I converted my wheelchair to filmmaking machine in college.
When I first started in video storytelling, I didn’t know how I was going to use a camera. Most cameras at the time were too heavy for me, and I couldn’t even attempt to hold a camera and drive my chair at the same time. That just wasn’t practical.
I wasn’t going to buy a brand-new, lightweight camera just for class, either. I didn’t have a spare $2,000. It was slightly disappointing, because I thought my work would be bad. 🙁
So I sat with my professor one day in his office, and we strategized. We thought about all the possible options with the equipment we already had. We knew I could use my phone to film, but how will I hold it and drive?
That’s when my professor started looking around his office, and found a camera mount. 💡 We could mount that device to my chair, and it could hold my phone still at my eye level.
We called this device the ChairCam!
It worked quite well in capturing my perspective as a wheelchair user going around a college campus, and I could easily use my chair to get a more cinematic look with pans, tilts and more. I eventually learned I could use chairs and parts of chairs when I didn’t have the camera mount.
I am very thankful for my professor, and I am glad we found a solution in the budget and limitations we had. 💯
Many people think you need the fanciest cameras to get the best footage. You don’t.
Sure, a new camera can offer more dynamic videography and photography, and, sure, it has neat settings that our phones don’t. Yet, there is a price tag. In fact, some of our cameras cost more than $10,000, and that’s not always practical. I understand.
I just don’t want you burning your cash when it’s not necessary. A new camera will take you only so far, but that’s not what camera manufacturers will tell you. Expanding your camera and storytelling skills will take you to the next level, regardless of the gear you use.
To improve your storytelling and camera skills, grab a copy of my Free Video Marketing Guide. It will make your videos look better and get views.
