New Vid dropped on the channel

[Rollingrock]

Gents

I would appreciate some feedback on this video.  I feel like my investments in proper software and tools, have helped my vids have come up in production value but I need real feedback other than my family etc.

This is the first of a series I am putting out of the recent trip to NWA.   

Let me know what you think:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAyCQi690g4

[Rollingrock]

And while you are looking I just dropped another video on the channel

This is all my son Nicholas.   He is 13 and is a new rider.   Learning as he goes.  He is getting better each time he rides

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik-FmaipP90

This one is very cute, love how he talks to himself, it is fun.

JP

[Kitzy]

I was a little slow but I watched both videos.  The quality and colors are on point.  The biggest thing for me when watching videos is multiple angles to avoid the monotony of POV.  POV, and this is especially true with the stability of modern action cameras, takes a lot of the emotion out of the experience.  You can see what the person is seeing but a lot of the physical experience is removed.  One of my favorite things when riding the SxS is being able to switch to a rear facing view because it better shows the angle of drifting a turn.  It shows the tires kicking up the dirt.  It shows potential riders behind you.  The one view I really want is to get is the suspension doing it’s thing but I haven’t figured out how to keep the camera safe and also clean.  I don’t need an hour of dirty lense nor do I want to stop every time I hit a puddle and splash mud all over it.  I’m not sure what setups are possible on a bike.  I think it would really help up the intensity if you could see the shocks compressing on landing.  Or maybe see you pedaling.  Again, I don’t know how feasible it is to run a second camera anywhere but it would really make it more interesting for sure.  For what it’s worth though, and knowing you struggled with and ruined a few videos, the camera angle was good.  Only at the very beginning of the video and the very end did it seem off a little bit you can’t win them all with stuff like this.  The run was perfect, it was only when you were talking to the kid.  Obviously the camera was set up for getting the action so it’s understandable.  I compare everything to my kind of rising because that’s where my experience is but it’s similar to mounting my camera to the cage and then talking to someone next to me.  It just doesn’t work well but I don’t have a choice.  Sometimes I think it would be cool to do the chin mount on the helmet even if I wouldn’t use the footage for 98% of the video.  It’s a good, natural POV angle that I think best replicates the angle from your eyes.  Top of the helmet always gives a weird super tall vibe.

I’m also not a big fan of transitions from clip to clip.  I struggle with this myself.  I don’t think they’re needed when the scene changes drastically enough to immediately notice a difference but I do find a quick, almost unnoticeable, transition to help not confuse the watcher.  I just battled this in my Angels Landing video I recently posted in my honeymoon thread.  It’s POV footage and sometimes the trail doesn’t look different enough from clip to clip so I used a quick blur but in all honesty, I wasn’t thrilled about it.

One thing that I really like is the commentary as you go.  Keeps the watcher involved.  I liked the trail name across the bottom with the semi transparent name larger behind that although I did feel the larger version was somewhat blocked by the smaller version to a point that I couldn’t read the first half of it.  Not a deal breaker as obviously I could read the smaller version.  I just found myself looking at the bigger one in the back and almost missed the first half of the word.  This is really a very minor complaint but something I did notice when watching and since you asked. 

Really though I enjoyed it.  Not bad at all. 


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[Too Stroked]

I was a little slow but I watched both videos.  The quality and colors are on point.  The biggest thing for me when watching videos is multiple angles to avoid the monotony of POV.  POV, and this is especially true with the stability of modern action cameras, takes a lot of the emotion out of the experience.  You can see what the person is seeing but a lot of the physical experience is removed.  One of my favorite things when riding the SxS is being able to switch to a rear facing view because it better shows the angle of drifting a turn.  It shows the tires kicking up the dirt.  It shows potential riders behind you.  The one view I really want is to get is the suspension doing it’s thing but I haven’t figured out how to keep the camera safe and also clean.  I don’t need an hour of dirty lense nor do I want to stop every time I hit a puddle and splash mud all over it.  I’m not sure what setups are possible on a bike.  I think it would really help up the intensity if you could see the shocks compressing on landing.  Or maybe see you pedaling.  Again, I don’t know how feasible it is to run a second camera anywhere but it would really make it more interesting for sure. 

I’m also not a big fan of transitions from clip to clip.  I struggle with this myself.  I don’t think they’re needed when the scene changes drastically enough to immediately notice a difference but I do find a quick, almost unnoticeable, transition to help not confuse the watcher.  I just battled this in my Angels Landing video I recently posted in my honeymoon thread.  It’s POV footage and sometimes the trail doesn’t look different enough from clip to clip so I used a quick blur but in all honesty, I wasn’t thrilled about it.

One thing that I really like is the commentary as you go.  Keeps the watcher involved.  I liked the trail name across the bottom with the semi transparent name larger behind that although I did feel the larger version was somewhat blocked by the smaller version to a point that I couldn’t read the first half of it.  Not a deal breaker as obviously I could read the smaller version.  I just found myself looking at the bigger one in the back and almost missed the first half of the word.  This is really a very minor complaint but something I did notice when watching and since you asked. 

