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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod?

marco
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Mar 22, 2008, 10:27 AM

Post #1 of 22 (792 views)
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How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod?	Can't Post

I have the Manfrotto heads 501 and 503 and I don't think they will do dutch.
Which tripod heads will dutch angle?

Jenny & Marco
http://www.canavideography.com

corelann
Enthusiast

Mar 22, 2008, 10:35 AM

Post #2 of 22 (788 views)
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Re: [marco] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Generally, video tripods do not have the flexibility to allow for them. You'd have to, I suspect, invest in some kind of high end photographer's tripod head which usually allows for variations between vertical and horizontal.

However, seriously consider the fact that Dutch angles are pretty much out-of-date. Although I LOVE them personally, I and the industry have overused this shooting technique to the point that it is considered a video cliche.

Just my half-cent's worth of opinion. Cool

Earl Chessher
CorElAnn Productions
www.corelann.com

Steve_Bailey
Enthusiast

Mar 22, 2008, 10:54 AM

Post #3 of 22 (775 views)
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Re: [corelann] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Out of date, perhaps, but my clients still love them so they still get them. It's all about what the clients want and not what makes other videographers go oooh and ahhh at your work.

Seriously though, you can get dutch ANGLES (as opposed to dutch ROLLs) with a tripod by just tipping the tripod onto two legs. Rolls are harder but can still be done. Start tipped on two legs and then slowly lower the third leg into place and you get a little of the dutch roll movement.

If those are still part of your repertoire though, you might do good with a monopod that has a ball socket joint on the foot. I got one of those a couple years ago and really imrpoved my dutch work.

Steve Bailey
Memories Forever Video Productions
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE

"I'm NOT bitter."

Adam Mancini
User

Mar 22, 2008, 11:19 AM

Post #4 of 22 (765 views)
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Re: [marco] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Get a ball head tripod, that will allow you to shoot dutch. The head remains stationary, you mave the ball on the trpod to get a dutch shot...

Bob A
Veteran

Mar 22, 2008, 11:37 AM

Post #5 of 22 (758 views)
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Re: [marco] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

A tripod with only one leg!

Brackish
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Mar 22, 2008, 2:04 PM

Post #6 of 22 (718 views)
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Re: [corelann] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

seriously consider the fact that Dutch angles are pretty much out-of-date.

"Batman" TV series used a lot of dutch angles:

----------------------------------------------
"We'll always show up at the wedding with a gift bag for the bride. Inside we have these incredible fuzzy slippers in the teal of our branding."

(This post was edited by Brackish on Mar 22, 2008, 5:23 PM)

stevemoses
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Mar 22, 2008, 2:13 PM

Post #7 of 22 (715 views)
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Re: [marco] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Easy, go off tripod Smile

Trying to imagine when you would need to do a Dutch angle while on a tripod? Unimpressed

Steve Moses
Vantage Point Productions, Inc.
www.SteveandLaura.com
The Tools to Make You an Original

(This post was edited by stevemoses on Mar 22, 2008, 2:15 PM)

Joel
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Mar 22, 2008, 4:38 PM

Post #8 of 22 (676 views)
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Re: [corelann] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Earl,

In Reply To

However, seriously consider the fact that Dutch angles are pretty much out-of-date. Although I LOVE them personally, I and the industry have overused this shooting technique to the point that it is considered a video cliche.]

If they are used in a way that isn't content-driven they can appear pointless. The only time I find myself using them is when I can't include the elements for the composition without slight dutch.

Joel

"Think of this business as a room with a huge table and a bunch of chairs around the table. There is a big pie on the table. Your mission is to take your place at the table, pick up your fork, and eat your pie. Do not look to the left and do not look to the right. Just eat your pie. There is plenty of pie for everyone."

starting | perfectionists

Kenneth
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Mar 22, 2008, 5:23 PM

Post #9 of 22 (665 views)
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Re: [corelann] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

You'd have to, I suspect, invest in some kind of high end photographer's tripod head which usually allows for variations between vertical and horizontal.

Earl, a Manfrotto Ball Head is $85. i have one on every single tripod because for some reason floors are never exactly level.
......................................................................
Philadelphia Wedding Video
The Kenneth Stillman Blog
Philadelphia Trash the Dress

Brackish
Veteran

Mar 22, 2008, 5:27 PM

Post #10 of 22 (661 views)
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Re: [stevemoses] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Easy, go off tripod Smile

Trying to imagine when you would need to do a Dutch angle while on a tripod? Unimpressed

He probably doesn't want the Uncle-Charlie camera shake.

