Can Less Gear be Better than More? How to Embrace Limitations

Do you dread the thought of having gear limitations on a project? Do you feel that having less equipment will keep you from getting the look you're after? In this video, we'll look at how to re-frame the conversation to embracing limitations, or even creating them for yourself, to ultimately be more efficient and more creative.
Some of my films that have embraced the limitations:
"Cartel Land" • Cartel Land
"The Trade" • The Trade 2018 Offic...
"Hate Rising" • Hate Rising, a documen...
"Omara" • Omara by Hugo Perez l ...
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💥📞 NEED MORE ADVICE THAN A KZbin VIDEO CAN OFFER? SCHEDULE A ONE-ON-ONE CALL TO GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED 📞💥
calendly.com/matt-porwoll/one...
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📖 CHAPTERS 📖
0:00 Intro
0:51 Why are We Afraid of Limitations?
1:25 Re-framing the Meaning of "Limitations"
1:50 What it Looks Like in Practice
2:24 Lens Choices
4:06 Lighting
4:42 Find the Beauty in the Constraints
5:37 Conclusion
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🎥🎧💥 MY EQUIPMENT PACKAGE FOR THE FILMS I SHOOT 💥🎧🎥
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A CAM bhpho.to/3LWIafd
B CAM bhpho.to/3Fi9lgU
PRIMARY ZOOMS bhpho.to/46J9oO8
PRIMARY PRIMES bhpho.to/48Tpypn
LIGHTWEIGHT ZOOM bhpho.to/46RzZJd
TRIPOD bhpho.to/48v7HFx
Want to see how I configure my handheld rig? • Handheld Camera Build
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CAMERA MIC bhpho.to/3QgAgzO
WIRELESS TX/RX bhpho.to/3FgTMG5
LAVALIER bhpho.to/3Fdddjb
Want to see my audio configuration when doing my own sound? • Camera Audio Configura...
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KEY LIGHT bhpho.to/3SMcQnK
FILL LIGHT bhpho.to/3ZWC3gB
ACCENT LIGHTS bhpho.to/40Ebm0F
PRACTICAL LIGHTS bhpho.to/46hJlgs
MINIATURE LIGHTS bhpho.to/41f3Iu2
Want to see my full lighting package and how I use it? • Doc Interview Lighting...
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DISCLAIMERS
This video is not sponsored by any brand, and most of the gear discussed in the video is equipment I personally bought and own. On occasion, however, videos may feature equipment that has been provided by outside brands, which I will always point out. My review of these products are always without bias and are only shown because I would personally recommend their use.
Many of the external links to products in my videos are affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you if purchases are made using these links and those purchases help me continue to provide free content on this channel.

[@DANAMIONLINE]

Matt, this video resonated with me and my ethos. Something that resonated the most was the balance of setting up extra gear for folks who aren't on-camera for a living. The interviewee's comfort is my top priority as Director/Shooter. Their comfort and trust will foster great soundbites and authenticity. For this reason, I've filmed in someone's crappy-looking office because it made the person comfortable. We chatted about Cine Reflectors before. I want them to simplify setups so things are smaller and less intrusive than the larger softboxes.

[@matt-porwoll]

I'm so happy to hear you're keeping the subjects in mind when approaching the shot. Sure, you can push that a little to get something a little extra in the look, but there's a fine balance... And oftentimes, you can surprise yourself with how good you can make a crappy room look!

[@AnandaGarden]

This was interesting to me. I'm a baby videographer, learning so that I can take reasonably sweet video in a K8 school and for music performances. I'm almost 82, and after 56 years in still photography I am finding there's much that I can bring across. Ninety-nine percent of a great photo is being in the right place. Thus my video gear must pass a simple test - that it will not get in the way. I've chosen to shoot video with iPhone 15 Pro instead of Canon R6 in ProRes Log using the native camera app while recording audio with a Shure MV88+. Simple. Now, my feet and eyes must do the rest.

[@matt-porwoll]

I love this!! “Now my feet and eyes must do the rest.” That pretty much sums up my point! Thanks for your comment.

