Thin Blue Line: Steadicam

Sunday 23 December 2012

Steadicam

I was first introduced to the art of Steadicam in 2009 at a local Chicago Workshop taught by veteran operator Janice Arthur. After operating on numerous short films, I enrolled into the Steadicam Operators Association workshop in Philadelphia. I was incredibly fortunate enough to have learned from Steadicam inventor Garrett Brown and renowned operator Jerry Holway. It was there that I knew operating was my calling. A few years and many short films/commercials later, I joined the Steadicam Operators Guild and became a member of the Steadicam Operators Association. In 2012, I returned to Janice Arthur’s workshop, at Fletcher Camera Chicago, this time as an instructor.In 2011, I graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelors degree in Cinematography. At Columbia College, I learned to have great respect and appreciation for a well-composed frame. A background in photography and training in Cinematography has created a strong foundation for my steadicam operating. I believe this has given me an instinct for composition that other operators do not have. With a cooperative attitude and an aptitude for implementing a director’s vision, I give an engaging shot that illustrates the story.I believe that filmmaking is the most collaborative art form in existence. As an operator, I enjoy the communication between the director and the operator. Exploring all the different situations a moving camera can do is a passion of mine. When I am behind the camera I try to become a slave to my image and do whatever I can to make it the best it can be for the visual story.