Friday, April 12, 2019

iPad workflow for live shooting


For my live sport coverage I no longer shoot using a Macbook Pro I have switched to using an iPad Pro 10 inch version (which also gives me the option of working in the rain as mine is fitted into a waterproof case) in conjunction with 2 apps. The first one is Shuttersnitch for importing, adding iptc data, renaming, captioning, editing, and ftp'ing to various outlets. The second one is called Phrase Express which is a code replacement and smart complete app, which I pre load with players details and common phrases pertinent to the event. Shuttersnitch has the code replacement facility which I also use sometime again this depends on the event.

Shuttersnitch Collections view
Phrase Express view with smart complete or auto complete


I shoot using Canon cameras, with my main camera being a 1dx mk2 fitted with the WFT-8B which is connected to shuttersnitch on the iPad via a wireless network, I have found it easier to use a MIFI to act as a router between the camera and the iPad, which then still allows me access to the internet and not having to change IP addresses and passwords every location.

Back of the camera view


The workflow:

1: Shoot images and hope I get a sharp one!!
2: Lock image in camera, use the SET button on the camera to send the image to the iPad, the actions I have already created for the ingest, automatically rename, and add a caption template (the same way as  Photomechanic does in the ingest when using a laptop)
3: complete the caption using either short code replacement or autocomplete, depending on event and how I had set up PhraseExpress
4: Edit image
5: FTP to client / news outlet
When it works correctly it's as simple as that.





Action tasks that have been set up by me to to automate the workflow

Amending the template for the event

Slider showing the action that will be automatically applied to each ingested image.



Ingested image awaiting caption from the IPTC editor, which is opened by tapping the i button
Phrase Express showing options for auto complete after typing the first two letters

Image in the collection with updated caption ready for editing, which is done by tapping the  3 slide button.
Image is cropped, and minor lighting adjustments made by using the sliders.
Image is then FTP'd by tapping one of the destination tabs. Once tapped a  small circle appears near the top right to show progress and once the image has sent it clears and you can then work on the next image.