plus, game play innovations capture the journey from qualification to the final tournament with home-and-away strategies for every nation, situational tactics in-game, and altitude effects that fatigue players faster and even impact the flight of the ball.

Lighting is the deliberate application of light to achieve some aesthetic or practical effect. Lighting includes use of both artificial light sources such as lamps and natural illumination of interiors from daylight. Day lighting (through windows, skylights) is often used as the main source of light during daytime in buildings given its low cost. Artificial lighting represents a major component of energy consumption, accounting for a significant part of all energy consumed worldwide. Artificial lighting is most commonly provided today by electric lights, but gas lighting, candles, or oil lamps were used in the past, and still are used in certain situations. Proper lighting can enhance task performance or aesthetics, while there can be energy wastage and adverse health effects of poorly designed lighting. Indoor lighting is a form of fixture or furnishing, and a key part of interior design. Lighting can also be an intrinsic component of landscaping.

• What is Cinematography?
• Why is Cinematography important?
• What is interesting about Cinematography i.e. Why should i care?

• Cinematography is the art or technique of movie photography, including both the shooting and development of the film.
• It is an important art of expression and many times serve as our entertainment, information source and educators.
• EVERYTHING about Cinematography is important. Every aspect of a picture adds to the final effect.

By Reneece Francis

Shot size, also known as camera distance or social distance is how far the photographer is to be, to the people or objects in the frame.That is to say, the distance at which he or she is, in order to take the photograph or to take a video. As such, this process allows for a relationship between the viewer and the individual or object in the photograph or video.
There are three main shot sizes; long shot, medium shot or mid shot and close-up or intimate distance. However, with respect to long shot and close-up, there are variations to such.

Long shot
a. Long shot, LS, also known as wide shot, WD, in film, shows the entire picture. That means, if there is an individual or some sort of landscaping in the shot, the entire individual or landscape will be highlighted. This shot is seen as public type of distance or objectivity.

b. Extreme long shot- this is where the entire individual is shown, however, from a very far distance, so he or she is barely visible.

c. Medium long shot- there is a great amount of detail and information that can be gathered from this shot, with regards to the individual and settings. Basically everything is seen clearly enough to be able to come to a conclusion about the photograph.



Medium Shot/Mid-shot
Medium shot or mid-shot, MS, usually cuts of people from the waist or cut out the background only highlighting specific areas. That is to say, a person's expression or movements will dominate the frame or the screen, with regards to film. This shot is seen as a more social shot.








Close-up/Intimate Distance
The close-up or intimate distance directs the viewer's attention to what the individual is doing, saying or feeling. It may also highlight an object which may be of significance to the narrative. In this shot, the person's head and sometimes shoulders are shown.
a. Medium close-up- this is where the individual's head and shoulders rest comfortably in the frame.

b. Big close-up- this is just before the individual's chin, to the middle of his or her forehead.

c. Extreme close-up- this is dramatic focus on a particular part of the body or the object, for instance, the individual's eyes.

We introduced you to our team but you haven't really gotten to know the masterminds behind Crazy Levels. Here is a run down on six different levels.



Amusement Park Level
If u want gladness, here she is! Mandlana Graham aka Mandy, is the joker of the group. A smile is contageous n hers is of no exception, always keeping the vibes going. At 21 she is a student of carimac aiming to be a successful journalist. She is funny, sweet and always ready to take friends on a joy ride 2 happiness, just be sure 2 buckle up and keep ur hands in the ride at all times, things can get dangerous, those with heart problems should probably sit this one out, as Laughter levels can pass the body's maximum tolerance! She can get crazy :D










Extemporaneous Level
The Spontaneous Jodiann Freckleton is known for her sociable and bubbly personality. She is Libra of Eighteen years who's interests lies in Media, Politics, and human behaviour. She is currently a full time student at The University of the West Indies, majoring in Media and Communication; Television Specialization.












Looney Cartoony Level
The craziest of them all and the risk-taker in the group, Reneece Francis is a libra of 20 years and loves to have fun. She is currently a TEENage Observer writer and a student at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, where under Media and Communications she specializes in television. Trini 2 d bone is her motto to some, this Trini-Jam beauty appears more Jamaican than Trinidadian.

Swagger Level
The fun bringer and vibes master in the group, Biko Coleman is a libra of 19 years who loves to party and socialize with persons of the opposite sex. A footballer and a student at the University of West Indies, majoring in entertainment and cultural enterprise management.









Creative Level


Epic Level of Insanity!

The Martian of the levels...no-one is certain she is human...she certainly doesn't think like one. Maya Wilkinson aka "epicmayers" is 19 year old Leo. She is a model, dancer,actress, badminton player, graphic designer and video editor, and a student at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, where she studies Multimedia at the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication. She has a webshow on her channel on youtube called EPICMAYERS (SUBSCRIBE TODAY!!...NOW!!). She believes in self expression through the performing arts, as well as self expression simply by being honest and open...but tactfully so.
Some say a conversation with this eclectic girl can have various effects...many have reported loss of memory, brain explosion, and complete paralysis caused by too much laughter...add me on facebook! :)
Show me the cameras! :P
/\/\/

Apple has brought us the iPod (Various editions), the iPhone, innovative laptops and desktops. One of the leading technological companies in the world today, apple has recently launched its new handheld device called the ipad.

The ipad is said to be a cross between the smart phone and a laptop, no doubt defeating the pupose of both. In a world where blackberries demand the attention of the user at all times and technology is becoming more important, the ipad is a very attractive toy.

At a starting price of $499 the ipad has a variety of useful features; it is 9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5 inches of polished glass and cool aluminum, everything the iPhone and iPod touch are taken to grand scale. Perhaps more than any previous device, however, the iPad’s specs aren’t what’s interesting or even as important here. It’s the experience.

