Beyond the Orbit: Crafting Truly Unique Gimbal Shots

We’ve all seen the dolly in, the follow shot, the orbit. They’re staples for a reason, but what happens when you need to push beyond the familiar and create something truly distinctive? Joris Hermans, in a recent video, reveals the meticulous planning and technical execution behind a unique gimbal shot used in a commercial. It’s a masterclass in how to elevate your gimbal game, and a reminder that true lens craft demands more than just a steady hand.

The core message? Unique gimbal shots aren't born from a lucky wrist. They’re the product of deliberate planning and precise execution. Hermans emphasizes that you can’t just wing it; you need a vision and the technical skill to realize it.

The Power of Planning (and Manual Focus)

Hermans’ approach starts with a detailed plan – a breakdown of every transition and angle before a single frame is shot. This is a philosophy deeply resonant with the Rogue Photographers ethos: intention and mastery over randomness. A crucial element of his technique is the embrace of manual focus. Why? Because the dynamic movement inherent in unique gimbal shots often renders autofocus unreliable. The unpredictable nature of autofocus means losing focus intermittently, a recipe for frustration and unusable footage.

The process itself involves a clever trick: marking focus points. By identifying where the subject is sharp and physically marking that spot (with tape on a table or using a consistent reference point like a computer monitor), he ensures repeatability. This allows for precise adjustments between takes, eliminating wasted effort and maximizing efficiency – a critical consideration for any professional.

Gimbal Settings & Joystick Control

Beyond focus, Hermans dives into gimbal settings, specifically addressing joystick sensitivity. The joystick, intended for nuanced control, can be overly responsive, leading to unwanted panning or rolling. His solution? Adjusting the joystick speed control settings, effectively disabling the pan and roll functions while preserving the tilt capability. This level of granular control is essential for achieving the desired movement without introducing unwanted artifacts. It's a subtle but significant detail that separates the competent from the truly skilled.

Beyond the Technique: A Mindset

While the technical details are valuable, the broader takeaway is the mindset Hermans embodies. It's a commitment to precision, a willingness to experiment, and a refusal to settle for mediocrity. It’s about understanding the tools and the physics involved, and then using that knowledge to create something beautiful and compelling. This kind of dedication is what defines lens craft.

The video also highlights the importance of understanding your equipment. Hermans casually mentions adjusting “speed control settings” – a detail that demonstrates a comfort and familiarity with his gimbal’s functionality that’s born from experience. This is the kind of granular knowledge that separates someone who simply operates equipment from someone who truly masters it.

For those seeking to elevate their gimbal work, this video isn’t just a tutorial; it’s an invitation to embrace a more deliberate and intentional approach to lens craft. It’s a reminder that innovation often arises from meticulous planning and a deep understanding of the tools at our disposal.