Photo & Video Techniques

[James D 2004]

1. sex
2. sex
3. sex
Enjoy the sex. This is especially true if the price in some countries is more than a camcorder. Personally, I prefer to use a tripod so I can concentrate on the action and forget about the camera. Its also hard for the girl to have a natural response if she is very much aware of the camera all the time. Holding a camcorder with a big video light shining on her face while she is performing doesn't help. I would rather capture some momento as the secondary aim, than create some momento as the primary aim. Use two or more camcorder to capture all the actions if desired, they don't worth a lot. For $300 US, you can have one with video quality comparable to the top ones at normal circumstances, see
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ratings.php

Lighting: The best is doing it in day time, open the window and let in the natural night. Any simple camcorder under natural light will look better than a top end one under any artificial light. Next best is do it in the bathroom, often as bright as daylight in most hotels.

Remove the lamp shades. It makes a lot of difference, a lot of lux. Replace the light bulbs with the maximum lux available. Normal lamps in hotels seldom take higher than 75W conventional bulbs. But energy efficient replacements can produce 120W equivalent lux with only 30W, without risking an electrical fire. Replacing all the bulbs is a lot cheaper and a lot better than a camcorder light. A bit bulky but they are cheap enough to be disposable. You have to check with the local standard though.

Lighting 101: Maximum the light reflecting from the object into the camera. Avoid light source going direct into the camera. It's alright if you don't see the lamp or it's glow in the viewfinder. Finally, there are public domain software with decent GUI to improve on the imperfect artifical lightings.

Sometimes, using a crappy camera in a dim room could be fun.
http://www.angelfire.com/film/jamesd82/

[Red Rock II]

Asian Rain,

Thank you so much for taking time to provide such good video shooting guide! I will be heading to China in about 2 weeks and currently on the market of video camera. Obviousely, your post is a big help.

[Asian Rain]

A quick introduction. I have been mongering for many years in Asia. A few years ago I bought a video camera and started to regularly video tape my sessions. Having now taped 150+ sessions, the one thing I have learned is that IT IS NOT EASY TO CAPTURE QUALITY VIDEO OF YOURSELF HAVING SEX! Through lots of trial-and-error, experimentation and plain good fortune, I have gradually achieved better results from shooting my sessions. I thought I would share my experience for the benefit of other mongers who are interested to capture thier sessions on personal video.

DISCLAIMER: Before I start, just to avoid misunderstanding, undue criticism and waste-of-time flames, this Guide is NOT for:

(1) Professional pornographic video production. Amateurs only!
(2) Debating the social implications, merits/demerits or fairness-to-the-girl of pornography. I'm no priest or social worker!
(3) Videophiles with big budgets to procure high-end video equipment. Mid-range gear will do nicely.
(4) Mongers who have a partner to help shoot the video. I assume that you shoot on your own.
(5) Video editing and production tips. I only talk about the aspects of capturing video.
(6) Anything to do with concealed/hidden video. I assume your shoot is consentual with your provider.
(6) Anything to do with still cameras or computer-connected cameras. I assume you are using something like a DV-type video camera.

For those of you who are interested in the above points, I suggest you stop reading if this is not your cup of tea. For those of you who are interested in amateur video-making of a sexual encounter, kindly read on!

============================================
Asian Rain's Guide to Video Mongering (Updated May 2005)
============================================

I have divided the tips into the following sections:

(1) Getting the right equipment.
(2) Prepping for the shoot and briefing your service provider.
(3) Getting the most out of a shoot.
(4) Advantages/disadvantages of being a video monger.

SECTION ONE: GETTING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
====================================

There are two basic pieces of gear to do the job right: your video camera and a video light. I use 3 year old Sony DCR-PC9E DV tape video camera with 1 megapixel resolution - not the very top end of the Sony range even when I bought it, but a quality product. If you haven't got a camera yet, my suggestions for getting the right equipment are:

First, the CAMERA:

(1) Select a camera reasonably light in weight and small in size. Ideally, the camera should fit comfortably into your filming hand only. You will want to keep the other hand free for other activity such as feeling tits, fingering a pussy, etc., so a bulky camera will either become a nuisance or be too heavy. For the older bulky cameras, you can consider to use a tripod and place the camera on a nightstand, but you will lose a lot of shooting freedom when you film from a single angle. By having the camera in your hand, you will gain a "first person" action sense in your video, rather than the static "third person" sense from a tripod-mounted camera.

