Down a Deep Dark Hole?

I have started Vloging... maybe? How do you spell that a not-real word? I decided I want to try building up an internet presence this year so when my documentary comes out there will be people who have already heard about it and who want to see it... so it doesn't have a bust launch.
Here is my first attempt at a Vlog:

Ok, well if you don't want to watch that I talk about and show off my new Audio-Technica AT897. It's a little big for mounting on top of a DSLR, but I'm going to do it anyway because I don't feel like looking for another small mic that doesn't run on phantom power and is in my price range.

Good News: I got refunded for my returned Audio-Technica AT875R which does require Phantom power 40v I think... My audio adapter doesn't supply any phantom power.

Another ponderance I've been .. pondering: how to capture enough on camera that is useable in a longer story arc when you're doing short shoots? I have only ever made short internet videos, I don't know how to detect and capture pieces of larger story that will make sense when paired with another piece that hasn't happened yet, but not in a messy, jagged, mosaic way, in an organic, lifelike way.

Things to think about.

Alright, tell me if you would want more videos or not.

-Kevin

Am I ready?

When can somebody honestly refer to themselves as a documentary filmmaker? Is it while they're working on their first doc, after it comes out?  If they make a doc that is successful, or does that not matter? I always feel weird when I tell someone I'm a documentary filmmaker... because I am so lost.

I'm still learning how to use a camera effectively. It is so hard to separate what you know vs. what was recorded. I have had five shoots now with three different characters and I'm not sure if I got any self-explanatory footage. Maybe I should take a class on image composition again so even if I can't catch some natural dialogue explaining a situation in a non-hokey way I can tell the story through straight-up visuals.

OOH! a documentary with no talking... that would be a monumental feat and I think one I will try and accomplish at some point. please nobody steal that idea. Oh wait. Damn. It's already been done :(

My condenser mic is coming in the mail hopefully tomorrow so I won't have to rely on the internal mic anymore which will be great.

Today I am going to look over all of the footage I have so far and maybe categorize it, and maybe put together a new short visual for this blog.

Alright, well you all have a great day!

-Kevin

Filmmaking: A Cardiovascular Exercise

Documented Joshua B from Bingspot last night for four hours. He was running around town taking pictures and hosting events and when I say running around town I mean actual running.
Because I only had access to my wireless Lav. I decided to just unplug my Beachtek audio-adapter when I wanted crowd/natural sounds. By unplugging the adapter, the camera's internal mic would kick in. -food for thought for filmmakers who can only afford a lav.

-Kevin

Mic-ro-phone

I am returning my new microphone. The AudioTechnica AT875R runs on phantom power and my beachtek audio adapter doesn't transmit phantom power so no I have to figure out what to do for a mic tomorrow t the First Friday shoot. I guess I'll mic up Joshua B with my wireless lav and when he's not talking I'll unplug the beachtek and use the built-in mic.

soon enough I'll have all the right gear and I'll know how to use it correctly and I'll have everyone signed on. then I can just focus on the creativity part for a while.

-Kevin