Really though I enjoyed it.  Not bad at all. 


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That is cool! If I were only a few years younger. 

[Blown F-150]

I have them tagged for viewing after the kiddos go to sleep. I may not write the novel response that Mike did.


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[Kitzy]

I have them tagged for viewing after the kiddos go to sleep. I may not write the novel response that Mike did.


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Haha.  Oops.  I got carried away.  I didn’t even realize at first. 


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[Rollingrock]

Hey thanks guys

And mike appreciate the time it took to for that.  I did run two cameras in the past, one facing front and one facing back and did them side by side but again that was too much to take in.  But you are right, I think I do need differerent perspectives.  My son uses the chin mount on this bike and I use mine from time to time but they are a pain the ass, that weight as little as it seems on these downhill helmets is a pain in the ass...it does affect the ride so I limit my use of mine.   That said, i am going to look in to getting different mounts so you can see the front shocks at least, that would be cool I think but only for short clips.    I am using Final Cut Pro and finally get to a point where I am understanding a lot of it, but haven't figured out how to use some of the features.  Just doing basic color balancing is difficult.   Yes, the angle was bad for the interview with Isaiah but it was kind of on purpose to, not to focus on his physical limitations.   ie no hands and only 1 bone in each of his forearms.     I am trying to focus more on the quality of the clips and not going to long....i am starting to story board another vid and it is going to be around 5 min long.  hard to keep everyone focused that long.    As for the commentary, appreciate that too, you're not the first person to tell me I need more camera time so people can see "my personality".    That is why I do these quick vids when I am driving but I have been asked to do more videos using interview style with me on camera talking about stuff but I haven't figured out to incorp that just yet where it would be natural.    All good points Mike and thanks again.   Remember, everyone in your family says your videos are great, that is why I asked for opinions b/c I know I am going to get it here.  My family doesn't study youtube like I do, they just see me in the air or son on his bike and that makes them happy.  so again, i appreciate the feedback.   

[Kitzy]

Hey thanks guys

And mike appreciate the time it took to for that.  I did run two cameras in the past, one facing front and one facing back and did them side by side but again that was too much to take in.  But you are right, I think I do need differerent perspectives.  My son uses the chin mount on this bike and I use mine from time to time but they are a pain the ass, that weight as little as it seems on these downhill helmets is a pain in the ass...it does affect the ride so I limit my use of mine.   That said, i am going to look in to getting different mounts so you can see the front shocks at least, that would be cool I think but only for short clips.    I am using Final Cut Pro and finally get to a point where I am understanding a lot of it, but haven't figured out how to use some of the features.  Just doing basic color balancing is difficult.   Yes, the angle was bad for the interview with Isaiah but it was kind of on purpose to, not to focus on his physical limitations.   ie no hands and only 1 bone in each of his forearms.     I am trying to focus more on the quality of the clips and not going to long....i am starting to story board another vid and it is going to be around 5 min long.  hard to keep everyone focused that long.    As for the commentary, appreciate that too, you're not the first person to tell me I need more camera time so people can see "my personality".    That is why I do these quick vids when I am driving but I have been asked to do more videos using interview style with me on camera talking about stuff but I haven't figured out to incorp that just yet where it would be natural.    All good points Mike and thanks again.   Remember, everyone in your family says your videos are great, that is why I asked for opinions b/c I know I am going to get it here.  My family doesn't study youtube like I do, they just see me in the air or son on his bike and that makes them happy.  so again, i appreciate the feedback.

Honestly it was a good video.  I didn’t even finish your reading your post.  I had to go rewatch the video first because I had no idea of his physical limitations.  I’m blown away and has to show Cassie.  That is really awesome!  Good for him! 

But yeah, the second camera would only be used for shorter clips.  The main forward facing camera will still get the most screen time. 


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[Blown F-150]

Genuinely good vids. You are beyond my skillset on coloring and the editing seemed on point.

Pros
- Volume level of the music vs. camera audio was SPOT ON. Most people over do the music (like me, lol)
- Good fades between scenes
- Coloring looked really good
- Nice length of episodes.
- Commentary while riding was great. Builds excitement by showing your enthusiastic about the experience

Suggestions
- More "in front" of camera time. Even if it's just a 30 second "hook" clip providing some context around the episode. You could even start by doing a intro on your vids (I know I've mentioned it before) highlighting some 2-3 second fails, big drops, jumps or people clips. 
- Set up a couple cameras and session a chunk of trial. Put a camera on a tree with a chest strap or small tri-pod and showcase some different angles while riding the same features.
- Look at a under visor mount, instead of the chin mount. I couldn't do the chin mount, bugged me too much even though it's a nice POV

All in all, it's pretty clear that you're progressing with this, good work!
- One viewpoint that I was thinking about trying is a handle bar mount pointing back at me. Not sure how it would work.

