You did a great job on you first video.  The list of things you have to get right when recordiing is a little long and it takes a bit of adjustment.  Thanks for thaking the plunge.

In my first video I was able to flip the small screen built into the camera so that I could see it from where I was operating the puppet.  If you can't do that i would definitely try to set up a TV for a monitor.

We're all interested in seeing what you come up with next.

Actually Jon, that is exactly what I did, flipped the flip screen around so that I could see it. I have a little 13" TV around that I might use next time. I don't think the list is really that long or will be a hard adjustment. Its simply taking the time to pay attention to the little details to improve the quality of the videos going forward. My adventure this far in puppet making has been really focused on learning new techniques, so learning tips about filming a puppet is just part of the fun. The learning and experimenting with puppetry has been the most exciting part.

I would suggest using the 13" close to you......the small camera screen is hard to see the puppet clearly and you then start to squint and this takes up the energy of focusing on keeping your puppet alive.  Using a TV plays with your mind because all the movement is opposite to what you do......this takes practice and some brain re-wiring to get use to.
The problem with camera work (as you said) it's all about the details.....the camera never lies.


Daryl H