The web home of anglo-ivoirian multimedia journalist John James

Posts tagged “Africa

Working with the Canon 650D

Two weeks ago I took delivery of a few new gadgets, principally a new camera, the Canon 650D/T4i. I’ve been a big fan of these entry level digital SLR cameras for a while and have sold plenty of work on the initial 300D and then more recently the 450D. In many ways, I didn’t need a new stills camera as the 450D is quite adequate, but it’s the amazing new capacity to film high quality video that has really attracted me back to the shops.

These cameras offer the possibility of producing high quality HD video with interchangeable lens for a relatively small cost ($849 in the case of the 650D body). Of course, they have their drawbacks, and the difference between high quality reports and amateurish work remains in the skill of the operator. Still, I think these will really open up a new world, particularly as internet speeds improve in Africa.

I’ve set up a Youtube page and Vimeo site as well as a Facebook page under the brand Babito Creative, which is just a little structure for my video work. In two weeks I’ve enjoyed filming a dance festival (2 videos), a photo shoot and a photographic expo. I figure that the best way to get my foot in the door is to show what I can do or at the very least, improve by trying. Over the weekend I shot a music video, something I was only told I would be doing when I got into the car to head to the beach. I’m going to try and keep producing material (even if so far it’s all be gratis) with the aim of an average of 1 video every 2 weeks for the rest of the year. I’m editing on Adobe Premiere Elements (for simple affordability, though I find it’s a big step back after using the Pro version and above all Avid Express DV). I’m also not doing any colouring for the time being, though that may change.

Feedback has been good so far and I find video provokes much more of a response than photos and particularly radio. Personally it’s been a fantastic challenge – which each video I’ve learned a lot of things and I find it ten times more difficult than photography, if only because I’m focusing manually. The camera is a great tool for features and of course when some like me goes on a trip and has to bring back photos, video and sound, it combines two elements in one body, so there’s one less thing to carry.

If you’re interested in seeing my work, the best thing is to follow Babito Creative on Facebook, Tumblr, Youtube or Vimeo.

 


Pan-African musical festival, 2007

The Pan-African music festival, FESPAM, is a huge biennial music festival that takes place in Brazzaville. All the concerts are free, with many of Africa’s biggest artists having performed there at one time or other. The stadium is transformed, while the French Cultural Centre is also the other major part. The atmosphere was great, even if I got my phone stolen when going into the stadium. There was also an intellectual side-line with debates in the parliament building.


Congo legislative elections 2007

The legislative elections in 2007 provided a bit of welcome attention on a quiet Sunday in June. The organisation was a shambles and few people were interested in voting, and those that wanted to often couldn’t. I don’t believe participation rates have ever been released.


Kinshasa 2007

 

In May-June 2007 I crossed over the river to work in the adjoining capital, Kinshasa, for a month while the correspondent took his vacation. It was quite a change from sleepy old Brazzaville. There’s a big change of pace – the streets are full of people, the currency is a mix of worthless dirty francs and dollars and there’s a sizeable ex-pat community. Looking back over the river, Brazzaville (seen in one of the night-time photos) looked very small.


Congo river trip, 2007

There isn’t a fantastic amount to do in Congo-Brazzaville, but you can make a short excursion outside the capital where there are a few river side options that are great for picnicking, swimming and camping. This particular spot was just a bit north of Brazzaville. There’s a nice bend in the river where you can be swept along by some gentle rapids and then get out downstream and walk back in no-time. I realise that if you’re not talking about the Serengeti or the jungle, it’s not always easy to know what African landscapes look like. Here there are rolling grass hills – largely without much sign of life – Congo has a very small population (4 million), concentrated in the two main cities, and yet the rest of the territory is vast.


USS Kauffmann visits Pointe-Noire, Congo, 2007

 

The visit of the USS Kauffmann to Congo’s main port, Pointe-Noire, on the Atlantic ocean made for an interesting ride out to sea and visit.