Vintage Motos Across Morocco | Stoke-Ness

One tip that will change your filmaking from amateur to pro.

This month

The newest DJI Drone, not settling, and a book so good I am reading it slowly to make it last longer.

Be stoked,
Isaac

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Watch

In November, I went to Morocco with my friend Llewelyn Pavey to ride the original Paris to Dakar race route on a 1979 XT 500 Motorcycle. It was a dream project and the video Llewellyn made is such a fun, well-crafted story. Even if you're not into dirt bikes, you will like this one. I premiered it to my entire extended family on New Year’s and even in mixed company it was a hit.

I wrote an article for VAHNA Magazine about the trip, look for it in the spring.

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Photo Set

This was the first wedding I have ever shot. My friends Chantz and Timi asked if I would join them hiking into the Napali Coast of Kauai with a group of friends. I am grateful they asked me. amateur

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Gear and Tools

DJI Air 3s

Don’t bring your drone to Morocco. I wish I’d known that or cared to look up the rules but I didn’t even think about it. My drone was confiscated when the airport security scanned my bags on the way out of the country. It was about three years old, so I figured it had served its time and I was nearly due for a new drone anyway.

To replace it I've just purchased the DJI Air 3s and wasn't expecting much. Drones are pretty good and I didn't think they could get much better.

I've only flown it a couple of times and my first impressions are that the camera is much better. The addition of a zoom lens is great, if only for scouting. I'll see what the quality of that lens looks like once I dig in further. So far, all the features are familiar but slightly better. The better reception and battery life are convenient.

I debated getting the higher end Mavic 3 Pro. I ended up going this way because I enjoy having a lightweight drone to just throw in my pack and hike or ride without too much weight. So far it looks like I made the right choice.

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Photo/Video Technique

I’ve worked with many filmers/DOP’s at this point in my career (I include myself in this rank). My favorite are the ones who follow these simple rules:

Hold the camera still for most shots. Move the camera less when you do choose to move it. Commit to the framing you choose and hold the shot for at least 10 seconds.

When the video clips I work with follow these rules, they are so much more beautiful, usable, and engaging. But when filmers try fancy moves or can't decide what they want to shoot it is frustrating. Great shots can be ruined by indecision and shaky camera movements.

It sounds easy, but almost nobody does it this way. Level up your filmmaking and give it a try.

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Listen

Sam Fender

I stumbled upon Sam Fender again last week, and was reminded that I like his music a lot. It's like an updated Bruce Springsteen vibe.

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Reads

Hot Springs by Greta Rhybus

I've been a fan of Greta's for years. I think I've even recommended her as a follow on this newsletter. She recently released her book, Hot Springs, and being a lover of hot water and her work I had to read it. I was pretty excited when I received it as a Christmas gift. I've slowly been going through it reveling in every beautiful photo and enjoying the way that Greta writes.

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Parting thought.

Are you accepting less than you deserve? There is a time to take a second place, when you are learning. But it’s never to early to ask for your full share. Don’t settle.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

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