[@jholowka]

Wow! I really your channel and what a small world... Manfred was your Soundman for that Doc? What a great guy! 🙌🏾 🎤 😉

[@matt-porwoll]

Yeah! Manfred is great! We had a great time filming “Omara.”

[@robinprobyn1971]

Totally agree , I now only use one light for interviews , no big arse Mattbox with 3 filter trays , and not lugging a CN7 around ! . Love the new FF cameras with Sigma Art zoom/ primes and a 4x3 lite matt . Less is more !

[@matt-porwoll]

Yes, limitations can mean both stripping away gear and size, or just being selective in the gear you choose to use. It’s all about finding the right balance between the creative need to tell the story and keeping yourself as engaged to the story as possible.

[@africanwildlifeonline]

Happy New Year, Matt, and thanks for a great video with plenty of food for thought.

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you!

[@J_HNP]

You are a true educator. Keep it up, Matt!

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you, I really appreciate that!

[@kelvinsakala]

Thank you

[@matt-porwoll]

You’re welcome!

[@marinrealestatephotography]

Thanks for the video, Matt. Yes, definitely interested in doing more with less in terms of gear. I hate lugging around C-Stands.

[@matt-porwoll]

You’re welcome! And I hear you on c-stands… even if you need to set up lights, always look for lighter weight alternatives that will get you what you need, while still being manageable. It’s all about balance in gear and creative need for the story.

[@th8132]

Looking forward to the Trade video.

[@matt-porwoll]

Sweet!

[@akcine]

Great content.

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you!

[@johntupper1369]

Was thinking about investing in a sub 1kg video setup earlier this week. Curious about how to apply your insights! Thanks for the video

[@johntupper1369]

I was really considering just bringing one bright, wide prime to get coverage; foregoing medium and tight shots that would get a little awkward. I probably don't want to get anywhere near 8" min focus distance. Curious what lightweight zoom would deliver more value per gram...

[@marinrealestatephotography]

What type of video will you be doing? What camera will you be using it on? I know that some sony aps-c cameras can give a lot of bang for their weight. Otherwise, maybe some m43 cameras?

[@matt-porwoll]

Choosing to go with one prime can be a risky thing, especially if you’re limited to a wide lens. If you go that route, I’d consider a 35mm (in S35) to be able to get both wides and medium/tights just by moving in. But this practice requires a great understanding of editing and coverage to pull off. But certainly possible! If you’re looking for a zoom option, check out my Behind the Lens series I did for AbelCine a few years back. I breakdown all the lightweight zoom options on the market (at least as of 2017 when I shot it), so that might give you some ideas. www.abelcine.com/articles/blog-and-knowledge/tutorials-and-guides/presenting-behind-the-lens-a-look-at-documentary-zooms

[@ultimecraft]

I’ve use a lot of different camera but every time I was losing a lot of time rigging and making pause because the camera was to heavy, then waste 10min swapping the lens and more and more… lot of suitcases so you need to have a car and can’t get to certain area because you can’t walk with all of it. So now I use a old S1H with a manual zoom (dzo catta) with a monitor and that’s it so I can go anywhere at anytime to make projects for myself and gain time on set, no heavy V-lock, no cables all around the camera, weather sealed and good ibis I can do anything

[@matt-porwoll]

Love this! Thanks for sharing.

[@killianbayer]

Always enjoy your videos

[@matt-porwoll]

I appreciate that

[@dylannolan7454]

Being broke lets you do this too! I’m proud of what I do with very little kit at my job.

[@dylannolan7454]

Sony a7iv + tamron 28-200 lets me do a lot with a kit that fits in a shoulder bag. I’d love the a7rv for the better overheating (and photo) performance, but I work within the limitations and am still continually improving my game every day as a photo/video journalist. Ultimately my improvements come from my approach to stories and technique more than any camera or lens.

[@matt-porwoll]

You nailed it. The gear won't make you a better storyteller. But if you know how to tell a story with what you have, then good things can come from those limitations!

[@user-wj5hx9xb6b]

Whats wrong with the sound? why the voice is off centered?

[@FreddiMuliantono]

I thought I'm the only one hearing it oddly

[@matt-porwoll]

I’ll be sure to check it out. Thanks!