(2) Likewise, pick a camera with a strap grip. When you are humping away or using lots of lube, a firm grip is important to maintaining stability during "rough" shooting conditions. The biggest challenge of first-person shooting is to keep the camera fairly steady and the target in the shooting window.

(3) The key camera controls - film on/off and zoom - should be usable with just the fingers of your shooting hand. I am able to on/off with my right thumb and operate the zoom with my right index finger.

(4) The camera should have as large an LCD viewer as possible. Unlike a normal sex session, you will unfortunately have to view the session through the camera viewer to ensure that you are getting the correct shot. This is the biggest demerit to doing a first-person shoot. A large viewer will not only help to get the best shots, but also allow you to enjoy the session better.

(5) Make sure that the LCD has a "flip mode." You should be able to turn the LCD screen 180 degrees and view the shooting from the front side of the camera - also known as "mirror image." For instance, shooting during missionary or doggy style, it is appropriate to shoot from behind the camera. However, if you are shooting yourself getting a blowjob, you will have to hold the camera away from your body and therefore need to be able to flip the LCD screen to ensure that you are getting the correct shots. (As an added bonus, the girl can also see what is being filmed. I have had lots of girls get facinated by this and they look directly into the camera - makes them feel like a porn star!) A flip screen will also enable you to easily frame for static shots - you can lie the girl on the bed, place the camera on a nightstand, use the flipped viewfinder to easily frame the shot and then set the camera to film. Most cameras today have this feature as standard.

[REFERENCE: VideoGuide01-VideoCameraVideoLight.jpg]

(6) Check the battery life of the camera - the longer the better. The Sony brand is very strong in this point as it offers batteries of differing sizes/longevity and premium batteries with SQ - super quick - charge capability and remaining power LED indicators. The camera itself should also have an indicator on remaining minutes. Just think, it is bloody inconvenient to get the low battery indicator just as you are getting ready to capture a priceless CIM shot! Talk about pressure!

(7) A real nice-to-have is the ability to take decent still photos. Most of the newer cameras come equipped with above one mega-pixel resolution and even a built-in flash. Very convenient for getting some still shots without having to switch to another camera.

(8) Newer technology cameras will record onto either DVD media or microdrive media - both in MPEG format. I still think it is too early to invest in these cameras (buggy software, video quality issues, camera design, lack of accessories, etc.). However, if you can find the right equipment, recording direct to MPEG can save a lot of time when you transfer and render your material on your PC. This is a budget and technology availability choice which you will have to make.

(9) Another thing I like about my Sony is its touch screen LCD operation. Camera control is a breeze.

(10) Low light/nightshot capability is a plus if you intend to shoot in the dark, but I find that the flourescent green coloration of a nightshot video really defeats the purpose of making the tape in the first place. The end product feels like you just shot your session in the movie "Alien." I talk about lighting next.

Second, the VIDEO LIGHT:

Most mongers who video tape thier sessions fail to understand the importance of good lighting. At first I didn't understand why video cameras which shoot so well under "normal" lighting produce such poor results during sex. I have discovered that the critical difference is lighting conditions - people most often have sex in dimly lit conditions. While this makes for a better atmosphere, your camera's CCDs (light sensors) will not have enough light, which will cause the light sensors to sense darker colors, thereby producing muddy colors and grainy footage. Furthermore, when you encode your video from DV video to MPEG, the video product will be more pixellated. For serious video mongers, a video light is MUST-HAVE gear.

(1) Some of the latest cameras have a "hot shoe" which enables you to run a typically compact-sized 3-watt light using power off the main camera battery. Although this provides the most compact equipment solution, the quality from a 3-watt light will not be sufficent for a quality indoor shoot. The salesman may point this feature out as convenient and compact, but I think it is useless. You might as well strap a small flashlight to your camera. The same principles apply to low-cost cameras with an internal light - you will get a flashlight effect for closeup shots.

(2) An externally-mounted video light is the KEY to getting a good shoot - a good video light will produce a strong (10+ watt) diffused light, which I have found more than adequate in close shooting conditions. I use a Sony dual light 20-watt (10 watt+10 watt) video light. [REFERENCE: VideoGuide01-VideoCameraVideoLight.jpg] This mounts at the top of the camera and is powered by a separate battery. Between the camera battery and the light battery, I usually have enough power to do 40-45 minutes of shooting without stopping to recharge. Also, with the dual light, I can work in quite low light conditions or illuminate shots from a longer distance. (More about this in the next section.)

