In a new three-part series, Marc Gafen talks to three professional photographers who have harnessed their considerable skill sets to make the move to shooting video. Each photographer discusses the similarities and differences between stills and video and shares their best tips for would-be film makers. In part one we talk to Brisbane based photographer Hailey Bartholomew.
Everyone breathed a collective sign of relief when chatter about the digital revolution finally died down and we could again concentrate on the craft of producing beautiful images, regardless of the tools and approach taken. But no sooner had things slowed down, than we now have another revolution to contend with – the video revolution! Over the last few years, many amateur and professional photographers have become more interested in capturing moving images with their DSLRs. Among professional photographers, many are using this newly developed skill to produce personal and commissioned work. We spoke with three professional photographers to get an insight into their experiences with the medium, how they came to shoot video, how they incorporate it into their businesses and what knowledge they have to share. Making the move from stills to video may take some getting used to for most, but ultimately the goal is the same – to shoot fantastic pictures. The move to video may prove to be more challenging, but the rewards are equally significant. What’s required is the desire to learn and perfect a new skill, perseverance and a mind which is open to new possibilities.
Hailey Bartholomew
Brisbane-based photographer Hailey Bartholomew – www.youcantbeserious.com.au – has been shooting professionally for the last five years and she specialises in shooting portraiture and commercial work. Interestingly, Bartholomew started making short films for fun before she began shooting stills. She says she had stories to tell, and the moving image was the perfect medium for her to use. Bartholomew’s initial forays into video were focussed on producing short clips to promote her stills work. A show reel with client portrait sessions proved effective as people were booking her for her photography, but not yet for her video work. Her early commissioned video work came from other photographers, impressed with her promo material, wanting show reels to help market their own businesses. 
Photographer and film maker Hailey Bartholemew. “I think I
actually find stills harder in some ways – so short a moment
and just one image to tell a story!”
Her commercial stills clients soon began commissioning video work and last year she directed TV commercials for Subway and Movieworld as well as producing a series of mini-documentaries for Suncorp. She was also hired by renowned portrait photographer Sue Bryce to direct and shoot a documentary called “The light that shines” along with a couple of promotional films for her. Today, 90 per cent of her commissioned work is video, but she also uses it extensively for her personal projects – essentially anything that inspires her. “From finding love-heart rocks on the beach to interviewing older couples on love, film is my favourite medium to tell a story,” Bartholomew says.
Bartholomew says that while her transition from stills to video was relatively easy, some of the technical and editing aspects did prove challenging. She relied on experts to help guide and train her. One of the greatest lessons she’s learned shooting video is the importance of planning what you want to create before you actually pick up your DSLR and press record. “Things probably won’t always go exactly as you’d planned, but knowing what you need in your edit means you know what you need to film,” she says. Bartholomew suggests considering the angle, the details and how you might edit the various parts together. And when you’re shooting, you can simply tick things off as you go. 
Home.’ Hailey Bartholomew shot this image on a video and stills assignment in Laos for charity TEAR Australia. Video footage relating to the image can be found on Bartholomew’s blog. The image was a finalist in the 2013 Head On Portrait Prize.
When it comes to her kit, Bartholomew’s is extensive. However, her advice to those who want to dip their toes in the water is simply to start making films with whatever they’ve got. All you really need to get started is, a DSLR with video capabilities, a wide lens (35mm is great for hand-held shots), a comfortable strap and some large-capacity memory cards. To prove the point, she made a piece with just that gear to show what’s possible – see below.
Bene&Sam from hailey bartholomew on Vimeo.
Bartholomew says that one of her strengths as a photographer is being able to find “real” moments with her clients as well as being able to have plenty of fun with them at the same time. “I think this skill translates very well into video,” she says. “And to be honest, I think I actually find stills harder in some ways – so short a moment and just one image to tell a story!”
365grateful.com from hailey bartholomew on Vimeo.
How to Shoot Beautiful Videos With Your DSLR (Part 2)
How to Shoot Beautiful Videos With Your DSLR (Part 3)
Article first published in Australian Photography + digital (October, 2013) magazine.