Leaping Into Motion with Ami Vitale

The medium I work in is changing and video is now playing a much bigger role in what we do. Cameras like the one I carry can shoot HD video and it can enhance our abilities as storytellers.


This is already playing a big role in my future but I don't think I would have had the courage to take the leap into shooting video without one small lie, to Nikon, when they called and asked if I knew anything about making videos. "Yes of course," I replied instantly, knowing nothing about moving images or how to even operate the camera. I assumed I'd have time to learn before the shoot but was surprised when they sent the camera only the night before my trip to India began. I frantically studied the manual on the 28-hour long journey and arrived terrified and wondering if I had just made the biggest mistake of my life. The following is the film I made there, an homage to India: Nikon D300S Indian Culture

If I had not had the opportunity, I am sure I never would have made the leap. But I'm so grateful I did. In a time when media is struggling and searching for a new path, I'm finding that I am busier than ever telling meaningful stories in new ways. It’s an exciting time to be a photographer and journalist and I share with my students not only all the mistakes I made but also how learning this skill can create more opportunity.

Learn more from Ami in her workshop
Multimedia Storytelling
with Ami Vitale
February 27 - March 5, 2011




Visit her web site www.amivitale.com to see what she's up to.