(3) Although a quality video light and battery add-on set will cost a bit, it will improve average indoor video to quite high-quality levels. Otherwise, even with the highest-end 3-CCD cameras, your video will be grainy and be subject to "dark spots" or "shadow spots," like when you shoot in between the girl's legs from a missionary position or from certain down-to-up angles.

[REFERENCE: VideoGuide02-NightandDayComparison.jpg]

(4) For video light users, the light will get very hot, so take care to allow the video light to cool before storing it. I spoiled a very good light when the circutry burned-out.

SECTION TWO: Prepping for the Shoot and Briefing Your Service Provider
======================================================

You can make the shoot much easier by doing some simple preparation. I usually prepare the room while the girl is taking a shower.

(1) Turn on all the lights you can. The more lights you have from different angles - bedside, desk, ceiling, floor, etc. - the more you will reduce shadows. Even if the girl is shy, I absolutely insist upon having all the light I can to get the best shots. Ironically, the best lighting is usually at the worst hotels, which don't use lampshades on lights. If you like to perform in the dark and use a video light as a single source of light, be prepared for very strong shadows - like the light and dark-side of the moon.

(2) Lay out all your accessories on the night stand. Video camera. Lubricant. Condom (pre-opened). Sex toys. Anything you might need/use during a session. If you can use your free hand and don't have to fumble for accessories, you can avoid many interruptions to your video shoot.

(3) Lay out a towel on the bed. Not only keeps it clean, but provides a white contrast.

(4) Have a few pillows available. The girl will be able to grab onto something during doggy style, which makes her more comfortable to stick her ass out. She will also be able to prop-up her head for CIM/COF.

I also ensure that my service provider is fully informed and briefed:

(1) Before I take a service provider home, I CLEARLY tell her that I will be taping the session. As a serious video monger, agreeing your conditions beforehand will save you lots of hassle. Even if my provider does not speak English, it is easy to get the message across using sign language. If she is not into that, I move on and find a new provider. It does not make good sense to bring a girl back only to find that she freaks out when she sees the video camera. Both you and the girl will end up disappointed. Nor does it make sense to take hidden video - still position video from a distant and hidden position will not create a memorable product. The best quality comes when your provider is fully informed about your intentions and cooperative.

(2) The other key advantage to agreeing video beforehand is that you will avoid last minute or after-the-fact price creep. In cases where I did not specify video in the initial pick-up, I have had girls try to jack up the price when they saw the video camera or grumble for a bigger payout after the session just "because you take video." Negotiate for one price beforehand, including video.

(3) Don't expect that a girl, even if she is somewhat experienced, knows how to perform like a porn star. I found significant performance increase when I sometimes gave the girl a demonstration of my expectations. I downloaded several video clips from the Internet (via Kazaa, Morpheus, etc.) which featured girls giving blow jobs, fucking in various positions, taking facial/CIM, taking anal, etc. I will point at the "training video" and then point between the girl and I. If she nods her head, then I know she understands what I want to do. From my experience, a quick lesson on how to act like a porn star can really work!

(4) Some providers may be worried about exposing thier identity. There is no sense in forcing a provider to show her face when she does not want to - a compromise can help the situation. I have found the following approaches can help: (a) just don't film the face, this is an obvious solution but requires some trust and shooting discipine; (b) use a small towel to cover the face - gets the job done but is sometimes difficult to manage and takes all the intimacy out of the session; and (c) use a sleeping mask - I have seen this used very effectively in Japanese videos.

[REFERENCE: VideoGuide03-IdentityProtectionMethods.jpg]

SECTION THREE: Getting the Most Out of a Shoot
==============================================

You won't be a porn star over night, but even an amateur monger can improve the quality of their material.

(1) When I first started filming sessions, I tended to get "static" shots - lying down getting a blow job, basic missionary position, placing the camera on a table for missionary, etc. If your video camera has a flip screen, you will be able to easily get shots as you will be able to hold the camera away from your body while still framing the shot. This can enable great blow job shots and easy framing of static shots.

(2) Don't hesitate to try different positions. Different angles and different activities make for more interesting material. Position your girl just the way you want her. For example, when I do doggy style, the best video is when the girl sticks her ass out into the air. A gentle push to the lower back will get her into the right position.

[REFERENCE: VideoGuide04-ShotsShotsShots.jpg and VideoGuide05-ShotsShotsShots.jpg]

(3) Don't do too many short clips. Each clip should be >30 seconds and the camera should not move too much. This will result in a better-flowing movie production.

