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Test shooting is the practice of running out with your gear, taking it through all the motions, and cutting a piece together with whatever you’ve got. I’ve shot countless tests over the years and heavily rely on it as a means to figure out exactly what I want to do on a given project. However, I’ve been in several discussions with videographers recently and it seems not everyone really buys into the process. So let me quickly give you a couple reasons why test shoots are super helpful.

KNOW YOUR GEAR

5D Spring from Nick Jones on Vimeo.

I shot this video in my backyard the afternoon I received my shiny new Canon 5D MKii. I wasn’t trying to tell a story. I wasn’t looking for a sequence. I just wanted to figure out a few things. Let me tell you what I learned… The gamma was way off, the shutter speed was all wrong, the axis of rotation created pretty wobbly video, and the lens I was shooting on was a bit limiting.

Can you imagine figuring all that out in the field with a client? Or even worse, in post?

By taking your gear out and shooting in a variety of situations you can save yourself some major headaches down the line. Plus, you’ll have a greater appreciation of the benefits and limitations of your camera.

KNOW YOUR ABILITIES

Office Montage from Nick Jones on Vimeo.

This video is an office montage. I make these every once in awhile to stay sharp. The general idea behind this practice is that the things around you everyday become very commonplace. As a videographer it is your job to make the ordinary look extraordinary, to draw people in to otherwise mundane imagery. In my opinion, there’s no better way to develop your eye for this, than to shoot your own office. Or house. Or block. Whatever it is around you that you are completely desensitized to, shoot that thing. It is amazing how much you will begin to develop through this simple practice.

When you begin to flex your creative muscle a little bit, it is amazing how much that ability will begin to grow. But if you sit back and never test out your abilities, you’ll likely never break out of whatever rut you currently find yourself in.

THE DANGER

5 sec project - Pirate Island from Nick Jones on Vimeo.

So this is a test from a program called VUE. I love VUE. I can spend an entire weekend just building random things in VUE. (just ask my wife) The problem is, if you ever go on Vimeo and do a search for VUE all you find are these little tests. The internet is filled with little 5 - 10 sec videos that are all called like “VEG TEST 03 25p NO GI”. Now, there’s no problem in testing obviously, the problem comes in the fact that many people will test and test and test, but never actually integrate into a project. This VUE project is a great example. Like I said, I love the program. But I always hesitate to bring VUE into my actual workflow, because it means I’ll have to actually deliver on something…

And there lies the problem. Many people will create tests behind closed doors but will never step out on faith and take a project where those skills will be needed. I know a million people that are fairly proficient at Cinema 4D and do awesome MoGraph experiments. But, I only know three others outside myself that day after day make a living in it. It’s easier to play around in a laboratory with no consequences, but you will never really develop as a creative unless you step out on faith, bite off a bit more than you can chew, and figure out how to get it done.

So get out there. Create, play, and experiment, but don’t forget to follow through. What would a football team be if it practiced everyday, created awesome plays, but never played in a game? Use your time wisely, develop your craft, but always remember to release those abilities and create some truly inspiring work.