----------------------------------------------
"We'll always show up at the wedding with a gift bag for the bride. Inside we have these incredible fuzzy slippers in the teal of our branding."

DGates
Veteran

Mar 22, 2008, 5:50 PM

Post #11 of 22 (657 views)
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Re: [stevemoses] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Anyone watching the HBO mini-series John Adams? They are using dutch angles a lot, and it's a bit distracting because it's so obvious.

Jenn M
Veteran

Mar 22, 2008, 7:22 PM

Post #12 of 22 (639 views)
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Re: [marco] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I do them with a tripod and 501 head all the time. Simply tip the tripod onto two of the three legs and hold it there for a while leaning against on of your legs so it stays steady.
It's not always a smooth transition but we eliminate any unwanted camera movement in post.
Brian M

(This post was edited by Jenn M on Mar 22, 2008, 7:23 PM)

DGates
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Mar 22, 2008, 9:07 PM

Post #13 of 22 (621 views)
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Re: [marco] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I agree.

(This post was edited by DGates on Mar 23, 2008, 4:38 AM)

stevemoses
Veteran

Mar 22, 2008, 9:44 PM

Post #14 of 22 (610 views)
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Re: [Brackish] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Easy, go off tripod Smile

Trying to imagine when you would need to do a Dutch angle while on a tripod? Unimpressed

He probably doesn't want the Uncle-Charlie camera shake.

Shake? 1/3 of what I shoot is hand held, the rest is mono pod, couldn't live without it. Smile

Steve Moses
Vantage Point Productions, Inc.
www.SteveandLaura.com
The Tools to Make You an Original

MarshallM
Veteran

Mar 22, 2008, 10:45 PM

Post #15 of 22 (595 views)
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Re: [DGates] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Quote

Anyone watching the HBO mini-series John Adams? They are using dutch angles a lot, and it's a bit distracting because it's so obvious.

It's not distracting at all to me. It was done on purpose to enhance the feeling of discontent among the colonists and the struggle to form a new country, and I think it works perfectly. The first two episodes were absolutely the best historical movies I have ever seen. This is not typical Hollywood, folks. Everything depicted in this series is based on actual letters written by John and Abigail Adams to each other. A remarkable film, and I can't wait until the next episode tomorrow night!

Marshall

DGates
Veteran

Mar 22, 2008, 10:54 PM

Post #16 of 22 (591 views)
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Re: [MarshallM] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I wouldn't mind seeing more of Tom Wilkinson's Benjamin Franklin in his own TV movie. Great actor.

MarshallM
Veteran

Mar 22, 2008, 11:02 PM

Post #17 of 22 (588 views)
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Re: [DGates] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Agreed. The entire production is amazing!

Marshall

DGates
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Mar 22, 2008, 11:21 PM

Post #18 of 22 (582 views)
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Re: [MarshallM] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Did you see the 'making of' feature? Lots of CGI, but in a subtle, less fakey-looking way.

MarshallM
Veteran

Mar 22, 2008, 11:56 PM

Post #19 of 22 (567 views)
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Re: [DGates] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yes, saw that too, and I agree. The use of CGI is almost necessary in a historical film, yet it was done expertly IMHO. If they hadn't told me about it, I wouldn't have noticed it anyway.

Marshall

GmElliott
Veteran

Mar 25, 2008, 9:41 AM

Post #20 of 22 (438 views)
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Re: [marco] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I don't see the need to sustain a dutch angle for such a length that a tripod is needed- but just extend one leg of the tripod longer than the rest. Insta-dutch!

Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com

Postal Boy
Veteran

Mar 25, 2008, 10:18 AM

Post #21 of 22 (430 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Or just put your foot under one leg of the tripod...or a book....or a client...Just make sure you keep a hold of it so it doesn't tip over.

RustyB
Veteran

Mar 25, 2008, 10:33 AM

Post #22 of 22 (428 views)
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Re: [marco] How do you get 'dutch angles' on a tripod? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I can't think of a time when handheld video can look any worse. To me, the horrible nuevo handheld/Uncle Charlie video shooting style + dutch angle simply don't mix. IMHO Wink

Pick up the most awesome tripod out there for the price...the Bogen/Manfrotto 3246: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...pod_Legs_Black_.html

The knob leg adjustments make dutch angles instantly, and the spreaders make it just as mobile/fast yet far more versatile than a monopod...minus the crappy video.

Good luck!

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