(4) When you become more experienced with positions and shooting angles, you may want to have a "shooting plan" in mind when you shoot the session. For example, if I shoot a girl with full lips, I will plan for more blow job shots and hopefully a cum-on-face/cum-in-mouth shot. If I shoot a girl with a sexy ass, I will plan for a doggy position shot and hopefully an anal shot. You get the idea - as different girls have different features - you should get shots that utilize her features best.

(5) HAVE FUN! Enjoy the session and encourage the girl to have fun. Give her a tickle and make her relax. It is very pleasant when the girl smiles into the camera and is having fun. There is nothing worse than watching a video where the girl looks bored or unhappy.

SECTION FOUR: Advantages/Disadvantages of Being a Video Monger (IMHO)
=========================================================

Advantages:

(1) No better way to capture the memory of a good sex session!

(2) Great for lonely nights when you don't have access to a service provider. Bring tissues.

(3) Be your own porn star!

Disadvantages:

(1) It is often a hassle to go through all the preparation and work to do video.

(2) Loss of intimacy. The camera is always between you and the girl.

(3) Loss of range of motion. It IS tricky to screw and film with stability at the same time!

(4) Some providers will refuse to do video, which may restrict your selection.

I hope this helps all you wannabe video mongers to have a better experience and to create a better product from your sessions. If you have the equipment, I highly recommend giving it a try if you can find a cooperative partner/provider. If you have positive/constructive comments, feel free to PM me as I welcome feedback. Happy f**king and filming!

[Tea Boy]

I notice that some close-up photos posted on this site are poorly focussed. Even fairly basic digital cameras can be set to Macro mode, which should be used for pictures of subjects usually about 10 cm. (3.9") and 80 cm. (31.5") from the camera (Please read the instructions for your particular camera). The following example of a woman after DATY has been taken in Macro mode.

[Maharadjah]

Hi,
I am looking for a webcam , to capture some hot scenes.
I want one with zoom and it must be discrete....
Can anyone advice me about that?
(what about LOGITECH Webcam QuickCam Pro 4000?)
MR

[Two by Four]

I am just getting into the photography aspect of mongering.

Does anyone have any experience setting up a website with the pics they take? How about selling the pics you take to a website that specializes in amateur porn?

2x4

[Coma Boy]

Thank you very much.

[Ricky Raccoon]

Do any geeks here know how to split a PDF file into two halves?

For example, turning a 100 page PDF (Acrobat) file into two smaller 50 page files.

Coma,

the way I break up a large pdf file is using Cute PDF writer. You can turn anything into a pdf document. You need the "Free Download" and the "Free Converter" located on the left side of the page.

After you install it, all you have to do is this:

go to "File", "Print", then choose "CutePDF Writer" as your printer. Under "Page Range", choose what pages you want to print. Then after a few seconds, a "Save As" box opens up. Name your new file, save it in a location of your choice and you are all done. I will enclose the link to it. If it does not work, use google and type in "CutePDF Writer".

Ricky

http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp

[Coma Boy]

Do any geeks here know how to split a PDF file into two halves?

For example, turning a 100 page PDF (Acrobat) file into two smaller 50 page files.

[Admin]

Download this proggie (free) by copying and pasting the link into the browser address bar:

http://www.arcatapet.net/downloads/imgv32.zip

Install it, start IMGV32.EXE
Click File -> Batch
Open the folder where the pics are
Click in the area of the File Window where the pics' names are
Hold down the shift-key and press the down arrow to mark (shown by the blue highlighting) the group you want to resize
Click Select -> Resize
Enter the value to downsize by (say 0.7)
Tick the Proportional Resize field
Click OK
Now go to the folder you installed IMGV32 in (probably c:\imgv32) and there they are. If pics are still too big try again with another value (say 0.5)

I have more pictures but they are to big to post. Anybody know how to reduse size of JPEG or how to ZIP them? Peter

[Whoopster]

I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with these little video cameras. You know, the ones that keep popping up when you're trying to surf the web.

I was thinking about installing one in the headliner of my car, disguised as a dome light or overhead console (depending on the size.

I could run the wires to a laptop computer or video deck and record any activities that might occur in the car.

If anyone has tried this or anything similar, please let me know.

I was able to use a handheld video camera once while getting a bj. The trick was to keep some music on when you shut off the car. Also, if your LCD screen flips out and all the way around, set it up that way so you can see what you're pointing at. I could have done a much better job if I had done that before.

I don't think Jackson allow video, but I'll see if I can save a pic from it to post.

[Lover Boy]

<img src=http://i4.ebayimg.com/02/i/01/bb/13/6b_1_b.JPG>

[Admin]

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