Filming Capsizing – Raising Awareness on the Water

Capsizing is one of the big worries for new sailors. The thought of the boat tipping over, sails in the water, and everything suddenly upside down is enough to keep some people on shore. But the truth is: capsizing is a normal part of sailing, and with practice it’s safe and manageable.

That’s why we’ve started filming capsizes—not for drama, but for awareness.

By capturing the whole process on video, from the moment the boat tips to the recovery back upright, we can show:

• What actually happens when a dinghy capsizes.

• How the crew respond—staying calm, following training, and working as a team.

• Why safety support matters—a nearby safety boat, buoyancy aids, and clear procedures.

Why Share It on Social Media?

Because most people never see what a capsize really looks like. A short clip on X, Instagram, or YouTube can:

• Reassure beginners that capsizing is not the end of the world.

• Demonstrate safe practice in action.

• Remind experienced sailors of the importance of preparation and drills.

Behind the Camera

Filming capsizes isn’t easy—there’s water spray, moving boats, and plenty of action. We use the Whaly electric safety boat with cameras positioned at multiple angles, including GoPros mounted on the dinghy itself, to catch every perspective.

The Takeaway

By filming and sharing capsizes, we’re not sensationalising mishaps—we’re raising awareness. Sailing is safe when you respect the water, practise recovery, and keep safety boats and equipment ready. If a video helps one new sailor feel more confident, it’s worth getting a little wet.

Wedding Photography Workflow – From Morning Prep to Evening Dance

 

Wedding Photography Workflow – From Morning Prep to Evening Dance

Wedding photography is a marathon, not a sprint. From the quiet morning prep to the late-night dancing, the photographer’s job is to tell the whole story—capturing the big moments and the small details that couples will treasure forever.

Here’s a look at the workflow we follow:

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1. Morning Preparation

• Arrive early, scout the location, and check lighting conditions.

• Capture details: dresses, suits, shoes, flowers, rings.

• Photograph candid moments—nervous laughter, family interactions, final touches.

2. Ceremony

• Work discreetly but attentively—documenting entrances, vows, rings, and that all-important kiss.

• Use multiple angles (where allowed) to balance intimacy and formality.

• Be ready for the unexpected: children, weather, or emotional surprises.

3. Group Photos & Portraits

• Organise family groups efficiently—smiles fade quickly if guests are waiting around.

• Take the couple for private portraits, making time for natural, relaxed shots.

• Use creative lighting or locations for a few standout images.

4. Reception

• Photograph speeches, laughter, and emotional reactions.

• Capture the décor, cake, table settings—details couples put so much thought into.

• Blend candid guest moments with posed groupings.

5. The Evening Dance

• First dance: capture from multiple angles and include guest reactions.

• Keep shooting as the dance floor fills—this is where personality and fun shine.

• Low light? Use fast lenses and subtle flash for atmosphere without killing the mood.

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Workflow Essentials

• Preparation: check kit the night before, pack backups for everything.

• Communication: confirm timings and special requests with the couple.

• Backup: duplicate files immediately after the event (memory cards fail, memories don’t).

• Editing: create a narrative gallery that flows naturally from prep to party.

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The Takeaway

Wedding photography is about more than beautiful pictures—it’s about storytelling. By following a clear workflow, you can stay calm, cover every important moment, and deliver a set of images that truly reflects the couple’s day.

DaVinci Resolve Fusion – First Steps Into Visual Effects

 

DaVinci Resolve Fusion – First Steps Into Visual Effects

When you start editing science or sailing videos, the basics—cutting clips, balancing sound, adjusting colour—are enough to make something watchable. But sometimes you want more: arrows that highlight detail, text that floats naturally in 3D space, or a subtle glow that makes an experiment come alive.

That’s where Fusion in DaVinci Resolve comes in.

What Is Fusion?

Fusion is Resolve’s built-in visual effects (VFX) workspace. Instead of a timeline, you build effects with a node-based system—little boxes that represent different operations (blur, merge, colour, tracking). By connecting them, you can design complex effects with precision and flexibility.

First Steps for Beginners

1. Start Simple – add a text node and connect it to your footage.

2. Use Merge Nodes – everything in Fusion needs to be merged with your base video.

3. Experiment with Transform – move, scale, or rotate text or graphics.

4. Try Tracking – attach text or arrows to a moving object (great for experiments where you want to highlight a bubbling test tube or a sailing manoeuvre).

5. Preview Often – Fusion can be demanding on your computer, so render previews as you go.

Why Use Fusion for Education Videos?

• Clarity – highlight key equipment, data, or steps with overlays.

• Engagement – add subtle effects that make lessons feel dynamic.

• Flexibility – create graphics that match your branding instead of relying on stock titles.