You’ve seen the photos and watched the videos, but holding the iPad in your hand for the first time really is a different experience. Of course it’s solid and well-constructed, the large glass panel and aluminum back mean that there is no flex at all. The buttons are well-familiar by now – home, power, volume, and a switch that locks the iPad into landscape or portrait. They’re all nice and clicky and as solid as the aluminum casing.
Speaking of that aluminum casing, it blocks WiFi signals pretty effectively. To get around that, Apple placed the WiFi antenna behind the plastic Apple logo. While all reports indicate it’s a good antenna, I do find that I’m getting slightly worse reception on the iPad than I do on other devices. Apparently the 3G model will have a plastic strip on the rear panel so there’s more room for the antennae to breath. It’s too soon for me to say for sure, but I think it might help on the WiFi-only version as well.
I’m not sure why Apple went with a black logo on the back instead of a white one, but I like it. The fact that I’m reduced to talking about the color of the Apple logo should say something: Apple’s designed this thing like they did the iPhone, by removing as many physical elements as possible so the device can become invisible and you can focus on the screen. Ignore the complaints about the bezel around the 9.7″ screen – it’s fine and doesn’t seem as large in person as it does in photos.



The screen is great – 1024×768 with 132 pixels per inch equates to just the right size, I think. Any higher resolution and not only would those iPhone apps look odd, but likely there’d be a lot of squinting going on. The screen also features ‘In-plane switching’ (IPS), which means that you can view the thing from pretty much any angle. Fingerprints and reflection: both definitely there and a nuisance, but with the bright screen on you don’t notice them too much. The glass is ‘oleophobic,’ so fingerprints are easy to wipe off.
I’m forever grateful that Apple switched the silent switch to the rotation lock – the accelerometer on the iPad is very sensitive. On balance, I think Apple did the right thing by having the screen rotate so quickly and easily. There’s nothing more frustrating than repeatedly tilting a device to rotate the screen. It’s a testament to the fast processor and to the way that OS is built that you never have to wait or try hard to rotate the screen. Dang, though, the iPad sure does flip the screen around quite a bit.



Put me in the camp that isn’t disappointed that the iPad isn’t widescreen. For web browsing, a 16:9 screen would get annoying really fast. Also, honestly, you spend a lot of time switching between portrait and landscape and if we had a long, narrow device the change in page rendering would get old mighty quick.
At 1.5 pounds, I initially was worried that the iPad would be too heavy for me – or at least too heavy to justify a spot inside my gear bag. After using it for a few days and toting it around, my basic feeling is that I wouldn’t complain if the thing shed a half a pound or so. It’s heavier than you might expect and holding it up in one hand gets tiring pretty fast. You’ll find yourself leaning back and setting it on raised knee (Henceforth: the iPad Position), setting it flat on a table and looking down on it, or perhaps using Apple’s folio case to prop it up. Either we will all get beefy forearms and wrists or we’ll be choosing furniture that’s more conducive to raising your legs up. iFixit’s iPad teardown actually reveals quite a bit of empty space inside, my guess is Apple spent quite a long time balancing weight and battery life.
On that balance, Apple clearly went for longer battery life and I fully applaud them for it. In my first few days of testing, I can say that the iPad definitely achieved Apple’s 10 hours of use. Cranking the screen brightness up to 100% will cut down on that, though – I had it set high for several video reviews and noticed the difference. The bottom line is that you don’t need to fret too much about battery life.
I expected typing on the iPad to be completely abysmal, but I’m happy to report that it’s better than I expected. The portrait mode keyboard is strictly hunt-and-peck, but I do wonder if I might get faster with prolonged use. I’ve spent so long one-handed typing that apparently my right hand has key placement ingrained in more than just my thumb – I can truck along fairly quickly. In landscape mode I find I can type faster than I expected too – much faster than I have ever been able to on my Dell Mini 9 netbook. The trick for touch typists it to pretend you no longer have pinky fingers. Apple’s second-to-none autocorrect helps out here as well.

The speaker is loud, but even though it’s a little gimmicky on a device of this size I do wish there were two speakers for stereo. The headphone jack works, sound is crisp and loud. You can hold down the volume-down button to immediately silence all sounds.
The experience of using a touch screen this large is surprisingly intimate. With an iPhone (or any smartphone), the ergonomics of having something small in one hand means that you’re tapping with one finger or two, often (literally) at arm’s length – the touchscreen is small and at the ‘end’ of your fingers. With the iPad, you need to use larger gestures, your hand floats above the screen instead of the tips of your fingers. The ergonomics require you to either recline and set it in your lap or lean over it on a table. If the television is a ‘lean back’ interface and the computer is a ’sit forward’ interface, the iPad is an ‘embrace’ interface. You haven’t had a relationship with an object like this since your childhood teddy bear: you tote it around with you everywhere, you sit cuddled up with it, you take it to bed with you.

Just wanted to introduce you to a member of our team, Maya Wilkinson, who wasn't in the group pictures :(
Maya Wilkinson

Meet Crazy Levels.... A group of University students ready to take media to the next level!!!

Meet the group:
> Biko Coleman
> Mandy Graham
> Tsahai Thomas
> Reneece Francis
> Jodiann Freckleton
> Maya Wilkinson

Crazy Levels is a group of friends who are enrolled as Media and Communication students at the University of the West Indies Mona.

From top of the picture we are:
Biko Coleman
Mandy Graham
Tsahai Thomas
Reneece Francis
Jodiann Freckleton
Maya Wilkinson (missing from picture)

Our aim is to take media and communication to levels it has never seen before. We are ready to take our study to a crazy level!!