Stopholt

Stills and motion on the same day

When it makes sense to add a camera operator to a stills shoot — and when it is cheaper to book two days.

More briefs now ask for a few seconds of motion alongside the stills. On a simple set we add a camera operator to the same day; on a complicated one, we book two.

A videographer with a gimbal camera facing a model in cream on a grey set.
ONSETF 02ADemo photo: Guto Macedo
A gimbal operator working between stills setups.

Same day works when

  • The set and lighting do not change between stills and motion.
  • Motion is short-form — social cut-downs, product loops.
  • The talent's time is the scarce thing, not the crew's.

Book two days when

  • Motion needs its own lighting, sound or dolly moves.
  • There is more than one location.
  • The stills shot list already fills ten hours.
A photographer lying on the studio floor shooting up at a model in a cream suit.
ONSETF 01ADemo photo: Guto Macedo
Stills first, from the floor.