The Takeaway

Fusion might look daunting at first, but even small steps—like tracked labels or glowing highlights—can lift your videos from simple edits to polished productions. As with science, it’s about experimenting, testing, and building confidence one layer at a time.

From MIDI to Magic – Layering Synth Tracks for Science Videos

 

From MIDI to Magic – Layering Synth Tracks for Science Videos

When you make as many science videos as we do at Philip M Russell Ltd, you quickly realise that music isn’t just background noise—it’s part of the teaching. A well-placed track can lift a slow experiment, give pace to a practical demo, or add drama to a reveal.

But where does that music come from? For us, it often starts with a simple MIDI sequence on the synthesiser. MIDI data by itself is dry—just notes and timing. The magic begins when you layer tracks, voices, and textures to create something that feels alive.

Building the Layers

• Foundation: Start with a bass line or steady pad. This sets the mood (calm, tense, playful).

• Rhythm: Add a beat, either percussive synths or sampled drums. This keeps the science moving at the right pace.

• Melody: A lead voice that guides the ear—often simple enough not to distract from the visuals.

• Textures: Arpeggios, swells, or atmospheric effects to fill the soundscape without overwhelming the message.

Why It Works for Education

Layering lets you match sound to subject. A video on particle collisions might use sharp, staccato synth hits; a sailing video benefits from flowing pads and gentle arpeggios. Students may not consciously notice, but the right score helps them focus and remember.

Tools of the Trade

We use both hardware synthesisers and software instruments, recording MIDI into a DAW where each layer can be adjusted, EQ’d, and balanced. Because MIDI is flexible, you can always tweak later—slowing a track for a longer demo or transposing to better fit narration.

The Takeaway

Science videos deserve more than generic stock tracks. With layered synth music, you can craft a soundtrack that teaches as much as the voiceover. It’s not just audio—it’s part of the storytelling.

 

Recycling Old Lab Kit – and Adapting Equipment 

Running a teaching lab means constantly balancing budgets, safety, and the need for good experiments. Brand-new equipment is tempting — but often, old kit still has life left in it if you’re willing to adapt and recycle.

🧪 Giving Old Equipment a Second Life

• Glassware – Slightly chipped beakers that are no longer safe for heating find new use as storage jars or waste containers.

• Power supplies – An old PSU can still drive a circuit if it’s tested and labelled clearly, saving a perfectly usable piece of kit from landfill.

• Clamps and stands – A bent retort stand may look past its best, but with a quick file, new nut, or a 3D-printed replacement part, it’s back in action.

🔧 Adapting for Modern Use

Some older equipment can even be upgraded for today’s experiments:

• Adding digital sensors to classic experiments (e.g. connecting PASCO sensors to old calorimeters or air tracks) breathes new life into demonstrations.

• Replacing heavy analogue meters with compact digital displays makes setups lighter and more reliable.

• Old optics kits can be retrofitted with LEDs in place of filament bulbs, cutting power use and heat.

🌍 Why It Matters

Recycling kit isn’t just about saving money — it’s about sustainability and creativity. By adapting what we already have, we reduce waste and show students that science isn’t only about shiny new technology, but also about problem-solving with the tools available.

Which is Best: A Digital Voltmeter or an Old AVO Analogue Meter? ⚡

In almost every science department, there’s a debate: should we be using sleek digital multimeters or those heavy, old-school AVO analogue meters? Both have their place — and both can be valuable in the classroom.

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✅ Digital Meters – Accuracy and Ease

• High precision – Digital meters can measure to multiple decimal places, giving accurate voltage and current values.

• Clear displays – Easy for students to read, even from a distance.

• Safety features – Many modern meters include overload protection.

• Cheap and accessible – Basic digital meters are inexpensive, and students can even buy their own.

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✅ Analogue Meters – Understanding and Insight

• See the change – The moving needle makes trends and fluctuations visible, perfect for showing current rising or falling in real time.

• Teaches scale reading – Students must learn to interpolate between divisions, a skill useful in practical exams.

• Rugged design – Classic AVO meters were built like tanks and often still work decades later.

• Great for demonstrations – The sweeping needle captures attention in a way a static number doesn’t.

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⚖️ Which Should You Choose?

• For precision measurements in coursework or when accuracy is vital → choose the digital meter.

• For teaching concepts like Ohm’s law, monitoring fluctuations, or helping students “see” electricity in action → the analogue AVO is unbeatable.

The best labs? They keep both. Analogue meters show the story, digital meters give the numbers. Together, they give students a fuller understanding of what’s really happening in the circuit.

🎓 The Teaching Advantage

Students love seeing “vintage” kit side by side with modern sensors. It sparks conversations about how science has advanced, and it models resourcefulness: making do, adapting, and reusing. Skills that are every bit as important as the science itself.