Essential Solo Gear: The Power of Primes

• Prime Lenses are Key: Use prime lenses for their superior image character and wide apertures (like f/1.8 or T1.9). These wide settings are crucial for creating a shallow depth of field, which helps isolate the subject and provides beautiful bokeh—the signature of a cinematic look. A 35mm prime is an excellent, versatile starting point.
• ND Filter Necessity: For shooting with a wide aperture during the day, a variable ND filter is non-negotiable. It allows you to maintain the 180° shutter rule (e.g., 1/50th of a second for 24p) without overexposing your image.
• Tripod and Manual Focus: Since you'll often be using manual focus lenses, a tripod is essential. Use a mini tripod or any small object as a "stand-in" to precisely set your focus and framing before you step into the shot.

Compositional Techniques for Depth and Scale

• Low Wide-Angle Shots: Use a wide lens (around 18mm) and place the camera low, tilting up. This exaggerates perspective, making large backgrounds (buildings, signs) appear massive. This composition maximizes the sense of depth, placing the subject in the foreground against an expansive environment.
• Intentional Defocus (Foreground Blur): Achieve a unique artistic effect by using a telephoto lens (e.g., 85mm) with a wide aperture to deliberately put your subject out of focus in the foreground. This makes the sharp background the true focus of the scene, turning the subject into a dynamic framing element and simplifying the challenge of maintaining perfect focus.
• Subjective B-roll with Telephoto: Use a longer lens (85mm or more) to compress the scene and isolate small, compelling details. Look for visual contrasts (warm vs. cool colors, hard vs. soft textures) to capture subjective moments that add emotional weight. Manually rack focus between foreground and background elements to introduce subtle motion and emphasize the shallow depth of field.