[Kitzy]

Genuinely good vids. You are beyond my skillset on coloring and the editing seemed on point.

Pros
- Volume level of the music vs. camera audio was SPOT ON. Most people over do the music (like me, lol)
- Good fades between scenes
- Coloring looked really good
- Nice length of episodes.
- Commentary while riding was great. Builds excitement by showing your enthusiastic about the experience

Suggestions
- More "in front" of camera time. Even if it's just a 30 second "hook" clip providing some context around the episode. You could even start by doing a intro on your vids (I know I've mentioned it before) highlighting some 2-3 second fails, big drops, jumps or people clips. 
- Set up a couple cameras and session a chunk of trial. Put a camera on a tree with a chest strap or small tri-pod and showcase some different angles while riding the same features.
- Look at a under visor mount, instead of the chin mount. I couldn't do the chin mount, bugged me too much even though it's a nice POV

All in all, it's pretty clear that you're progressing with this, good work!
- One viewpoint that I was thinking about trying is a handle bar mount pointing back at me. Not sure how it would work.

So I didn’t want to go back and edit my post to make it longer (especially after being called out on my post length, haha) but the idea of placing cameras a head of time to catch the action is always something I’ve wanted to do but never have the patience or feel like I have the time.  I would do a lot more if I was solo but that’s never the case.  If you have that ability I would definitely do it.  I see it a lot in photography vlogs for the hiking part of the vlog.

Funny you mentioned people over doing the music volume.  I actually reduced the volume of my voice in a few clips.  I forget why.  I guess I didn’t like what I was saying and being a clip it was out of context with the rest of the video.


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[Rollingrock]

Genuinely good vids. You are beyond my skillset on coloring and the editing seemed on point.

Pros
- Volume level of the music vs. camera audio was SPOT ON. Most people over do the music (like me, lol)
- Good fades between scenes
- Coloring looked really good
- Nice length of episodes.
- Commentary while riding was great. Builds excitement by showing your enthusiastic about the experience

Suggestions
- More "in front" of camera time. Even if it's just a 30 second "hook" clip providing some context around the episode. You could even start by doing a intro on your vids (I know I've mentioned it before) highlighting some 2-3 second fails, big drops, jumps or people clips. 
- Set up a couple cameras and session a chunk of trial. Put a camera on a tree with a chest strap or small tri-pod and showcase some different angles while riding the same features.
- Look at a under visor mount, instead of the chin mount. I couldn't do the chin mount, bugged me too much even though it's a nice POV

All in all, it's pretty clear that you're progressing with this, good work!
- One viewpoint that I was thinking about trying is a handle bar mount pointing back at me. Not sure how it would work.

Oh man, thanks for this, really good feedback also and you just gave me a really great idea on that bar mount looking back.   Totally going to do that!    I saw Mikes add to your post....the music scores in my last two vids and well most of them , I tend to lower the volume of the music to -20db.  I did that b.c there are a majority of people who want to hear the trail....i totally get it too, when it get quiet, that means air time, people want to see that and hear it, especially when they are scouting a run and your vid comes up.  Have seen far too many vids where the music drowned out the feel of the trail. 

[Kitzy]

I didn’t even notice the music.  I just went back and gave it a listen.  Personally I think it might be a touch too quiet.  These are definitely the types of videos where you need to hear the action.  It’s one of those things that helps connect you to the action.


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[Rollingrock]

I didn’t even notice the music.  I just went back and gave it a listen.  Personally I think it might be a touch too quiet.  These are definitely the types of videos where you need to hear the action.  It’s one of those things that helps connect you to the action.


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HA, perfect, I don't want you to notice the music....its very subtle....i do that on purpose b.c as you mentioned, people want to hear the trail.  I get it, I listen like that b.c there is a rhythm when I ride and when people ride.  They can tell when you pedal, when you are in the air etc. I learned this early on in videos for mtb that a majority of the users didn't want to hear rock and roll they wanted to hear the tires.   

Yes Isaiah is extrodinary In fact, I have another vid processing now on YT and another quick clip of him.  He is amazing and what an inspiration.   

Ok this next vid, I had issues, I was not able to go crazy on titles, transitions etc...i did however color balance the shit out of it b.c it was so overcast and filming in FLAT on a gopro is stupid flat on overcast.  Shit, is spent 45 min doing that alone.   

[Blown F-150]

Nice job on that last one! I am impressed with the color, I have an idea what it would have came out in its raw form.

You gotta come up sometime for some Mecca riding! If you want to do whistler or Silverstar or whatever, I’ll be there.


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[Rollingrock]

Nice job on that last one! I am impressed with the color, I have an idea what it would have came out in its raw form.

You gotta come up sometime for some Mecca riding! If you want to do whistler or Silverstar or whatever, I’ll be there.


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you really need to consider coming to AR....it is now touted as the Mt Bike Capitol of the world.  Its a total play ground.  Don't get wrong, I want to come to BC at somepoint, but man you may want to consider a vacation down to AR.