This week we’re looking at something a little different in our blog. Rather than tree carving, we’re talking about our partnership with Olfi.
Some of you may remember seeing a video of Simon carving a Weimaraner in our Pet Portraits blog. In case you didn’t catch it, here’s the video!
https://www.facebook.com/simonorourketreecarving/videos/2232117843715966/
Videos like these have become essential in sharing Simon’s work and processes. Sometimes, we show several day’s worth of work in less than five fascinating minutes!
The feedback on our Facebook page, tells us that you love these videos, and we think being able to share Simon’s work in this way is really important. It wouldn’t be possible without having access to great technology though. Our partnership with Olfi has given us that technology.
We’re so thankful for being able to be one of their ambassadors, which allows us to bring videos like these to you! This one is from Simon’s appearence on Home is Where the Art is earlier this year.
https://www.facebook.com/simonorourketreecarving/videos/639005223194392/
Introducing Olfi
So, who are Olfi?!
Olfi are a small action camera company based in North Wales. As well as producing great products, being small means they can also pay close attention to customer service and satisfaction. And they do!
They actually started life as HEDCAMz – a website specialising in action cameras and drones. From talking to their customers they soon got to hear which features and benefits ‘the people’ wanted from an action camera. Whether it was price, usability or build quality, they listened to their customers. Armed with that knowledge, they started licensing in camera moulds, upgrading the quality of the build materials, and developing their own firmwares. This led them to where they are today – a small but dedicated action camera company , producing fantastic quality cameras at affordable prices.
Simon has become one of their many #olfiambassadors, and we absolutely love their products.
The Olfi Cam
So how do we make these videos?
Simon is currently using their Olfi One.Five model camera. As he describes it in the next video, “it’s a nice bit of kit”!
However, videos like these aren’t made using good cameras alone. Simon often works outdoors during all kinds of weather. It can take several days to complete a sculpture too, so he needs something which will remain powered, and is fully waterproof. Cue the External Power Case!
The External Power and Record Case
Using the external power case allows the camera to be plugged in, positioned, and left to run. It can then withstand rain and snow, which makes it perfect for capturing the action and timelapse shots that make a great tree carving video. If in doubt, re-watch the video above, or the one below for all the changing skies! Olfi also sell essentials like chest harnesses, anti-moisture inserts, mounts, stabilisers and so much more. Basically, everything you could ever need to make an action camera work for you! Some of these also feature in the video below where you can see we manage to get shots from all kinds of perspectives. So fun!
Editing and More
Once we have the raw footage from the camera, there’s obviously an editing process. Basic free software available online can do the job. There are also lots of companies to outsource to as well. We’re currently using another local company for our videos, Filmage.co.uk. They edited the video below of the making of the RAF Valley Dragon Throne (also made with the olfi one.five), and we thoroughly recommend them!
If the process of time lapse video seems daunting, we found the guys at Olfi to have some helpful advice too – another nice thing about partnering with a smaller, more customer-oriented company. If you’re thinking of creating a time lapse video, you can check out some of their tips and tricks for people starting out at https://www.olficamera.com/time-lapse-for-beginner/
https://www.facebook.com/simonorourketreecarving/videos/402749520514713/
Get Your Olfi!
Have we sparked your interest in getting one of these action cameras for yourself? One of the nice things about our partnership with Olfi, is that we can share our affiliate code* with you. Visit their website via https://www.olfi.co.uk/?affiliates=59, to get yours! You can also use the code orourke10 for 10% discount across the whole site. And look out for more great videos made with the Olfi Cameran coming soon!
If any of these videos sparked your interest in having your own bespoked Simon O’Rourke carving, don’t forget you can email us on simon@treecarving.co.uk to discuss commissioning a work.
*although Simon is not paid by Olfi to promote or share products, he will receive a percentage of sales purchased through his affiliate code