Let's Build Something

So, I have had the itch to build something lately. This all started with the purchase of a new camera, as I have already mentioned. I recently learned about the company Glidecam and I think they have pretty really cool products. My curiosity got the best of me when I watched this video

I wondered how did they get those amazingly smooth shots? There are no tracks on the ground and the camera moves almost 360 degrees around the dancer without shaking. Well, after a little research I learned that this little device is the key

The beginning of my obsession. Just watch some more of Devin's videos and see how he has perfected the Glidecam Art (yes, it is an art).  I started watching lots of videos on the glidecam to learn more about how it worked and what situations where best to use it in (pretty much any situation). I have become enthralled with Devin Graham's videos (producer of the video above). I know that Devin is in and out of Utah and I would LOVE to join him on a shoot sometime (maybe he will read this...). This led me to wanting to learn more about dslr video. I watched way to many videos on Vimeo about dlsr video tips and tricks, which led me to a whole bunch of DIY videos. These videos all had to do with accessories and equipment to help you get better (smoother) video shots.

Being near the end of a master's program and in a mad rush to get everything done before graduation is not the right time to pick up a new hobby or take on new projects, but I have. I hope someday to find enough time to get the amount of footage necessary to produce a good 2 minute video.  So, to distract myself until that day, I decided to try and copy one of Glidecam's simpler designs and build this

Sure, I don't know if I will ever use it, but it will be fun to build and hopefully it does get some use. I have already drawn up all the plans and completed the base part that allows the whole thing to swivel. The next step is getting the tubing and having some welding done. I have to get this done before I graduate; while I still have access to the machine shop at school. I figure I can build this for much much cheaper than what Glidecam wants and have fairly similar performance. Stay tuned for the completion.