As part of an intimate, artistic, portrayal of artist and surfer Micaiah Hardison, the above video uses a few techniques (highlighted below) to bring the viewer into the world of the artist.

POV Camera

Originally, we shot a significant amount of beach surf footage but we quickly realized that the whole point of the video was to bring the viewer closer to what really inspires Micaiah. So we went completely with the HD POV (point-of-view) footage instead. This not only shows the viewer what Micaiah “experiences” when surfing, it is also much more dynamic – much like the ocean itself.

Fast and Slow Motion

During the painting and surfing segment we needed to accomplish two things: keep interest and showcase beauty.

Since the idea of watching “paint dry” is exciting to no one, we decided to speed up the intricate process of actually creating a work of art. This gives the viewer a rare look into the creative process in a short period of time.

Surfing a wave can literally last mere seconds, yet the impressions left on the surfer can linger for years. This was our goal in slowing down the surf footage. The slow-motion footage (shot at a little more than x2 speed) allows the viewers to grasp the motion and beauty of the ocean and gives them the feeling of what it is like to surf, thus strengthening their understanding of Micaiah’s art.

Color Grading

With this project the goal of the color grading was to give a feeling of being on a beach – the sandy-warmth mixed with the blue-green of the ocean. In the interview segments we wanted a dynamic feel to coincide with the subject (the ocean) and the artist. Below are two samples of before and after color grading.

The Results

One day after posting the video on Vimeo and Micaiah’s site, he received an email from the director of a popular surf magazine requesting an interview.

What do You Think?

We would love to get your feedback and impressions on the video, so please leave a comment below. - Handrawn Pictures